What this is about
Rotary unions — also called rotary joints — transfer media such as liquids, gases or electrical signals between stationary and rotating components. They are indispensable in manufacturing, chemical process engineering, the oil and gas industry and food production.
The performance and reliability of a rotary union depend directly on the quality of its seals.
Why the seal is decisive
Seals ensure leak-free operation and even media transfer. Conventional seals do that in simple applications — but they reach their limits where higher performance, longer service life and less maintenance are called for.
What VR seals do differently
VR radial shaft seals are designed to minimise friction between rotating and stationary components. That reduces wear and extends the life both of the seal and of the rotary union.
One essential feature is the pre-lubrication option. It secures performance from the first revolution, shortens commissioning and extends maintenance intervals.
The essential advantages
- Lower friction: less wear and longer life for seal and machine.
- Pre-lubricated version: simplifies fitting, secures immediate function and extends maintenance intervals.
- Higher resistance: designed for extreme temperatures, pressure and aggressive chemicals.
- Adaptability: for applications from automotive and aerospace engineering through food and beverage to chemical and petrochemical process engineering.
- Better energy balance: less friction means less power loss — and the VR Low Friction seal goes one step further still.
Applications
- Vehicle manufacture: high-speed rotary unions for media transfer.
- Chemicals and pharmaceuticals: resistant to aggressive media and high temperatures, hence less downtime.
- Food and beverage: pre-lubricated versions meet strict hygiene requirements.
- Oil and gas production: resistant to corrosive media and extreme pressures.
On the German site this post was largely in English and was translated during the migration. A practical example — a rotary union carrying compressed air and vacuum through a shared channel — can be found under Double lip seals.