Rotary Unions and Hydraulic Swivels

Rotary Unions and Hydraulic Swivels, also known as hydraulic rotary swivels and rotary swivel joints, are precision-engineered components designed to transfer fluid seamlessly from a stationary source to a rotating piece of machinery. At UEA, our rotary union and hydraulic swivel designs are refined using cutting-edge software technology to meet and exceed our customers’ specifications. Each of our swivels is custom-built to your precise specifications and tailored to meet the unique requirements of your application.

• Standard and custom designed rotary unions for your specific application
• Accommodating a wide range of diameters and flow requirements
• Up to 7,500 PSI (51,709 kPa)
• Media types: oil/hydraulic, air/gas, water, and coolant
• SAE ORB, BSPP, 4-bolt flange, and NPT
• Nickel plating, painting, and heat treatment
• Designs for high vibration
• Temperature range: -40°F to 250°F (-40°C to 121°C)
• In-house endurance test stand available for accelerated life testing
• Fabricated by state-of-the-art CNC machines

UEA can produce a large variety of rotary union sizes to meet various needs and applications. Factors that dictate rotary union size: center through-hole size; a liquid tight cord grip; the number, pressure rating, and size of ports; and 4-Bolt flange ports vs. SAE ORB ports.

For specialized requirements, our rotary unions can be engineered with multiple flow passages and can include features like integrated UEA Slip Rings for simultaneous transfer of power and data. This flexibility in design allows for direct integration into existing equipment, optimizing space and improving efficiency in industrial setups.

Facilitates the transfer of fluids or gases across rotating interfaces within industrial machinery or equipment. Engineered for versatility, these compact rotary unions offer durable performance in a small footprint.

• Compact design
• Overall length: 6” to 14”
• Number of passages: 2 to 6

Catering to the demanding requirements of large-scale industrial applications and machinery. These mid-size rotary unions provide reliable fluid transfer for medium-scale machinery, balancing robust construction with efficient design.

• Mid-size adaptability
• Overall length: 14” to 30”
• Number of passages: 6 to 12

Large-scale rotary unions provide maximum durability and high-volume fluid transfer capacity. Perfectly suited for heavy industrial applications to deliver consistent performance. Interfaces in heavy-duty industrial settings, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

• Heavy industrial applications
• Overall length: 30” and up
• Number of passages: 12 and up

Combining a slip ring with a rotary union, these fully integrated units enable simultaneous transmission of electrical signals and fluid media. They are perfect for streamlined operations in complex machinery. The slip ring sits within the steel housing of the rotary union and is sealed with a steel top plate.

• Compact integrated design
• Fewer parts with secure sealing
• Very rugged enclosure

These units offer the flexibility of separate slip rings and rotary unions with partial integration. They are suitable for systems where close proximity is necessary but complete integration is not feasible, providing versatile performance with simplified maintenance. The base casting of the slip ring sits directly on top or bottom of the rotary union.

• Reduced height with flexible integration
• Maintenance accessibility
• No mounting tube

For systems requiring distinct slip rings and rotary unions, these separate units allow for customized placement. Ideal for complex setups where modular assembly and easy access to individual components is needed. The slip ring and rotary union, while serving distinct functions, are independent components within a system.

• Modular assembly and easily separated
• Mounting tube can be lengthened to preference
• Reduced heat transfer between units