
A hydraulic accumulator is an industrial device basically used for storage of energy. In this device, a non-compressible hydraulic fluid is held under pressure for an outside source. This external or outside source can be compressed gas or spring or raised height. Considered as pressure storage device, a hydraulic accumulator is used to store hydraulic energy. The hydraulic accumulator is used in a hydraulic system so as not to put more pressure in extreme demand cases, and there is no disruptions in supply circuits.
Parts of a Accumulator
- B: Fluid Port Assembly
- B6: Flanged Washer
- B7: Locking Ring
- B8: Bleed Adaptor
- B9: Bleed Valve
- C1: Shell
D1: Bladder- D2: Gas Valve Assembly
- D3:Locknut
- D4: Protective Cap
- D5: O Ring
- E1: Anti Extrusion Ring
- E2:O Ring
- E3: Bonded Seal
- E4: Back-up Ring
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Types of Accumulators
The different types of accumulators include:
A. Raised weight typeThe raised weight accumulator consists of a piston loaded with a dead weight (made of some heavy material such as iron, concrete block, pig or scrap iron etc.) and moving within a cylinder which puts pressure on the hydraulic oil. For minimum leakage past the piston, it must be a precision fit in the accumulator tube to ensure a long life. The main advantage of raised weight accumulator is that the pressure remains constant for the full stroke. This type of accumulator supplies large volumes of fluid under high pressure. They can serve several hydraulic systems at a time . The dead weight type accumulators, however, have some disadvantages too. Being very bulky, the larger sizes are extremely expensive, particularly those delivering high pressures and volumes.
B. Spring loaded type
Whether single-spring or multiple-spring type, the springs in this
accumulator, act against a hydraulic piston forcing the fluid into the
hydraulic system. A spring loaded accumulator consists of a cylinder
body, a movable piston and a spring. The spring applies force to the
piston. As fluid is pumped to it, the pressure in the accumulator is
determined by the compression rate of the spring. These accumulators are usually smaller less expensive than the dead weight type and mounting is easy. They are built directly into the power unit.
C. Hydro-pneumatic typeThe hydro-pneumatic accumulators are the most commonly used
accumulators and apply force to the liquid by using a compressed gas
that acts as the spring. It uses only dry nitrogen as there is a danger
of exploding an air-oil vapor, in the case of compressed air.
Usage of Hydraulic Accumulators
The hydraulic accumulators are applicable for hydraulic shock
suppression are suitable for leakage compensation. The accumulators are
the source of power during power failures. They aptly hold high pressure
for long periods without keeping the pump running.
They have wide applicability in large hydraulic presses, diesel engine
starters, hydraulically operated hospital beds, farm machinery, landing
gear mechanism on airplanes, hatch cover in ships, lifts, trucks, etc.
Guidelines for Safety
- In order to avoid the danger of explosion, the air or oxygen should
not be used or allowed to enter the system.
- Repair or connection of
pressure gauge should be done after the release of fluid pressure.
- The gas precharge pressure should lie below the minimum operating
pressure.
- Bladders should be hanging by the gas valve and blown up
with air to their full length and not stored folded.
- The accumulators
should be always fitted with robust bracket and a pressure relief valve.
-
There should be a non-return valve fitted with an accumulator to prevent oil from flowing back to the pump.
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