Technical Support: Swivels

What gauge swivel do I need?

The 22 gauge swivel is our most popular for standard infusion with rats. Use a higher gauge swivel for lower dead volume and lower rotational friction. Use a lower gauge swivel for more rapid infusions, more viscous solutions, and higher fidelity blood pressure monitoring.

Do you offer a swivel with electrical connections?

For a range of slip-ring and mercury-based commutators (that can fit around our 375 series swivels) please contact Dragonfly Inc., PO Box 507, Ridgeley WV 26753, tel: 304-738-3609, fax: 304-738-3607.

How do I clean your swivels?

Clean them immediately after every use by sucking water, alcohol, or sterilizing solutions through the swivel (both channels, if it's a dual) by pulling back on a syringe. Never force fluid through a swivel by pushing down on a syringe as this generates high pressures that can damage the seals. To dry the insides, pull your tubing out of the cleaning solution and suck air through the swivel. Users of our microdialysis swivels have found that a dilute nitric acid rinse works well for a very thorough cleaning. Please read the instruction manual for your particular model.

Can stainless steel swivels rust?

"Stainless steel" is never truly stainless. Even though we use the highest quality stainless steel available (316), prolonged exposure to saline solutions, especially in the outlet tube assembly of a dual channel swivel, will result in small amounts of iron oxide (aka "rust") being formed. To remove it, flush the side channel with 3 Normal HCl until the acid runs clear. Do not soak the entire part, just flush with the swivel completely assembled. Next rinse with water. You have now removed any oxide accumulation but have also removed a small amount of stainless steel as well, so the freshly exposed surface should be passivated again to keep down the rate of oxidation. To accomplish the re-passivation, fill the side channel with 5 Normal nitric acid and let stand for about 30 min. Rinse out all traces of acid before next use. This procedure really only applies to the side channel of dual channel swivels - oxidation is seldom observed in single channel swivels or the center channel of dual channel swivels. To prevent rust in the future, clean after every use as described above and do not store with saline solution in the lines.

Are Instech swivels autoclavable?

Yes, all of our stainless steel swivels - except the 375/D/22QM low-torque quartz-lined dual channel swivel - are constructed using an epoxy that will stand up to hundreds of autoclavings. All of our older brass swivels are also autoclavable except for the brass quartz-lined dual channel swivel (model 375/D/22QE bought before December 1995). The plastic swivels are provided EtO sterilized and should not be resterilized with heat.

Can I disassemble and/or refurbish your swivels myself?

The quick answer:
* Plastic swivels and the 375/D/22QM model: NO.
* Single and dual channel stainless steel swivels (other than the 'QM'): YES.
With normal cleaning and care, you should never have to take our swivels apart. If fluid gets into the bearings of a single or dual channel swivel - either from the outside or from a leak (which can occur if high pressure is applied to a dual channel swivel) - the swivel can rust and no longer turn freely. This condition is fairly easy to repair yourself using our repair kits. Most people will start with the complete 375R/D/xx and then order additional parts as needed.

Other conditions, such as plugged channels or bent tubes, are more difficult - sometimes impossible - to repair. These swivels should be returned to us for repair.

If you simply find yourself with a disassembled single channel swivel that you want put back together, it is relatively simple procedure - refer to the instruction manual. Dual channel swivels are more difficult to put back together, and you should not take them apart unless you have received special tools from us (part number 375R/D/TK). The 375/D/22QM model swivels should not be dissasembled under any circumstances (this will void the warranty).

Do you repair damaged swivels?

If our single channel stainless steel swivels ever leak or fail to turn smoothly simply send them back to us and we will repair or replace them at no charge. (Damage due to mishandling or plugging or use in cocaine self administration studies is not covered.) With normal care, our dual channel swivels should also last you a lifetime, but because the mechanism is more complicated and more easily damaged, we cannot offer such a warranty. We can repair many dual channel swivels by replacing the seals and bearings, which will cost you less than buying a new one. If a swivel has been damaged beyond repair (for example, most plugged 'QM' or 'QE' microdialysis swivels cannot be repaired; bent tubes usually cannot be repaired), we will either send it back to you or offer you a "trade in" discount toward the purchase of a new swivel. In no case will the repair cost exceed the price of a new swivel. You must request an RA number and then note that number on your package when returning any equipment.