Fluid Rotary Joint radar cooling
Dual Channel Cooling Fluid Transfer Joint for Rotating Defence Radar Antenna Systems
The System Controls Fluid Rotary Joint is a dual-channel fluid rotary joint designed for cooling of rotating radar antennas. It transfers ethylene glycol water mixture at up to 10 LPM and 5 Bar from a stationary supply to a rotating antenna assembly through straight 1/4″ BSP connections on a stainless steel housing rated for ambient temperatures from -40°C to +60°C. Commonly integrated with RF rotary joints, FORJ and sliprings in complete radar rotary interface assemblies, the Fluid Rotary Joint enables simultaneous cooling fluid transfer and RF and electrical signal transmission across the rotary interface of high-power rotating defence radar systems.w
What is the Fluid Rotary Joint?
A Fluid Rotary Joint, also referred to as a rotary union or rotating union, is a mechanical device designed to transfer fluids from a stationary source to a rotating component. It consists of two main components: an inner rotating element and an outer stationary element. In high-power radar systems, active cooling is essential to maintain antenna component temperatures within operating limits during sustained transmission. The System Controls Fluid Rotary Joint transfers ethylene glycol water mixture at up to 10 LPM through a dual-channel interface on a stainless steel housing, enabling continuous active cooling of the rotating antenna assembly regardless of antenna position or rotation speed. Integration with RF rotary joints, FORJ and sliprings in the same rotary interface assembly provides a complete, compact solution for all radar rotary interface requirements.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
|
Mode of Operation |
Hydraulic
|
|
Extended Height
|
17m (±0.2m)
|
|
Retracted Height
|
3.75m (±0.2m)
|
|
Number of Cylinders
|
6 |
|
Number of Telescopic Extensions |
5 |
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Max Height While Vehicle Moving
|
8.5m (±0.5m) |
|
Extension / Retraction Speed
|
0.5 m/s
|
|
Total Extension / Retraction Time
|
10 minutes
|
|
Cylinder Material
|
ST 52 BK (hard chrome plated)
|
|
Hydraulic Fluid
|
Veedol Atransol-46
|
|
Head Load
|
100 kg (max 250 kg at rated pressure)
|
|
Operating Pressure
|
10 Bar
|
|
Max Weight When Extended (incl. fluid)
|
2000 kg
|
|
Verticality at up to 60 KMPH
|
Within 1 milli radian
|
|
Verticality at 60 to 160 KMPH
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Within 5 milli radians
|
|
Operational Wind Speed
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Up to 130 KMPH |
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Survival Wind Speed
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Up to 175 KMPH
|
|
Operational Temperature
|
-20°C to +80°C
|
|
Storage Temperature
|
-20°C to +100°C
|
|
Humidity
|
Up to 95% RH at 40°C
|
|
Maximum Altitude |
5,000 m
|
|
Endurance
|
24 hours/day without adjustment
|
Active Radar Antenna Cooling During Continuous Rotation
The Fluid Rotary Joint transfers ethylene glycol water mixture continuously from a stationary cooling supply to the rotating antenna assembly at up to 10 LPM and 5 Bar, enabling active thermal management of high-power radar antenna components during sustained transmission and continuous rotation. Without fluid cooling at the rotary interface, high-power radar antennas would be limited to lower duty cycles or lower power levels to stay within passive thermal limits.
Stainless Steel Housing for Defence Environment Durability
The stainless steel housing provides corrosion resistance and mechanical durability for sustained operation in the outdoor, maritime and harsh environments encountered by defence radar systems. Rated for ambient temperatures from -40°C to +60°C, the Fluid Rotary Joint covers the full range of environmental conditions from arctic border surveillance to tropical coastal radar installations.
Dual Channel for Supply and Return Flow
The dual channel configuration provides independent supply and return paths for the cooling fluid, forming a closed-loop cooling circuit through the rotary interface. This closed-loop architecture prevents fluid loss and maintains consistent cooling performance throughout continuous rotation, independent of the antenna azimuth position or rotation speed.
Integration with RF Rotary Joints and Sliprings
The Fluid Rotary Joint is specifically designed for integration into complete radar rotary interface assemblies alongside RF rotary joints, FORJ and sliprings, providing simultaneous cooling fluid transfer, RF signal transmission and electrical power and signal continuity across the same rotating interface. This integrated approach simplifies system architecture and reduces the complexity of the radar antenna rotary interface mechanical design.
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Transfers cooling fluid from stationary supply to rotating radar antenna. 10 LPM, 5 Bar, ethylene glycol, integrated with RF rotary joints and sliprings.
Ethylene glycol water mixture at maximum +55°C liquid temperature, 10 LPM, 5 Bar through 1/4" BSP connections.
-40°C to +60°C for outdoor defence radar in arctic to desert environments.
Dual channel for supply and return in a closed-loop cooling circuit.
10 LPM at 5 Bar maximum pressure.
Stainless steel for corrosion resistance in outdoor defence and naval environments.
Straight 1/4" BSP on both supply and return ports.
