After 17 years of continuous use on a water tower at the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, Rotaflow was contacted by Matt, who shared images of a well-worn S1855 8″ Carbon Steel swivel joint. He was keen to explore options for refurbishment or replacement.

Refurbishment Over Replacement

The 2007-manufactured swivel was sent to our factory for a full assessment. Despite its worn appearance, our investigation revealed that the swivel was in surprisingly good condition. There was only light corrosion on the wetted surfaces, with no corrosion behind the seal or in the bearing. Thanks to timely maintenance, major damage had been avoided, allowing us to offer two refurbishment options:

1. Standard Clean-Up & Rebuild – A straightforward restoration, which would extend the swivel’s lifespan without the need for a weld overlay repair to the sealing surfaces.
2. Full Overhaul with Stainless Steel Weld Overlay – This option would bring the sealing surface to a condition better than new, ensuring even greater longevity.

Following discussion, Matt opted for the standard refurbishment, and our team overhauled, tested, and returned the swivel within a few weeks for reinstallation.

Swivel Back in Operation at Beddgelert Station

The photos show the swivel before and after refurbishment—now fully operational and refitted at Beddgelert Station. To enhance stability, additional large flanges were fitted at either end, allowing the water crane arm to be locked securely in the “home” position.

Need a Specialist Engineering Solution?

If you have an engineering challenge or want to explore refurbishment over replacement, our team is here to help.

📞 Contact us on +44(0)1663 735003