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Pressure Compensated and Seawater Resistant Fiber Optic Rotary Joints

As part of a government-sponsored project, SPINNER has developed and patented special optical swivel couplings for deep-sea applications.

To counteract the enormous pressure in the deep sea, these swivel couplings are filled with liquid and equipped with a pressure compensation mechanism developed and tested by SPINNER. Pressure differences from 0 bar up to approx. 1000 bar can be compensated.

Two differfent types are available:

1.17pc*: single channel FORJ with an external diameter of 17 mm
x.65pc*: 2 to 8 channel FORJ with an external diameter of 65 mm

*pc = pressure-compensated

The tried-and-proven adaptable internal structure of the type 1.14 single-channel rotary joint is also used in them, thus minimizing insertion losses while rotating through 360° (insertion loss rotational effect or WOW). High return flow attenuation is also achieved, thus eliminating the need for any additional components.

FORJs for the Deep Sea - up to 10,000 Meters in Depth

The SPINNER FORJ 1.17pc fiber optic single channel rotary joint with an outer diameter of 17 mm was developed with a pressure compensation system for deep sea applications up to 10,000 m. Due to the materials used, the rotary joint is resistant to salt water and has an abrasive surface rotation seal. Special optics are used to achieve the best insertion loss.

Precise quality management ensures maximum performance and reliability over a long service life.

Premium versions with excellent IL and IL-WOW values are also available.

SPINNER can also manufacture FLEXIFLANGES for this type to ensure easy integration into your setup.

For easy integration into existing setups, SPINNER offers customized FLEXIFLANGES according to your needs.

Specifications 1.17pc

Channel count: 1
Fiber types: single-mode (SM), multi-mode (MM)
Max. insertion loss: 1.5 dB (SM), 2.5 dB (MM)
Insertion loass variation over rotation max: 1.0 dB
Return loss: 50 dB (SM), 35 dB (MM)
Wavelength: 1310 nm/1550 nm (SM), 850 nm/1300 nm (MM)
Rotational speed: 60 rpm
Weight (excl. connectors): 60 g
Torque: 0.3 Nm
Degree of protection: IP68* up to 4,500 m operational depth, up to 10,000 m on request
Recommended temperature range: -40 °C to +85 °C

Applications

Deep-sea | ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicle) | Renewable Energy

Pressure Compensated FORJs - with 2 to 8 Channels

Like the 1.17pc, the x.65pc with an outer diameter of 65 mm has also been equipped with the patented pressure compensation system. As a result, no additional pressure compensation system is required.

The rotary joint is equipped with the same rotating contact seal and can connect between two and eight channels between the rotor and stator. The typical insertion losses range between one and two dB independently of the number of channels. For the x.65pc, an FC or ST coupler version is available to facilitate installation in customer systems.

Specifications x.65pc

Channel count: 1
Fiber types: single-mode (SM), multi-mode (MM)
Max. insertion loss: 1.5 dB (SM), 2.5 dB (MM)
Insertion loass variation over rotation max: 1.0 dB
Return loss: 50 dB (SM), 35 dB (MM)
Wavelength: 1310 nm/1550 nm (SM), 850 nm/1300 nm (MM)
Rotational speed: 60 rpm
Weight (excl. connectors): 60 g
Torque: 0.3 Nm
Degree of protection: IP68* up to 4,500 m operational depth, up to 7,500 m on request
Recommended temperature range: -40 °C to +85 °C

Applications

ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) | Tether-Management-Systeme (TMS) | Civil and Defence Underwater Applications

Fiber Optics - From Single Channel up to 109 Channels!

Single Channel Fiber Optics

Ø 6,8 mm/14 mm/17 mm
(Type 1.068/1.14/1.17)

The single-channel fiber-optic rotary couplings of SPINNER feature maximum performance in a minimum of space. It comes in three different standard versions as well as customized solutions.

2 to 4 Channel Fiber Optics

Ø 25 mm (Type x.25)

The mechanical design of the FORJ x.25, which is available with 2, 3 or 4 channels, makes this fibre optic rotary joint very compact. Also available as L-form!

3 to 8 Channel Fiber Optics

Ø 40 mm (Type x.40)

The SPINNER FORJ x.40 delivers market-leading compactness for multi-channel solutions with up to eight channels, with an outer housing diameter of only 39.5 mm.

7 to 109 Channel Fiber Optics

Ø 60 mm (Type x.60)

Ideal for multi-channel applications. These rotary joints cover the full range from seven up to 109 channels.

Pressure Compensated - Subsea Type

Ø 17 mm/65 mm
(Type 1.17pc/x.65pc)

The pressure compensated FORJs are designed for the use in deepsea and withstands brutal vibrations, high humidity, and seawater.

Large Core Fiber Optic

For special applications, e.g. life sciences and medical technology, SPINNER supplies fiber optic rotary joints with large core fibers or plastic optical fibers.