Abstract: A pipe swivel joint comprises a female conduit element and a male conduit element rotatably engaging the female conduit element. A removable plug within the female conduit element maintains a main seal in proper position for bridging a clearance between the female and male conduit elements. The plug is easily removed once the main seal is to be replaced, and is installed back in place once the main seal has been replaced, thereby avoiding dismantling of the swivel joint.

Abstract: In a method for life cycle testing of a swivel joint having male and female conduit elements, a fluid is supplied to the swivel joint under a predetermining pressure; and a certain mechanical load is applied to the swivel joint under test, thereby simulating typical operating conditions. While maintaining one of the conduit elements of the swivel joint immovable, the other conduit element is rotated continuously for a predetermined number of rotational cycles corresponding to a calculated life cycle. The direction of rotation is periodically reversed after a predetermined time period. The swivel joint is continuously checked for an undesirable leakage. A test setup for the life cycle testing is provided.