Rotary Joint Installation Instructions

1 Connections

1

Use flexible connections. Begapunk rotary joints must always be installed using flexible hose connections. To avoid damage to the bearings, the union needs to find its center during operation. Never hard-pipe either the shaft or the housing.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

Important: Hard-piping either side will transfer machine vibration and misalignment directly to the bearings and seals, causing premature failure.

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.

Warning: A rigid anti-rotation setup that prevents the union from floating will cause seal wear and leakage within weeks.

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.

Warranty Note: Failure to provide adequate filtration may void your warranty and cause premature failure.

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.

Need a seal kit or have questions? Contact our support team with your product serial number.

Installation Instructions