What is Rotary Steam Joint?

In Paper Process industries the Dryer section has the greatest influence on the costing of the product and makes bigger impact on the Environment in ref to control the Atmospheric temperature, yet the equipment and system is highly neglected part of the process. With the proper control and channelising the steam the cost and environment both can be saved with the best possible use of material and follow the Maintenance practise of the Equipments / systems.

Elimination of Steam leakage itself could have cost saving which can be done with the use of proper grade of Joints i.e. Carbon and its counterpart.

Hardness and Finishing of Seal, Shaft and contact area Taper Joint and spring tension and guide bush plays important role.

Grade selection of carbon in ref to Temperature and Pressure is very important and equally important is surface finish of Carbon and its counterpart material finish with hardness. To get the early mating of carbon with steel part maintaining the degree matching and spring tension plays vital role.

Highly polished surface of carbon and steel with matching hardness will giver longer life to assembly and low or no wastage of steam.

Carbon should be tested for Porosity leak at 5.0 kg air to ensure proper carbon quality and steel part should have hardness of 45-50 HRC and both the matting parts should be initially blue matched to ensure proper bedding at least 50%

Precaution to be taken while replacing new Carbon.

  • Profile Degree should be matched with counterpart.
  • Ensure no rusting or dent or burrs on steel part.
  • In case of scoring on steel part it should be cleaned with polish paper before assembly.
  • Spring tension should be checked to ensure proper pressure, if the spring pressure is more wear out would be fast and in case of low-pressure leakage would take place.