Frequently Asked Questions
Rotary unions can transfer a broad range of media, including liquids such as water, hydraulic oil, and coolant, as well as gases like compressed air, steam, and nitrogen. They are also capable of handling vacuum and, with specialized hard-faced seals, abrasive slurries. Because the media dictates the internal seal chemistry, unions are specifically configured to handle the unique temperature, pressure, and corrosive requirements of each substance.
Our fiber optic rotary joints support industry-leading data rates of up to 100 Gbps per channel. It is an ideal solution for demanding applications requiring real-time transmission of massive data sets, such as 4K/8K uncompressed video or high-speed sensor arrays.
Our high-capacity fiber optic rotary joints are capable of supporting up to 109 independent channels in a single unit. They are engineered to maintain exceptional signal integrity across all channels, even during continuous rotation at high speeds. This allows for the seamless transmission of large data loads in complex applications such as high-definition video surveillance and advanced radar systems.
Absolutely. We specialize in designing and manufacturing custom fiber optic rotary joints (FORJs) tailored to meet your unique performance and environmental specifications. Whether you require specific channel counts, wavelengths, connectors, or specialized housings, our engineering team works directly with you to develop a precision-engineered solution.
Yes, we offer a comprehensive selection of standardized fiber optic rotary joints (FORJs) designed for high-performance optical signal transmission. While these units are standard, they are designed for flexibility and can be easily customized to meet your specific requirements.
ROTOCON rotary grounds are built to provide reliable, uninterrupted electrical contact over an extended operational lifespan, frequently surpassing 500 million revolutions without requiring cleaning, conductive grease, or brush maintenance. Our designs emphasize long-term performance and dependability, using carefully selected materials and components to ensure a robust, maintenance-free solution.
Currently, we offer ATEX Ex II 2G db T6 Gb and IECEx Ex db IIC T6 Gb certified ROTOCON slip rings specifically designed for hazardous locations involving gas. For environments involving dust, please contact Meridian Laboratory for more information.
ATEX, IECEx, and Class/Division certifications all address hazardous environments, but differ by region and classification method. ATEX is used in the EU and identifies zone-based classifications, while Class/Division (per NEC) is used in North America. Markings include specific gas group, temperature class, and protection level. While the correlations do not overlap exactly, here is a simple comparison between the various schemas.
| System | Area Classification | Protection Type | Gas Group | Temp Class |
| North American | Class 1, Division 1 | Explosion Proof | Group A (Hydrogen) | T6 (≤85°C) |
| ATEX | Zone 1 | Ex d | IIC | T6 (≤85°C) |
| IECEx | Zone 1 | Ex db | IIC | T6 (≤85°C) |
We recommend using conduit, protective cable sleeves, or flexible stainless-steel cable armor to shield wires from direct spray and pressure. For wireline trucks or outdoor equipment exposed to pressure washing, proper sealing and wire routing are essential to extend the life and reliability of your ROTOCON. An additional precaution would be to avoid pressure washing the rotational gap between the shaft and body of the ROTOCON. Contact us for application-specific protection solutions.
For the best electrical contact and performance, we recommend lightly scuffing the face of the ROTOCON flange and the mating flange using Scotch-Brite or fine finish sandpaper such as 240 grit. After scuffing, clean both surfaces thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol to remove any residue. Ensure that your lug or mating surface makes direct contact with the flange, maximizing the surface contact area. Avoid the use of any washers, conductive greases, or other materials between the contact surfaces. Secure the connection firmly. Please contact us for our model specific mounting guide or to discuss your application.
Yes, a ROTOCON rotary ground can serve as a rolling electrical contact in applications that require a continuous, low-resistance ground path. However, it’s important to verify that your application’s mechanical and electrical requirements align with the capabilities of the specific ROTOCON model. We recommend reaching out to discuss your specifications so we can ensure the best fit for your needs.
ROTOCON brushless slip rings do not carry the CE Mark, as they are not subject to a CE Marking Directive. CE compliance applies to the end product once the slip rings are integrated into a complete system, making it the integrator / machine builder’s responsibility to ensure compliance. For further details, Meridian Laboratory can provide a Declaration of Conformity, as well as relevant safety test reports and risk assessments upon request.
The amperage rating of a ROTOCON is the amperage that the device can carry at a 100% duty cycle without reaching a temperature that could cause damage to the device.
A ROTOCON rotary electrical connector is capable of being overloaded for short periods of time without causing damage or affecting performance or longevity. This period of time is heavily dependent on the application; please contact us directly to discuss the specifics of your project.
Yes, certain ROTOCON rotary electrical connectors and rotary grounds are able to carry high frequency signals and power. Contact the Technical Sales Team to discuss detailed specifications.
The UHS Series of ultra-high-speed slip rings excel at transmitting sensitive analog signals with exceptional quality, making it ideal for devices operating at less than 60V and 500mA.
The electrical resistance of a ROTOCON is extremely stable and resistive noise is effectively zero – typically less than 0.2mΩ of variation at all speeds up to the rated maximum.
The UHS series is mounted by holding the stationary portion of the device in a fixed position, and then using a flexible coupling to allow for slight misalignments in the system. For mounting accessories or more information, contact us directly to discuss your project.
Yes, ROTOCON rotary electrical connectors and rotary grounds are built with durable, industrial-grade materials, making them suitable for many challenging environments. Depending on the level of exposure to corrosive substances, a standard model may be sufficient for your application. Meridian Laboratory also offers upgrades to enhance ingress protection (IP rating) and chemical resistance. For extreme cases, Meridian Laboratory has the ability to deliver custom ROTOCONs to meet the challenging environmental requirements of your application. Contact us to discuss your project and find the best solution for your needs.