Accumulator is installed in hydraulic systems with the idea of conserving or storing energy and smoothening pulsations as efficiently as possible. These are energy-storing devices. They are quite similar to rechargeable batteries that are used in electrical systems. These store and release energy in the form of pressurized fluids and are widely used to improve hydraulic system's efficiency.
Accumulator is a pressure vessel that keeps compressed gas (nitrogen) and compressed hydraulic fluid. The shell or wall of this vessel is formulated of stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, and reinforced fiber composites. There is a flexible barrier internally to separate the compressed gas or hydraulic fluid.
Accumulator are used in hydraulic circuits, allowing us to select pumps lower than the maximum HP required. There are many types of hydraulic accumulators available.
Looking forward to knowing more about accumulators, read this article till the end!
Operating States of Hydraulic Accumulators
Accumulators use the compressibility of nitrogen gas, providing better energy efficiency, deafening noises, and maximizing safety.
Integrating or combining an accumulator with a piece of hydraulic equipment or any other machinery that uses fluids can be triggered to start accumulating pressure. This can temporarily supply greater fluids or help absorb vibrations or any impact from pipes.
It can also sink in, uplifting the overall performance of any equipment or machinery working with the system. It also promises energy efficiency and silent operation.
The following will help you understand the structure and operation states of a bladder type of accumulator.
Types of Hydraulic Accumulators
Hydraulic accumulators come in three different types, each with its own function.
1. Piston Accumulator
The piston accumulator appears like a hydraulic cylinder, just without a rod. And like most accumulators, a piston accumulator comes with the same elements such as gas section, fluid section, and piston used to separate the two sections. This accumulator is a staple for large stored volumes such as 100 gallons or more.
The emulators do have a high and strong flow. The pressure entirely depends on the size of the accumulator, but one should never try to use a piston accumulator for shock applications. The piston accumulators are designed for heavy-duty or rugged applications. But, these are much more sensitive or prone to the contamination that can harm the seals. And it is also a fact that one can easily fix the accumulator by fixing the piston seals.
2. Bladder Accumulator
A bladder accumulator with large ports promotes easy fluid discharge and ensures your device stays safe from all sorts of dirt and contamination. This accumulator is always mounted or installed vertically and sometimes horizontally in low-cycle applications.
These bladder-type accumulators are designed with an excellent notion to have a pressure ratio of 4:1, just to protect the bladder from any sort of material distortion and strain. Professionals believe that bladder accumulators are the very best when it comes to general-purpose units. And these are available in a vast range of sizes. Their good response characteristics make them the best suited for shock application.
3. Diaphragm Accumulator
A diaphragm accumulators work much like the bladder accumulators. The key difference between a bladder accumulator and a diaphragm accumulator is that the former accumulator uses an elastic diaphragm instead of a rubber bladder. The elastic diaphragm is used to separate the gas and oil sections. The best thing about these accumulators is that they are lightweight, compact, and economical devices that give out small flow and volume.
This accumulator can handle a greater compression or pressure ratio, typically from 8:1 to 10:1 , as a rubber barrier will not distort to the same degree as a rubber bladder. Not just this, diaphragm accumulators also provide better mounting flexibility and are not that typically sensitive to contamination. Also, this type of accumulator will react much faster to pressure changes. This is why the diaphragm accumulators are best for shock applications.
1. Energy Accumulation
Accumulators are widely used as a supplementary energy source. The system in which pressurized oil discharged from accumulators is used to operate cylinders enables pumps to be smaller, shortens their cycles, and conserves energy.
2. Pulse Absorption
All pressurized fluid discharged from pumps has a pulse. Pulses produce noise or vibrations that can cause instability or damage devices. The use of an accumulator can attenuate pulses.
3. Impact Absorption
The rapid closure of valves or sudden changes in load within a hydraulic circuit can result in impact pressure in pipes, which can then lead to noise or damage to those pipes or devices. The use of an accumulator can mitigate any such internal shock.
4. Thermal Expansion Compensation
Changes in the volume of a liquid resulting from changes in the temperature within a closed circuit can increase the internal pressure. An accumulator can be used to mitigate any such fluctuations in the pressure.
Major Examples of Usage
1. Hydraulic presses
2. Machine tools
3. Water pipes
4. Boilers
2. Excavator: Breaker
3. Wheel Loader
4. Rough Terrain Crane / Dump Truck: Suspension
5. Pile Machine
6. Forklift: Accumulator for Shock Absorption
7. Forklift: Brake Assist Accumulator
Now that you have read this article here, I hope this article has helped you find the answer you were looking for! As you have read, accumulators act as storage units and store energy! The reserved energy is used in supplementing the primary system if there is an emergency or lack of power.
Besides that, the accumulator greatly improves your hydraulic system, develops response time, and cuts off unwanted pulsations, shocks, vibrations, and so forth! All in all, accumulators keep your hydraulic system free of contamination and perfectly usable!
About NOK
NOK Accumulators have proved very popular with many customers as they are highly reliable with a wide-ranging lineup supported by global top-class rubber materials, seals, and processing techniques, were designed with the environment taken into consideration, and are ISO14000 compliant.
Contact us now for more info regarding accumulator at contact.us@slsbearings.com.sg or simply click on below button to send us your enquiries.