Accumulator Operation and Applications
Accumulator Operation and Applications
Accumulator Operation and Applications
What is an accumulator?
An accumulator is an energy storage device. It stores potential energy through the compression of
a dry inert gas (typically nitrogen) in a container open to a relatively incompressible fluid (typically
hydraulic oil). There are two types of accumulators commonly used today. The first is the bladder
type (including diaphragm designs) and the second is the piston type. While other types of
accumulator designs exist, compressed gas accumulators ar far and away the most common.
The bladder style uses a compressible gas contained in an elastic bladder mounted inside a shell.
The shell acts as a pressure container for both the gas (in the bladder) and the hydrauic fluid. The
bladder provides the barrier between the inert gas and the fluid to prevent intermixing. The piston
style uses a cylinder with a floating piston. The cylinder serves as the pressure container for both
the gas and fluid while the piston provides the barrier between the gas and the oil to prevent
intermixing. Note that oxygen is never used as it can be explosive when mixed with oil under high
pressure.
Where are accumulators used?
Accumulators can be applied creatively in any number of situations, including:
Shock or pulsation dampening: An accumulator can be used to cushion the pressure spike
from sudden valve closure, the pulsation from pumps or the load reaction from sudden
movement of parts connected to hydraulic cylinders.
response time that can provide fluid very quickly to fast-acting valves such as servos and
proportionals to improve their effectiveness.
Why Is It So Loud?