Rotary Unions in Extrusion: An Essential Guide

In the world of industrial machinery, ensuring seamless fluid transfer between stationary and rotating components is crucial for efficiency and reliability. This is where rotary unions come into play. Today, we’ll delve into the essential role of rotary unions in extrusion, particularly within GEC equipment, exploring their purpose, types, common issues, and best practices for maintenance.

What is a Rotary Union?

A rotary union is a sophisticated connecting device that transfers fluid from a stationary inlet to a rotating outlet. This vital component is indispensable when fluid needs to be supplied to a rotating part, as a typical union to pipework interface cannot facilitate rotation. Rotary unions are versatile and can handle various fluids, including air, water, and oil, making them integral to numerous industrial applications.

The Role of Rotary Unions in GEC Equipment

On GEC equipment, rotary unions serve the critical function of facilitating the cooling supply and return for rotating components. These components include Welex sheet line cooling rolls, GEC rotary wheel systems, and extruder screw cooling systems. Any scenario requiring fluid transfer from a stationary inlet to a rotating outlet within our equipment relies on rotary unions.

Types of Rotary Unions

While sharing a common purpose, Rotary unions differ in size, material, and configuration. Common materials include aluminum, iron, brass, and stainless steel, each chosen based on specific application requirements.

Configuration-wise, the primary consideration is between one-way and two-way flow.

· One-way flow rotary unions are used when the fluid only needs to travel in one direction.
· Two-way flow rotary unions are necessary when the fluid’s supply and return lines need to be on the same side of the equipment.

At GEC, we offer a wide range of rotary union configurations to suit all processing applications, setting us apart by providing customized solutions that meet diverse operational needs.

Common Issues and Their Causes

The main issue with rotary unions is leakage, which typically arises due to improper installation:

· Inadequate torquing: This can lead to an improper seal between the piping, causing fluid leaks.
· Over-torquing: This can damage the device, resulting in irreversible leaks.
· Under-greasing: Many rotary unions require routine greasing. Under-greasing your rotary union can lead to significant part damage
· Over-greasing: Over-greasing can also lead to its share of issues. Consult your manual to understand the greasing requirements for your rotary union.
· Siphon Tube: Two-way rotary unions can run into issues with their siphone tube becoming disconnected, imporopery seated, or corroded.

Rotary unions installed by GEC undergo meticulous assembly to prevent such issues. Our service team offers expert installation services and feedback for spare parts to ensure optimal performance.

Impact of Issues on Production and Product Quality

Leakage in rotary unions can lead to insufficient cooling, directly impacting the cooling system’s efficiency. This affects product quality and poses safety risks, such as slipping hazards from dripping fluids. Ensuring a leak-free rotary union is essential for product quality and workplace safety.

Best Practices for Solving Leakage Issues

To effectively address leakage:

· Proper Installation: Ensure rotary unions are correctly configured and installed.
· Use Catch Trays: Temporary measures like catch trays can mitigate the impact of leaks and prevent process downtime.
· Expert Services: Utilize GEC’s installation services to guarantee proper assembly and avoid common pitfalls.

Routine maintenance can address many of the issues with rotary unions.

· Routine Inspection: Scheduled inspections can uncover signs of leaking, damage, or wear (specifically the seals and bearings).
· Routine Cleaning: Scheduled cleanings to ensure the removal of dirt, grime, debris, and corrosive material from the area will extend the life of your rotary union.
· Seals & Bearings: Replace the seals and bearings as needed

Life Expectancy of Rotary Unions

The lifespan of a rotary union depends on several factors, including fluid type, pressure, temperature, and the equipment’s rotational speed and duty cycle. Regular maintenance and proper usage significantly extend the life of these components. GEC provides spare parts and expert service input to help predict reorder rates and ensure uninterrupted operation.

In conclusion, rotary unions are crucial for the efficient operation of extrusion systems, enabling effective fluid transfer between stationary and rotating components. Understanding their types, common issues, and best practices for maintenance can help ensure they function optimally, supporting high-quality production and safe working conditions. At GEC, we are committed to offering reliable rotary unions and expert support to keep your operations running smoothly.