Rotary joints, also called rotary unions or swivel joints, are important functional mechanical components that transport fluids from non-rotate components to rotate parts in respective industries. In the case of the rotary joints for water, these devices are quite important in fluid transfer applications where the components of the system, or some of the sub-systems, rotate either continuously or periodically.
Key Functions of Rotary Joints for Water
- Fluid Transfer: Rotary joints are employed to convey water (or other fluids) from a source position to a conducting point in a rotating structure. This is particularly useful in cooling systems where water has to flow through various rotating parts of a machine to ensure right operating temperatures. The layout of these joints is such that it does not allow for the penetration of water into the system thereby maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the system.
- Sealing and Preventing Leakage: The main use of rotary joints is defined in the ability to have a seal where no water is allowed to leak through, between stationary and rotating sections. This is done using technologies in sealing to enable transfer of fluids even under high pressures and temperatures.
- Accommodating Multiple Flow Channels: The rotary joints can have more than one independent flow passage to manage the different fluids present in intricate structural systems. Its flexibility becomes advantageous in instances where different kind of fluids such as water, steam or oil is needed to be transmitted through a rotary joint independently.
- Supporting High-Pressure and High-Speed Applications: There are different types of rotary joints for water that are specifically designed to work under high pressure and high speed. They are capable of handling pressures in the range of several thousand PSI and rotational speeds of which are considerably different based on the use.
- Reducing Maintenance Downtime: Manufactured rotary joints today are long lasting and also easy to maintain when used in specific industries. Some of the special factors which include ease of change of the seal without having to remove the joint from the machine also reduce the time and costs taken on maintenance.
Applications of Rotary Joints for Water
- Manufacturing and Machine Tools: In manufacturing, rotary joint are employed in machine tools for cooling operations. They guarantee that water circulates properly to cool other parts that expand when used and this makes the machinery to have a longer duration of service without distorting the precision.
- Food and Beverage Industry: Rotary joints are widely used in the food and breast industry for heating, cooling, and for cleaning operations. They need to have a high level of cleanliness and are usually constructed from materials that do not corrode and that can withstand high temperatures.
- Power Generation: In power plants, rotary joints help transport cooling water to turbines and other equipment that rotates. This is important in ensuring that the efficiency and safety of the power generation systems is not compromised.
- Automotive and Aerospace: These joints are also used in automotive and aerospace where effective water transfer is required for cooling and many other fluid applications in high-speed rotating equipment
It is important to select the right rotary joints for water based on working pressure, range of temperature, revolution per minute and the need of the application.
Also read: Choose the Right Steam Rotary Union for Your Industry