A hydraulic accumulator is basically a device that stores potential energy in the form of compressed gas, and it is discharged on demand to push oil from the accumulator and into the circuit. These pressure vessels save and release energy in the form of pressurized fluid. One of the tremendous benefits of a hydraulic accumulator is that they are capable of storing energy. Especially in cyclic operations, the accumulator discharges in the period of huge demand and renews during the time of low demand.
The primary use of these accumulators is to supplement pump flow when the demand is on the peak. In the absence of an accumulator, the pump and motor should be aligned in a way to manage peak power demands even if the supreme power is only required immediately. But with an accumulator, the system can be sized in a way to cater to average demand. This, in return, sanctions a smaller pump that restores the system during the time of slack need. It also indicates that a more miniature motor, and a complete system requires less energy, produces less heat and costs less.
Let us talk about its benefits in detail:
Emergency substitute:
- Accumulators are entitled to keep a high-pressure charge almost considerably and serve as an emergency power source substitute when a machine loses its electric power, or a pump fails. Accurately sized units will ensure the basic flow and pressure to retract a cylinder, seal a valve, open a mold or transfer a machine to a more protected position until the time power is restored.
- Lubricating films present in the critical bearings have to maintain a constant supply of oil and accumulators aid in safeguarding that film. In case a lubricant pump fails, the accumulator sustains the pressure until a secondary pump restores the flow.
Leakage and temperature compensation:
- Various hydraulic systems sustain a basic pressure and force in the absence of any continuous motion or flow. During such situations, users often end up shutting the system in order to save energy. An accumulator has the capacity to manage a consistent pressure even if the fluid gently leaks internally past piston seals.
- Any kind of changes in the ambient temperature or machine functioning conditions can lead to fluctuations in the hydraulic fluid temperature, which will ultimately affect the overall system pressure. Accumulators are especially useful in reducing the effect of pressure variations by adding or diminishing the quantity of fluid in a circuit.
Mitigate shocks:
- Putting an accumulator into machines’ return line can alleviate shocks and cushion the effects to a “water” hammer to avert the damage to the delicate components. Containing system shocks adds to a component’s lifespan and decreases leaks from connectors and joints, thereby leading to low maintenance costs.
- Hydraulic accumulator also diminishes overall hydraulic-system levels of noise and the importation of fluid-borne noise to facing mechanical structures that can eventually resonate. This ultimately results in less noisy machines and hassle-free operators. These accumulators are greatly beneficial for the effortless working of any machine.
