Using Hydraulic Accumulators

21 November 2019 by Mike Retford

Hydraulic accumulators are useful for storing fluid and damping pressure spikes or movements in cylinders.

Bladder accumulators are good for storing large amounts of fluid, the maximum volume is approximately 50 litres. They are responsive to changes in pressure and provide fluid flow quickly when required.Accumulators can reduce the need for large hydraulic pumps if the duty cycle has periods of high flow, followed by low fluid. The low flow periods allow the accumulator to recharge with fluid. Applications suchs as presses use may accumulators. Bladder accumulators can be repaired.

Diaphragm accumulators tend to have a lower pressure rating and capacity; 2.5 litres being about the maximum. These accumulators store small amounts of fluid and can be used for damping pressure spikes and storing small amounts of fluid. An application is brake systems on wind turbines. The accumulator is used to provide constant pressure to the brake cylinder, to deactivate it. The hydraulic pump is stopped, saving energy, allowing the accumulator to provide the pressure to the brake. Usually diaphragm accumulators cannot be repaired.

Torishima Service Solutions have stocks of bladder and diaphragm accumulators and provide applications assistance for all customers.

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