Pneumatic hydraulic slip ring mounted on mast and rotor shaft

CENO has customized and produced kinds of pneumatic / hydraulic slip rings and integrate power signal and pneumatic / hydraulic slip rings during pass ten years. Take the mast or rotor shaft for example.

The pneumatic / hydraulic slip ring is mounted on the rotating shaft of the helicopter's main rotor system, positioned between the stationary fuselage and the rotating rotor hub. It acts as a connecting bridge, transferring de-icing media (hot air or de-icing fluid) from inside the fuselage (the stationary section) to the continuously rotating rotor blades (the rotating section). Simply put, its position represents the critical junction where motion and stillness meet.

How does it work

The core principle of a pneumatic / hydraulic slip ring is to maintain continuous, leak-free transmission of fluid media (gas or liquid) from stationary pipes to rotating pipes during dynamic rotation.

Its internal structure typically includes

Stationary housing. Fixed to the helicopter fuselage, connecting input pipes from heat sources or pump sources.

Rotating assembly. Rotates with the main rotor shaft, connecting delivery pipes to each blade.

Precision seal rings. The core technology. Utilizing specialized materials and designs, these form dynamic seals at rotating interfaces. Capable of withstanding pressure and friction, they prevent medium leakage from the stationary-rotating interface even at high rotational speeds.

Bearing System. Supports rotating components, enabling smooth rotation relative to the stationary housing.

What role does the gas-liquid slip ring play in this process

The pneumatic / hydraulic slip ring plays important role in this process, and serves as both the “lifeline” and “key stronghold” in the rotor de-icing system.

Its core functions including

Enabling the “dynamic-static conversion” for power transmission. This is its most fundamental and critical function. It resolves the fundamental mechanical challenge of transferring media between the rotating rotor and stationary air frame.

Ensuring continuous and reliable de-icing capability. Hot air and de-icing fluid is delivered to the rotor continuously once system activated, that guaranteeing safe flight in icing conditions.

Conveying energy and media. It transmits not only the fluid itself but also the “thermal energy” and “chemical energy” required to combat icing.

Simplifying structure and enhancing reliability, Compared to complex alternative, Pneumatic/hydraulic slip ring is a highly integrated and optimized component that reduces potential points of failures.

What improvements were achieved after using slip rings?

There are great improvements and revolutionary enhancements since adoption of pneumatic / hydraulic slip ring mounted on the airplane.

Significantly enhanced flight safety. Enabled helicopters to operate safely in icing conditions, expanding mission capabilities and all-weather performance.

Improve system reliability. Pneumatic / hydraulic slip rings feature extended design lifespans and relatively long maintenance intervals, providing stable and dependable transmission solutions.

High power and efficiency. Capable of delivering sufficient volumes and temperature of heated air, or adequate flow rates of deicing fluid, to meet the entire rotor system’s deicing demands with high efficiency.

High integration: A relatively compact component resolves core transmission challenges, saving space and weight.

For more information about how CENO slip ring / integrate slip ring can fit your special applications please contact us to get more solutions.