Installation Instructions
Proper mounting, connection, and maintenance guidelines for Begapunk rotary joints and rotary unions. Follow these steps to support reliable operation and reduce avoidable leakage risk.
1 Connections
Use flexible connections unless the model drawing states otherwise. Flexible hoses help prevent vibration, misalignment, and piping loads from reaching the bearings and seals. Do not use rigid piping unless the selected model and machine interface are designed for it.
Pre-assemble in a vise. Hold the housing of the union in a vise and install the flexible connection before mounting the union to the machine. This prevents twisting during installation.
Clean and seal threads. Clean female threads and the face of the shaft prior to installation. Use PTFE (Teflon) pipe tape or pipe sealant on NPT threads. NPT threads should be hand-tight plus 1–3 turns to seal. For parallel threads, use appropriate gaskets or O-rings.
Allow free movement. There should be a slight, kink-free curve in the hose when installed. It is essential that the housing or shaft is allowed to float to compensate for any eccentricity or misalignment.
2 Anti-Rotation
In many applications, the flexible hose connections themselves provide sufficient anti-rotation. For other installations, an external anti-rotation device is required — such as a fork around the fittings, pin, yoke, or bracket.
Anti-rotation devices must "float." They should prevent rotation of the stationary side but must not rigidly lock the union in place. The device must allow the union to self-center during operation.
3 Filtration
To prevent scoring damage to the shaft and seal faces, Begapunk requires fluid filtration to 25 microns or finer for general applications, and 10 microns or finer for high-speed or precision unions.
Contaminants larger than the seal gap will embed in the seal material and grind grooves into the shaft face. This damage is irreversible and will cause progressive leakage.
4 Lubrication
If your Begapunk rotary joint is equipped with grease fittings (typically on the bearing housing):
- Use lithium-based grease rated for the operating temperature of your application.
- Lubricate with no more than two pumps of grease per fitting during routine maintenance.
- Over-greasing can force grease past the seals and contaminate the fluid path.
- Refer to your product data sheet for the recommended lubrication interval (typically every 3–6 months for continuous-duty applications).
5 Startup Checklist
- Verify all connections are tight but not over-torqued.
- Confirm hoses have a gentle curve — no tension or kinks.
- Check that the anti-rotation device allows free float.
- Verify filtration system is active and filter is clean.
- Start at low speed and pressure, then gradually ramp to operating conditions.
- Inspect for leaks during the first 30 minutes of operation.
6 Maintenance
Monthly: Visual inspection for leaks, hose condition, and anti-rotation clearance.
Quarterly: Grease bearings (if fitted), check filter pressure differential, inspect seal faces for wear.
Annually: Replace seals if leakage exceeds acceptable limits. Contact Begapunk for OEM seal kits — third-party seals may have incorrect durometer or material.