Universal joints for Marine environment

Harsh environments, like marine and underwater applications, call for corrosion-resistant materials. Machines and components demand an exceptionally high resistance to corrosive elements and our products are designed to meet these strict requirements. From underwater oil field equipment to drinking water pumping systems and food processing applications, Our Universal Joints and complete drive shaft assemblies are available in a variety of stainless steel grades. Various hub configurations, lubricants and additional protective measures, such as boots, are available for use in a wide range of corrosive environments. Our Actuator Connection Shafts, developed for an undersea oil valve actuator, illustrates a deep knowledge of marine applications. This specific installation was located on the sea floor, some 330 feet below sea level where valves were opened and closed by small submarines. To allow the submarines to perform this operation from a safe distance, the valves were fitted with articulated shafts to transfer the actuation movement and force to other parts of the system. The shafts were constructed like telescopes to allow change in length to adapt to small movements and relocation of the equipment’s position. The complete assemblies were also designed for easy disassemble, transportation and reassemble for refitting. Due to the extremely harsh underwater environment, Talent used a higher-grade stainless steel for the universal joints. The yokes of the universal joints were made of extremely corrosion-resistant 316L stainless steel. To prevent galling and to improve the joints’ friction properties, the yokes’ contact surfaces were PTFE-coated. The pins and blocks were also manufactured from 316L stainless steel and protected with grease-packed boots.