Kadant Johnson Introduces New Rotary Joint for Steam and Thermal Oil Applications

July 29, 2009 - PRLog -- Three Rivers, Mich. - Kadant Johnson Inc., a subsidiary of Kadant Inc. , introduced a new self-supported rotary joint for steam and thermal oil applications. The new SNX rotary joint is designed specifically for applications with a rotating pipe and two flow passages. It also features a convex seal ring and two carbon graphite support bearings.  

The two support bearings are widely-spaced to support the joint and rotating horizontal pipe. The external bearing is free to rotate, distributing overall wear and extending the rotary joint life. The rotating pipe is sealed and supported by the end of the nipple, thereby eliminating drive key wear resulting from rotating pipe misalignment. In addition, the o-ring sealed spring shoulder and internal differential seal for the rotating syphon pipe provide a positive seal between the steam inlet and condensate outlet.

The SNX rotary joint is available with a 1” threaded or quick-release flange nipple connection and is rated up to 500 F, 300 psig, and 450 RPM for steam service. In addition to steam applications, the SNX rotary joint can be applied to thermal oil applications up to 650 F and 150 psig.

Kadant Johnson Inc., based in Three Rivers, Michigan, is a leading provider of rotary joints, precision unions, and fluid handling systems to process industries, where they optimize heat transfer in rotating cylinders and integrate fluid handling systems.

Kadant Inc. is a leading supplier to the global pulp and paper industry, with a range of products and services for improving efficiency and quality in pulp and paper production, including paper machine accessories and systems for stock preparation, fluid handling, and water management. Our fluid-handling products are also used to optimize production in the steel, rubber, plastics, food, and textile industries. In addition, we produce granules from papermaking byproducts for agricultural and lawn and garden applications. Kadant is based in Westford, Massachusetts, with revenues of $329 million in 2008 and 1,700 employees in 16 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.kadant.com.

The following constitutes a “Safe Harbor” statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including forward-looking statements about our products, technologies, and customers. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such statements are set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in Kadant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended April 4, 2009. These include risks and uncertainties relating to our dependence on the pulp and paper industry; significance of sales and operation of manufacturing facilities in China; international sales and operations; competition; soundness of suppliers and customers; our debt obligations; restrictions in our credit agreement; soundness of financial institutions; litigation and warranty costs related to our discontinued operation; our acquisition strategy; future restructurings; factors influencing our fiber-based products business; protection of patents and proprietary rights; fluctuations in our share price; and anti-takeover provisions. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.