What is a Rotary Union?
ShareAlso referred to as: rotating union, rotary joint, rotating joint, rotary valve, rotary coupling, fluid swivel, swivel bend, & swivel joint.
A rotary union / swivel joint is a mechanism used to transfer fluid (under pressure or vacuum) from a stationary inlet to a rotating outlet, preserving and isolating the fluid connection. Rotary unions are engineered to endure a large range of temperature and pressure for a variety of conditions and environments. In addition, rotary unions may integrate multiple independent flow connections (passages) and handle different types of media simultaneously.
Rotary unions typically function by connecting to an input and securing onto another mechanism while allowing a moving connection to be preserved. They are utilized in a variety of applications; from compact rotary unions for the semiconductor industry to large, rugged-duty fluid swivels for industrial applications. Additionally, a variety of materials, sealing technology, and bearing types can be incorporated.
Example: Rotary Union Use in a Workholding Application
In this example, a (3) passage rotary union transfers hydraulic fluid from (3) stationary hoses to supply the hydraulic powered clamps. The shaft of the rotating union is mounted to the rotating shaft of a rotary table. The rotary union allows a rotating connection to be preserved and isolated while transferring the media (hydraulic fluid).
Additional Examples
- Rotary Unions for Wind Turbine Blade Pitch Control Applications
- Fluid Swivels for Subsea Pipeline Installation & Operation
- High Temperature Swivel Joints for Solar Power Applications
- High Flow Volume Swivel Bends Marine Dredging & Excavation
- Sanitary Swivels for Food & Beverage Rotary Filling Equipment
- Hydraulic / Pneumatic Rotating Unions for High Speed Machine Tool Workholding Spindle & Chuck Applications
Common Materials: Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Brass, Alloys, Tool Steels, Hastalloy, Titanium, PEEK©, Teflon©
Common Platings & Coatings: Black Oxide, Anodized, Standard & Teflon© Impregnated E-Nickel, Nitride, Ceramic coated, Nedox©
Common Media: Chemical, Coolant, Cryogenics, Food-Grade, Gas, Mud, Oil, Steam, Water
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