Kadant fluid handling products are widely used in the converting industry for coating, laminating, embossing, calendering, printing, folding, decorating, and gluing applications, where precise heating and cooling are essential. With innovative rotary joints and unions and steam and condensate systems, converting industry professionals improve process efficiency, product yield, and sustainability while reducing energy costs.
RX® Rotary Unions
The RX rotary union is engineered for reliable water and thermal oil service in converting applications such as heated and cooled calender rolls, laminating and coating lines, embossing rolls, chill rolls for film and foil processing, and adhesive application systems. Its balanced mechanical seal, supported by precision ball bearings or optional tapered roller bearings, ensures continuous and smooth operation under high roll loads with minimal maintenance. Featuring a stainless steel nipple and assembly plate for corrosion resistance and extended bearing life, this robust solution is available in single- and dual-flow configurations from 3/8" to 6", providing dependable, long-lasting fluid transfer across demanding converting operations.
SX® Rotary Joints
The SX rotary joint provides a durable, leak-resistant connection between stationary piping and rotating cylinders in converting applications such as heated calender rolls, laminating lines, coating and adhesive application systems, embossing rolls, and thermal processing equipment for film, foil, paper, and nonwoven webs. Designed with an optimized seal diameter, convex seal ring, and maximum carbon guide separation, it delivers extended seal life and reduced maintenance in continuous steam and thermal oil service. Available in through-flow and dual-flow configurations, it supports speeds up to 550 RPM and temperatures up to 650° F (343° C), while adjustable syphon clearance and self-aligning seal technology enhance condensate removal and joint stability, ensuring consistent heat transfer and reliable performance across demanding converting operations.
SNX® Rotary Joints
The SNX rotary joint is purpose-built for demanding converting applications such as high-temperature calender stacks, laminating and extrusion coating lines, embossing rolls, adhesive curing systems, and heated processing rolls for film, foil, paper, and nonwoven webs. Its innovative internal design incorporates two widely spaced carbon guides, a convex seal ring, and a positive differential seal between the rotating nipple and spring shoulder to provide strong syphon support, stable alignment, and reliable leak resistance. The wear-resistant construction and floating guide design promote balanced wear and extended seal life in continuous steam and hot oil service, with operating ratings up to 300 psig and 500° F (260° C) for steam and 150 psig and 650° F (343° C) for hot oil, making it a dependable solution for heavy-duty heating and drying operations in high-speed converting environments.
ELSX™ Rotary Joints
The ELSX rotary joint is engineered for extended-life steam and thermal oil service in demanding converting operations such as thermal laminators, high-load calender rolls, extrusion coating lines, embossing systems, release liner processing, and hot-melt adhesive application rolls. Designed to withstand the high pressures, surface speeds, and vibration typical of modern web converting equipment, the ELSX rotary joint utilizes a convex seal geometry that increases pressure-velocity (PV) capability by up to 20% and extends seal ring life by up to 15% compared to traditional rotary joint designs. This enhanced sealing performance supports consistent roll temperature control, longer maintenance intervals, and greater overall uptime in continuous, high-speed converting environments.
Expansion Joints and Flexible Metal Hoses
Kadant expansion joints and flexible metal hoses are essential components in the steam, condensate, and process piping systems that support the converting industry. Expansion joints manage thermal expansion, vibration, and equipment movement under high-temperature and pressure conditions and absorb thermal growth, reduce system stress, and prevent leaks in pipelines carrying steam, condensate, and exhaust gases. Flexible metal hoses compensate for misalignment and movement between critical equipment. Together, they ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of process piping systems, extending equipment life and improving production uptime.
