Swivel

Drilling Equipment & Components

In conventional rotary drilling (using a kelly), the swivel is the device that hangs from the traveling block and connects to the kelly. It allows the drillstring to rotate while being suspended and provides a high-pressure seal for drilling mud to be pumped into the rotating pipe.

While largely replaced by Top Drives in modern rigs, swivels are still used on smaller workover rigs. The internal washpipe and packing assembly are critical components that must withstand high pressures and rotation speeds without leaking.