Rotary joints, thanks to their versatile structural design and stable performance, are widely used in industrial fluid transmission applications such as papermaking, metallurgy, and plastics processing. Their maintenance and care require precise attention to product characteristics. Furthermore, the maintenance principles of rotary joints from brands like Deublin can be referenced, with the core focus on targeted control based on the product's structural features. Specific points are as follows:
Routine cleaning and lubrication are fundamental. Impurities in the rotary joint housing and connecting pipes must be removed regularly. A filter must be installed before the first use of new equipment to prevent foreign objects such as welding slag and metal shavings from scratching the sealing surface. For WABON rotary joints with lubrication devices (such as the commonly used industrial series), special lubricating grease should be injected every 3-6 months depending on the operating conditions. Before restarting equipment that has been out of service for a long time, the lubrication system should be cleaned and relubricated. Mixing different brands of lubricating grease is strictly prohibited. High-temperature applications require the use of high-temperature synthetic lubricating grease to improve compatibility and service life. For WABON models conveying saturated steam and condensate, the flowing medium acts as a natural lubricant for the graphite sealing ring, eliminating the need for additional lubrication. However, operation without a medium should be avoided to prevent accelerated wear of the sealing ring.
Maintenance of the sealing system requires special attention. Rotary joints often use a spring-loaded sealing structure. The normal wear of the sealing surface is typically 5-10mm. The friction track should be checked regularly. If three discontinuous scratches or abnormal wear appear, the original manufacturer's sealing parts should be replaced immediately. Ensure that the drain pipe or inspection hole is installed facing downwards to prevent liquid accumulation and corrosion of the sealing structure. When leakage is detected, prioritize checking for aging seals, eccentric installation, or foreign objects. When replacing seals, clean the sealing groove, and apply special silicone grease to assist in installation, avoiding collisions and scratches on the sealing surface to ensure reliable sealing performance.
Installation and operating condition compatibility are prerequisites for maintenance. Rotary joint installation must ensure concentricity. When using threaded connections, the thread direction must match the equipment's rotation direction (clockwise rotation for left-hand threads, counterclockwise for right-hand threads), and a flexible hose connection must be used with the piping. Rigid connections are strictly prohibited to avoid additional stress. When conveying high-temperature media, the "gradual temperature increase" principle must be followed to avoid thermal stress damage to components caused by sudden temperature changes. During operation, over-speed and over-pressure conditions are strictly prohibited to prevent overload failure of core components, especially in high-temperature conditions where ball bearings are used; regular lubrication maintenance is crucial.
Shutdown and long-term storage require standardized management. For short-term shutdowns, the media inside the rotary joint must be drained, and surface impurities cleaned. For long-term storage, the unit should be placed in a well-ventilated and dry place, avoiding humid environments and impacts or drops, to prevent damage to the interfaces and internal parts. Before restarting, check for scaling or jamming to avoid malfunctions caused by direct startup. In highly corrosive coastal environments, the housing should be regularly treated with anti-corrosion measures to extend the product's service life.
Following the above maintenance points will allow you to fully utilize the design advantages of the rotary joint and effectively reduce the failure rate. During maintenance, it is recommended to prioritize using original manufacturer parts to ensure precise matching with product performance and guarantee the stable operation of the fluid transmission system. This requirement also applies to rotary joints from other brands such as Deublin.