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Hydraulic Accumulators

Check out here information on hydraulic accumulators, types of accumulators, uses of hydraulic accumulators, how to use hydraulic accumulators, safety guidelines. You can also send online enquiry for wholesale purchase of hydraulic accumulators and get the best response from reliable hydraulic accumulator wholesalers

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:

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

Types of Accumulators

The different types of accumulators include:

Raised weight type hydraulic accumulator

The 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.

Spring loaded type hydraulic accumulator

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.

Hydro-pneumatic type hydraulic accumulator

The 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.

Hydraulic Accumulators Uses

The hydraulic accumulators, 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.

How to use hydraulic accumulator: 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.