Across hydraulic and pneumatic systems, having consistent pressure levels is absolutely necessary for upholding the most efficient and reliable operations. One of the key components that ensures this stability is the accumulator, a device designed to store and release energy in the form of pressurized fluid. In this blog, we will explore the basics of accumulators in detail, covering their functionality, common designs, and the role they serve in maintaining system pressure across applications. Equipped with this knowledge, you will be able to best approach procurement with more informed purchasing decisions.
An accumulator is a form of pressure storage reservoir where a non-compressible fluid, such as hydraulic oil, is held under pressure coming from an external source. Typically, this pressure is exerted by a gas, spring, or elevated weight, being strong enough to hold the fluid down.
The fundamental purpose of an accumulator is to store potential energy in the form of pressurized fluid, releasing it when necessary to maintain desirable system levels during periods of fluctuating demand.
Although designs tend to differ depending on the specific type of accumulator, all share common operating principles. For example, most accumulators contain two chambers, one which is filled with a compressible medium and the other with hydraulic fluid. When fluid enters the accumulator, it compresses the gas or spring within the chamber, creating stored potential energy. When the system requires fluid, the compressed medium pushes the fluid back into circulation, helping maintain consistent pressure. This cycle ensures that the system maintains operational efficiency while also extending the service life of pumps and valves by reducing wear from pressure fluctuations.
Bladder accumulators consist of a bladder or flexible membrane that is filled with nitrogen gas inside a steel shell. As hydraulic fluid enters the bladder, it compresses it to store energy. This basic design allows bladder accumulators to excel in mobile machinery like agricultural and construction equipment, where rapid response times and high cycling rates prove useful.
Piston accumulators employ a piston to separate gas and fluid chambers inside a cylindrical housing. The piston moves back and forth depending on the pressure differential between the gas and fluid sides, permitting control over pressure and volume. This drives their use in industrial presses and aerospace systems.
Weight-loaded accumulators use a piston or ram that is loaded with weights to create hydraulic pressure, allowing for constant pressure to be applied to a fluid. This allows for steady pressure at the cost of higher bulk, making them less common in modern designs. As such, one will often find weight-loaded accumulators in older or more specialized industrial systems.
The Importance of Quality Components
The reliability of any accumulator is directly tied to the safety and efficiency of the entire hydraulic system, with a failing device posing risks like erratic pressure, system shocks, and potential equipment damage. For this reason, it is paramount that accumulators are maintained in accordance with all manufacturer recommendations and industry requirements.
While regular inspections and servicing is key to extending the lifespan of components, accumulators will eventually lose performance over time as they age and face continued wear. When it comes time to begin sourcing parts for replacement or repair, it is essential that operators and industry professionals work with reputable distributors who uphold all of the quality and safety standards that are expected in modern operations. Luckily for you, Integrated Purchasing is a leading sourcing platform from ASAP Semiconductor, our website being a one-stop shop for accumulators and beyond.
With over 6 billion items accessible through Integrated Purchasing, all of which are available for purchase, we encourage you to begin exploring our online selection at your leisure. Our curated catalogs and search tools will help guide you along your way to finding the most suitable parts, while our simple Request for Quote (RFQ) service makes obtaining pricing options easy. All you need to do is fill out and submit a form with details on your operational needs, and our staff will be in touch shortly to offer tailored solutions for your comparisons.
 |
“We Proudly Support Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund that serves United States Military Personal experiencing the Invisible Wounds of War : Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress (PTS). Please visit website (www.fallenheroesfund.org) and help in their valiant effort”. |
We Hope that You Will Visit Us Again the Next Time You Need NSN Parts and Make Us Your Strategic Purchasing Partner.
Request for Quote
