CN108612155B - Swivel with or for hydrant manifold for industrial fire fighting - Google Patents

Abstract

A swivel with or for a hydrant manifold for industrial fire fighting comprising a swivel providing a flow conduit of at least 6 inches and preferably comprising mating male and female stainless steel sleeves and preferably having at least two bearing rings of stainless steel ball bearings and a location for an internal water seal.

Description

Swivel with or for hydrant manifold for industrial fire fighting

The application is a divisional application of an invention patent application with the invention name of a swivel of a fire hydrant water separator used for industrial fire fighting, the international application date of which is 2011, 12 and 6, the international application number of which is PCT/US2011/001960, and the national application number of which is 201180065309.3.

Cross reference to related applications

This application relates to and claims priority from co-pending applications having serial numbers 61/459,232 and 61/464,628, entitled "Swivel saline Manual for Industrial Fire Lighting" and "Swivel With or for Industrial Hydraulic Manual for Industrial Fire Lighting", filed by the same inventors at 12/9/2010 and 3/7/2011, respectively. The contents of both provisional applications are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to fire hydrant manifolds for industrial fire fighting in factories and facilities, and in particular to rotary fire hydrant manifolds (the "manifold" herein may comprise a single port).

Background

When faced with industrial fire fighting responses, fire scene logistics has problems that are approximately as big in scale as existing equipment-on-hand (equipment-on-hand) problems and available personnel problems.

Large fires require large volumes of water, which sometimes require multiple large diameter (6 inches and larger) water supply belts. The most convenient, reliable and quick way to distribute large amounts of water throughout a facility is to construct an underground water delivery system with a surface hydrant manifold. These hydrant manifolds are used in conjunction with large diameter water supply belts to supply the necessary water to the pump, fire fighting nozzle and foam proportioning device.

In current practice, the orientation of the hydrant manifold is fixed. Thus, the hose, which ultimately must extend in the opposite direction, must be coiled a large number of turns in order to achieve a 180 degree turn in the direction of the water without sacrificing delivery pressure. A 12 inch diameter hose may require a turn ratio of 50 feet. The additional water bank required to redirect the water 180 degrees may be hundreds of feet long. Large diameter water hoses are expensive. The cost of a 12 inch hose may be about $ 2,500. For this reason, fire hydrant manifolds are sometimes laid in opposite directions on both sides of the road to solve this problem. However, this requires double the iron and main channel equipment.

The use of a swivel with or for a hydrant manifold may save the expense of laying the manifold on both sides of the road for a manifold with the correct orientation and/or may save the cost and expense of carrying and laying extra hoses. As the size of the main waterway, and thus the hose size and hose cost, has increased dramatically in recent years, the industry is seeking ways to minimize the cost and maintenance of fire protection systems.

Swivels associated with large fire monitors capable of managing thousands of pounds of thrust have emerged since the late 80 s of the twentieth century, but are only available from limited suppliers. Williams believes that they first provided such large (6 inch and above) size swivel for monitors. Williams has conducted extensive testing on indoor swivels for monitors that can operate after months and years of storage in a weather environment and that can handle thousands of pounds of thrust from the monitor. Williams has conducted extensive indoor testing of the weathering and force handling characteristics of the swivel.

While the industrial fire fighting industry has historically suffered from hose waste and duplication of hydrants due to the fixed hydrant manifold, the cost of waste rises as the demand for supply pipe and hose diameters increases. The inventors regard this situation as a problem. With Williams' testing experience, the present inventors teach that an appropriate swivel can be provided for use with or for a hydrant manifold to address this problem.

The present invention involves the recognition that this long-tolerated condition constitutes an unnecessary problem associated with fixed hydrant manifolds, the wastage of hose and logistical complications. The invention also includes understanding the testing of swivels, large diameter swivels, which shows that a swivel can be provided for a fixed hydrant manifold that will meet the requirements of enduring the necessary thrust and weathering for a long time.

Thus, the present invention includes a row of swivel rings for use with or for a hydrant manifold, preferably incorporating 360 degree rotation capability. The swivel is configured for placement below the water separator and generally above a valve associated with a water delivery system or riser (riser pipe). Such a swivel, tested to withstand a range of requirements regarding thrust and weathering, can allow the first transponder to place the hydrant in the most advantageous direction depending on the hazard orientation, and preferably lock the swivel in place with a convenient, self-contained swivel position lock. The rotating hydrant manifold saves the expense of providing multiple manifolds in different directions and/or providing the hundreds or more feet of hose that would otherwise be required to redirect water without excessive loss of pressure.

The design advantages of having a hydrant manifold or swivel for the manifold are:

the elimination of the initial bend radius results in less total water needed;

because of the initial water belt elbow extending across the road, the road blockage is reduced;

pressure is retained due to the need for shorter water hoses;

for highly congested areas (vertical design);

suitable for a wide flow range, up to 12,000 gpm;

built in the heart by industrial firefighters;

with a robust design of the swivel that can support tons of side loads;

fully usable with integrated swivel oil zerk

By supplying water more efficiently, the swivel-type fire hydrant can reduce the number of necessary fire hydrant locations by as much as 50% (depending on the layout and size of the fire hydrant).

Preferred design choices include:

various material designs and various inlet and riser sizes (e.g., 4 ", 6", 8 ", 10", 12 ");

various main flume designs (vertical stack, traditional T-shape, or single 90 degree outlet);

various vent options (NST, BSP, Storz, etc.);

various vent sizes (1-1/2 "-12");

an integrated swivel lock to prevent movement after positioning;

can be used with a discharge valve, a one-way valve, a top cover or a press;

usable with integrated monitor mounts;

can be used with an integrated automatic hydrant drain valve (located below the swivel);

may be used with a hydrant inlet valve (located between the hydrant swivel and the main waterway connection). Size guide

The lower numeral is a 24 "based main underground waterway with extensions to the bottom of the hydrant

8' vertical pipe. The number of losses being from the underground main water channel input point to the hydrant exhaust (water)

With attachment points). The number will vary depending on the output valve and connection type/size selected.

Recommending hydrant size based on a particular analysis

These recommendations are based on the hazards present and the water flow required to achieve proper protection

6' riser/hydrant (about Cv 950)

1,000gpm-1psi loss

2,000gpm-4.5psi loss

3,000gpm-10psi loss

8 "riser/hydrant (about Cv 730)

3,000gpm-3psi loss

4,000gpm-5.3psi loss

6,000gpm-12psi loss

10 "riser/hydrant (about Cv 2670)

6,000gpm-5psi loss

8,000gpm-9psi loss

10,000gpm-14psi loss

The present invention includes a swivel for use with existing hydrant manifolds and for use with its own manifold. Swivel rings for existing hydrant manifolds provide an alternative to certain installations that accept the importance of having an unsecured hydrant manifold, but have fixed hydrant manifolds in place. By means of the rotary transformation, a standard non-rotary hydrant manifold can be converted into a rotary hydrant. For example, an end user may remove a standard non-rotating hydrant manifold from a typical hydrant manifold inlet valve or riser, place a transition swivel on top of the inlet valve or riser, and then place the hydrant manifold on top of the swivel. This conversion allows existing hydrant manifolds to rotate and be locked in place by a positive locking mechanism.

The bottom fitting of the swivel is preferably stationary and does not move relative to the ground. Preferably, the top of the swivel is locked in the desired orientation and can be rotated 360 degrees, preferably by means of a locking element and an upper flange. Preferably, the top of the swivel and attached hydrant can be secured in the desired orientation and secured, such as by being pinned in place with mateable locking holes aligned every 22.5 degrees (16 positions), for example.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention discloses a swivel for use with or in a hydrant manifold for industrial fire fighting. A swivel with a hydrant manifold includes a hydrant manifold and a swivel connected thereto, which is configured to be connected to an industrial water supply pipe system, and includes an inlet and a valve or riser. The swivel provides a flow conduit of at least 6 inches and preferably comprises mating male and female stainless steel sleeves configured for relative rotation with at least two bearing rings of steel ball bearings therebetween and including an inner water seal and preferably an outer debris seal. The water separator may be horizontal or vertical. The male and female stainless steel swivel sleeves are preferably configured for welded connection to a hydrant manifold on the one hand and to pipes or fittings that may be connected to ground valves of an industrial water supply pipe system on the other hand.

Preferably, the swivel includes a grease fitting for lubricating the area between the bushings and around the bearing, the bushings and bearing preferably being constructed of 316 stainless steel and including a locking mechanism, such as a pair of locking flanges. More preferably, the swivel of the present invention incorporates flanges or flange portions on the male and female sleeves with mating holes so that pins can be placed through the holes to lock the swivel in place.

The present invention includes swivel devices for connecting existing hydrant manifolds. The swivel arrangement includes a first fitting configured to fixedly connect to an inlet valve or riser, and a swivel body configured to mate with the first fitting in a sealed and rotatable manner, the body providing a second fitting to fixedly connect, directly or indirectly, to a hydrant manifold. A locking device is preferably included to set the rotatable connection position between the swivel body and the first fitting. The first fitting and swivel body preferably provide at least 6 inches of fluid conduit between the first fitting and the second fitting.

It should be appreciated that the swivel may be connected directly or indirectly between the hydrant manifold and the industrial water supply pipe system. The preferred embodiment shows the swivel connected in a simple and straightforward manner.

Drawings

The invention will be better understood when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A provides an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a 6 inch rotary hydrant manifold that provides two 5 inch or 6 inch Storz discharge openings and one 2 inch and one 0.5 inch discharge opening.

FIG. 1B provides a top view of the 6-inch rotary hydrant manifold of FIG. 1A;

fig. 1C provides a front view of the 6-inch rotary hydrant manifold of fig. 1A including a customer-supplied 6-inch flanged water supply pipe (a welded neck or socket welded flange as needed when using a butterfly valve) on the bottom and also indicating an inlet valve that may be provided as desired.

Fig. 1D provides a side view of the 6-inch rotary hydrant manifold of fig. 1A.

FIG. 1E provides details regarding FIG. 1D, including a 6 inch swivel, a rotating locking pin, and a rotating locking ring, wherein the connection to the top of the swivel is free to rotate 360 degrees, and the locking ring has holes every 22.5 degrees.

Fig. 2A provides an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of an 8-inch rotary hydrant manifold of the present invention including a 5-inch or 6-inch Storz discharge port.

FIG. 2B provides a top view of the 8-inch rotary hydrant manifold of FIG. 2A;

fig. 2C provides a front view of the 8-inch rotary hydrant manifold of fig. 2A including on the bottom an indication of the 8-inch water supply pipe that the customer provides (a weld neck or socket weld is required when using a butterfly valve), and an inlet valve that the indication may provide as desired.

Fig. 2D provides a side view of the 8-inch rotary hydrant manifold of fig. 2A.

Figure 2E provides detail on figure 2D, which identifies an 8 inch swivel, rotating locking pin and rotating locking ring, and wherein the upper connection is free to rotate 360 degrees and the locking ring has holes every 22.5 degrees.

Fig. 3A provides an isometric view of a 12-inch rotary hydrant manifold of a preferred embodiment of the present invention and includes a single 12-inch Storz discharge outlet.

Fig. 3B provides a top view of the 12 inch rotary hydrant manifold of fig. 3A.

Fig. 3C provides a front view of the 12 inch rotary hydrant manifold of fig. 3A, including at the bottom indicating a customer-provided 8 inch water supply pipe (a welded neck or socket weld is required when using a butterfly valve) and indicating an inlet valve that may be provided as desired.

Fig. 3D provides a side view of the 12 inch rotary hydrant manifold of fig. 3A.

Figure 3E provides detail on figure 3D, which identifies a 12 inch swivel with two rotating locking rings and a rotating locking pin, where the upper connection can rotate freely 360 degrees, and the locking rings preferably have holes every 22.5 degrees.

Fig. 4A provides an isometric view of a typical tank farm, including an indication of the location of the present rotary hydrant manifold invention, which will provide the following benefits: the reduction in required water band by eliminating the initial bend radius (100 feet/water band); reducing road congestion by directing a water bank along the sides of the road instead of occupying the bend radius of the road; providing a shorter extension of the hose, which results in reduced friction losses; providing adaptability to highly congested areas by more efficient drainage in the correct direction; providing a standard model for up to 10000gpm can have higher flow rates with engineering approval and by supplying water more efficiently, this rotary hydrant design can potentially save up to 50% of the hydrant locations required for the entire installation.

Fig. 4B illustrates how the rotary hydrant manifold of the present invention rotates to directly deliver water to one of a plurality of fire points.

Fig. 4C provides an enlarged detail view of fig. 4A.

Fig. 4D and 4E show that when a typical hydrant design is facing the adjacent road and the fire hose is frequently required to immediately wind a large coil to send water in the required direction, the current rotary hydrant invention allows the first transponder to aim the hydrant in the required direction to minimize road occupancy and the total hose that needs to be laid.

Fig. 5A provides a side view of a preferred embodiment of a 10 inch 360 stainless steel swivel.

FIG. 5B provides a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 5A, and includes an indication that the casting is preferably investment cast from 360 stainless steel, annealed, and stress relieved.

Fig. 6A provides an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of an 8 inch rotary hydrant conversion kit.

Fig. 6B provides a detail of fig. 6A, including swivel lock securing and swivel lock rotating elements and a swivel lock pin (pin chain not shown).

Fig. 6C provides a side view of the 8-inch rotary hydrant conversion kit of fig. 6A.

Fig. 6D provides a front view of the 8-inch rotary hydrant conversion kit of fig. 6D.

Fig. 6E provides a top view of the 8 inch rotary hydrant conversion kit of fig. 6A.

Fig. 7 provides a cross-sectional view of an 8 inch rotary hydrant conversion kit with ball bearings and seals not shown inside the swivel.

Fig. 8 provides a portion of a cross-sectional view of an 8-inch rotary hydrant conversion kit, where the ball bearings and seals are not shown inside the swivel, two circular grooves represent the ball bearing grooves, and the swivel components are shown in more detail.

The drawings are primarily illustrative. It will be understood that structures may be simplified and certain details may be omitted to illustrate certain aspects of the invention. Proportions may be sacrificed for clarity.

Detailed Description

As shown in fig. 1-8, a preferred swivel embodiment of the present invention comprises 316 stainless steel bushings FS and MS and ball bearings SB. The stainless steel sleeve is preferably heat treated and annealed. In a preferred embodiment, the races RSSB for the bearing rings of at least two ball bearings SB are ground, half forming a female (male) sleeve FS and half forming a male (male) sleeve MS, wherein a port P is provided on the female sleeve for insertion of the ball bearings SB. At least one grease nipple GF is preferably provided to maintain proper lubrication of the area between the male MS and female sleeve FS and around the ball bearing SB.

An external debris sealing location DSL is preferably provided for a debris seal (such as an O-ring) provided in a suitable groove between the male and female sleeves. In a preferred embodiment, a simple O-ring has been shown to prevent debris from entering the area between the male and female sleeves from the outside. An internal seal IS (preferably made of PFTE or Teflon) of more complex design IS preferably provided at the internal sealing location ISL as a water seal of the space between the sleeves and containing the ball bearings. Preferably, an internal water seal IS provided on a shoulder at location ISL between the male and female sleeves, so that the seal forms a greater sealing engagement between the two sleeves driven by the water pressure.

In a preferred embodiment, a drain is provided in the fitting below the swivel so that water can drain from the water knockout drum and swivel to the outside when the upstream valve closes the water supply to the swivel and hydrant.

The lubricant is preferably supplied through at least one lubricating nipple GF, wherein maintenance is preferably performed on a schedule of every 6 months to 1 year. The lubricant is selected to maintain its viscosity and composition over the expected range of environmental and detrimental temperature variations.

Fig. 1A-E show a preferred embodiment of a 6 inch vertical swivel hydrant manifold. The water knockout drum of fig. 1A consists of a vertical water knockout drum VM welded to a swivel SW. The swivel SW male sleeve MS is marked with a welded locking ring LR. The swivel female sleeve FS is then welded to the fitting FT with a mating locking ring LR. The pin LP is marked to be caught between the two rings to lock the swivel in position. The female sleeve fitting is then configured to optionally mate with an underlying valve IV or similar structure (which is typically present in many applications and is typically a butterfly valve or a wafer valve). The valve is then mated to an output flange of a riser or similar structure that is part of the industrial water supply.

FIGS. 1B, 1C and 1D provide top, front and side views, respectively, of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1A. Fig. 1E provides a more detailed view of the preferred embodiment of fig. 1A, showing the locking ring LR and locking pin LP, male sleeve MS and female sleeve FS, while focusing on the swivel portion SW.

Fig. 2A-2E present a horizontal diverter HM on an 8 inch swivel hydrant. The valve IV is also indicated on top of the riser flange. Fitting FT interfaces between the valve and swivel SW and is adapted to carry one of two swivel locking flange rings LR. The swivel ring between the fitting and the water separator also carries the locking flange ring LR. It should be mentioned that many other swivel locking means may be devised, including a female cannula port with a screw threaded therethrough down relative to the male cannula.

Fig. 2B, 2C, and 2D provide a top view, a front view, and a side view, respectively, of the 8-inch swivel water knockout vessel of fig. 1A. Fig. 2E provides a view of a more specific swivel portion of the 8 inch swivel with respect to the hydrant manifold.

Fig. 3A-3E provide views of a 12 inch swivel hydrant manifold. Likewise, valve IV opens flow into the swivel and hydrant manifold, which has a single 12 inch port.

Fig. 3B, 3C, and 3D provide top, front, and side views, respectively, of the 12-inch swivel hydrant manifold of fig. 3A.

Fig. 4A-4E provide diagrams of an overview of a preferred tank farm layout in conjunction with the current hydrant invention. The tank farm layout is shown served by a rotating hydrant manifold SHM. Fig. 4A-4E show the water knockout vessel rotated in various useful directions about the tank farm.

Fig. 5A and 5B provide side and cross-sectional views of a preferred embodiment of the swivel SW portion of the present invention. An inner male sleeve MS and an outer female sleeve FS are shown for this 10 inch embodiment, with three races RSSB for the bearing rings of the stainless steel ball bearing being labeled. In a preferred embodiment, the raceway RSSB for the stainless steel ball bearing SB is ground to the outside of the male sleeve and the inside of the female sleeve. The top of the female sleeve and the bottom of the male sleeve are designed to weld connect the hydrant manifold and the upstream fitting.

The location for the custom water seal ISL (which preferably has a corrosion resistant spring) is marked. The lube pressure exhaust GPV orifice is labeled. One or more standard grease nipples are not shown but may be included.

As mentioned, the casing casting is preferably made of 316 stainless steel and is annealed and stress relieved. A port P is marked on the female sleeve through which the ball bearing is loaded. Preferably, the water seal is specially designed for its chamber ISL to tightly block water leakage under the pressure of water through the swivel. PTFE or Teflon seals are preferred.

As described above and shown in fig. 6, 7 and 8, a preferred swivel SW incorporated into a "conversion kit" for use with or with a hydrant manifold is shown, the swivel preferably comprising a 316 stainless steel sleeve, preferably with male MS and female FS sleeves in rotational engagement, with a ball bearing SB between the sleeves. The stainless steel sleeve is preferably heat treated and annealed. In a preferred embodiment, the raceways RSSB for at least two ball bearing sleeves are ground, half forming a female sleeve FS and half forming a male sleeve MS, wherein a port P is provided on the female sleeve for insertion of a ball bearing. At least one grease nipple GF is preferably provided to maintain proper lubrication of the area between the male and female sleeves and around the ball bearing.

An external debris seal DS, such as an O-ring, is also preferably provided, provided in a suitable slot DSL between the male and female sleeves. A simple O-ring may prevent debris from entering the area between the male and female sleeves from the outside. An internal seal (preferably made of PFTE or Teflon) of more complex design is preferably provided at the internal sealing location ISL, which acts as a water seal for the space between the sleeves and containing the ball bearings. Preferably, an internal water seal is provided on the shoulder between the male and female sleeves so that the seal forms a greater sealing engagement between the two sleeves under hydraulic actuation.

In a preferred embodiment, a drain is provided so that water can drain from the diverter and swivel to the outside when the upstream valve closes the water supply to the swivel and hydrant.

The lubricant is preferably supplied through at least one lubricating nipple GF, wherein maintenance is preferably performed on a schedule of every 6 months to 1 year. The lubricant is selected to maintain its viscosity and composition over the expected range of environmental and detrimental temperature variations.

Fig. 6A-6E, 7 and 8 provide, in particular, views of a preferred embodiment of a swivel SW as a conversion kit for use with a hydrant manifold. An inner male sleeve MS and an outer female sleeve FS are shown with two raceways RSSB labeled with locations for stainless steel ball bearings, in relation to an 8 inch embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, the races RSSB for stainless steel ball bearings are ground to the outside of the male sleeve and the inside of the female sleeve. The top of the female sleeve and the bottom of the male sleeve are designed for direct or indirect weld connection to (on the one hand) the hydrant manifold and (on the other hand) the upstream fitting, respectively. Additional locations for custom water seals ISL (which preferably have corrosion resistant spring balance alloy springs) are indicated. The lubricating oil nozzle GF is marked. As indicated, the sleeve is preferably made of 316 stainless steel and is annealed and stress relieved. A port P is marked on the female sleeve through which the ball bearing is loaded. Preferably, the water seal is specially designed for its chamber ISL to tightly block water leakage under the pressure of water through the swivel. PTFE or Teflon seals are preferred.

As indicated in fig. 7, the female sleeve FS acts as a swivel body configured to attach the male sleeve MS in a sealed and rotatable manner, which (by welding) includes a fitting FT for attaching an inlet valve or riser or similar structure. Preferably, an annular locking ring FLR and a rotating locking ring portion LR are provided having mutually aligned holes, so that the pin PN can lock the position and the sleeve between the two locking rings.

Figure 8 illustrates how the pin PN can lock the position between two locking rings. Fig. 8 also illustrates an arrangement for receiving a race ring RSSB of a ball bearing through port P. The race ring RSSB is ground on the inside of the female sleeve and the outside of the male sleeve to align with each other. The location of the seal ISL between the male and female sleeves is indicated, which is used to provide a sealed and rotatable attachment between the male and female sleeves.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description only and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms or embodiments disclosed. The description was chosen in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments. Various modifications are contemplated as being most suitable for a particular use. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this specification, but rather by the claims set forth below. As the foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof, various changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrated device, may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The invention may be claimed using terminology presumed in terms of history, where it is assumed that a reference to a single element covers one or more, a reference to two elements covers two or more, etc. The drawings and figures herein are not necessarily to scale.

Claims (21)

1. A rotary fire hydrant manifold of at least 6 inches for industrial fire fighting, the rotary fire hydrant manifold being configured for installation on an outdoor industrial water supply pipe system installed on the ground through a swivel portion in an outdoor environment and being configured to be effective for long periods of time in a weather environment, the rotary fire hydrant manifold comprising:

a hydrant water separator; and

a swivel configured to be directly or indirectly connected between the hydrant manifold and an inlet valve or riser of an outdoor industrial water supply pipe system to form a swivel-type hydrant manifold, the swivel having a first flange for fixedly connecting to a hydrant manifold inlet valve or riser and a second flange for fixedly connecting to a hydrant manifold;

the swivel provides a flow conduit of at least 6 inches and comprises mating male and female sleeves constructed of stainless steel configured for at least 180 degrees of relative rotation and having at least two sets of stainless steel ball bearings therebetween, wherein each ball bearing of the at least two sets of stainless steel ball bearings is located partially within a race formed in the male sleeve and within a race formed in the female sleeve, the races and the at least two sets of stainless steel ball bearings being configured in combination to provide a connection between the male and female sleeves; and

the swivel having a location between the male and female sleeves for an internal hydraulic seal configured to prevent water intrusion into the bearing contact area, wherein mating surfaces of the male and female sleeves are substantially free of lobes;

wherein the swivel further comprises an adjustable and selectable locking device between the male and female sleeves, wherein the locking device comprises a locking portion connected directly or indirectly to one of the male and female sleeves and a locking flange connected directly or indirectly to the other of the male and female sleeves, the locking portion and locking flange providing an aperture for insertion of a locking element, and wherein the locking element is inserted through the aperture to lock the swivel in place at discrete rotatable connection locations between the male and female sleeves.

2. The rotary hydrant manifold of claim 1, wherein said swivel provides a flow passage of at least 8 inches.

3. The rotary hydrant manifold of claim 1, wherein said swivel provides a flow passage of at least 12 inches.

4. The rotary fire hydrant manifold of claim 1, wherein said swivel is configured to provide a location between a male sleeve and a female sleeve for an external debris seal adjacent to an external environment.

5. The rotary fire hydrant manifold according to claim 1, wherein said fire hydrant manifold includes a location in the female sleeve for a grease fitting configured for lubricating an area between the male and female sleeves and around the bearing.

6. The rotary hydrant manifold of claim 1, wherein said two sets of bearings and said male and female sleeves comprise 316 stainless steel.

7. The rotary fire hydrant manifold according to claim 1, wherein said rotary fire hydrant manifold includes a third set of ball bearings between said male and female sleeves.

8. The rotary fire hydrant manifold according to claim 1, wherein said rotary fire hydrant manifold is directly or indirectly mounted to an outdoor industrial water supply pipe system at a fixed ground location.

9. The rotary fire hydrant manifold according to claim 1, wherein said swivel is configured to be directly connected between said fire hydrant manifold and an outdoor industrial water supply pipe system, and upstream of said fire hydrant manifold and downstream of said outdoor industrial water supply pipe system.

10. The rotary fire hydrant manifold according to claim 1, wherein said fire hydrant manifold is positioned above said swivel and sits on said swivel.

11. The rotary fire hydrant manifold of claim 1, wherein each ball bearing of said at least two sets of stainless steel ball bearings is located partially within a race in said male sleeve.

12. The rotary fire hydrant manifold according to claim 1, wherein said locking member is inserted into the first and second holes of said locking portion.

13. The rotary fire hydrant manifold according to claim 1, wherein said locking element is a pin.

14. A swivel apparatus for at least a 6 inch hydrant manifold for industrial fire fighting and configured for installation on an industrial water supply pipe system, the swivel apparatus comprising:

a first fitting configured to be fixedly connected to and between the swivel body and a hydrant manifold inlet valve or riser of an industrial water supply pipe system, directly or indirectly, the first fitting having a first flange for fixedly connecting to the hydrant manifold inlet valve or riser;

a swivel body comprising mating stainless steel male and female sleeves, at least two sets of stainless steel ball bearings between the male and female sleeves, and a hydraulic seal, the male and female sleeves configured with the hydraulic seal and the stainless steel ball bearings for sealing rotational movement therebetween, and one of the male and female sleeves configured for direct or indirect connection with the first fitting, wherein each of the at least two sets of stainless steel ball bearings is located partially within a race formed in the male sleeve and partially within a race formed in the female sleeve, the races and the at least two sets of stainless steel ball bearings being configured in combination to provide a connection between the male and female sleeves, and wherein mating surfaces of the male and female sleeves are substantially free of lobes;

a second fitting configured for direct or indirect connection to another casing and configured for direct or indirect fixed connection with a fire hydrant manifold, the second fitting having a second flange for fixed connection to the fire hydrant manifold; and

an adjustable and selectable locking device between the male and female sleeves, wherein the locking device comprises a locking portion connected directly or indirectly to one of the male and female sleeves and a locking flange connected directly or indirectly to the other of the male and female sleeves, the locking portion and locking flange providing an aperture for insertion of a locking element, and wherein the locking element is inserted through the aperture to lock the swivel in place at discrete rotatable connection locations between the male and female sleeves; and is

Wherein the first fitting, the second fitting, and the swivel body provide at least 6 inches of fluid conduit.

15. The swivel apparatus of claim 14, wherein the swivel apparatus comprises a debris seal between mating and rotatable male and female sleeves and adjacent to an external environment.

16. The swivel device of claim 15 wherein the male and female sleeves comprise 316 stainless steel.

17. The swivel apparatus of claim 15 wherein the swivel apparatus comprises at least three bearing rings of stainless steel ball bearings located between a male sleeve and a female sleeve.

18. The swivel apparatus of claim 17, wherein the swivel apparatus includes a grease fitting for transferring lubricant between the male and female sleeves and around the ball bearings.

19. The swivel apparatus of claim 14 wherein each ball bearing of the at least two sets of stainless steel ball bearings is partially located within a race in the male housing.

20. The swivel apparatus of claim 14, wherein the locking element is inserted into the first and second apertures of the flange.

21. The swivel apparatus of claim 20 wherein the locking element is a pin.

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