Kadant Johnson Introduces Rotary Union for High-Temperature Thermal Oil Applications
Three Rivers, Mich., March 4, 2009 - Kadant Johnson Inc., a subsidiary of Kadant Inc. (NYSE:KAI), announced the release of its latest RX rotary union design for high-temperature thermal oil applications. Based on the new RX mechanical seal technology, the high temperature configuration of the RX rotary union is rated up to 500 degrees F and features tapered roller bearings to support large radial and thrust loads. The union also includes a bearing isolation barrier in the seal chamber to prevent moisture and contamination from entering the bearing area. 
Designed for demanding heat transfer fluid applications, the RX union features the latest technology in rotary union mechanical seal design including on-machine seal replacement for reduced downtime and a tungsten carbide counterseat for added toughness. Other features include stainless steel springs located outside the flow area and an integral flange for rigid mounting and quick installation.
In addition to use with thermal oil, the RX rotary union can also be configured for water and air service as well as intermittent steam service. The RX union is available in sizes from 3/8” to 6” and in single- and dual-flow configurations. The union is rated up to 500 degrees F, 200 psig, and 3,500 RPM.
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 $366 million in 2007 and 2,000 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 September 27, 2008. These include risks and uncertainties relating to worldwide and local economic conditions as well as the pulp and paper industry; significance of sales and operation of manufacturing facilities in China; international sales and operations; competition; soundness of our 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.