What is a Hydraulic Accumulator and How Does It Work?
What is a Hydraulic Accumulator and How Does It Work?
Hydraulic Accumulators: Your Systems' Silent Power Storage and Performance Secret
Hydraulic systems are one of the most fundamental energy transmission tools in today's industrial and mobile applications. While power units, cylinders, and valves are the visible parts of the system, there is another critical component that silently maximizes system performance, efficiency, and lifespan: Hydraulic Accumulators.
At Hidroman, we understand the importance of every detail in turnkey hydraulic system solutions and want to highlight the critical role of accumulators in system integration.
What is a Hydraulic Accumulator and How Does It Work?
An accumulator is a container that stores hydraulic fluid (usually oil) under pressure and instantly releases this energy back into the system when needed. It can be thought of simply as the battery or shock absorber of a hydraulic system.
Basic Structure: Accumulators consist of a flexible or movable element that separates a gas (usually nitrogen) from the hydraulic fluid. This element can be a bladder, a membrane (diaphragm), or a piston, depending on the accumulator type.
When the pump is not operating, gas is compressed and stores energy. When the system requires sudden power or a drop in pressure, the compressed gas expands, forcing the stored fluid back into the system.
Why Are Accumulators Critical? (4 Basic Functions)
Accumulators perform several vital functions in a hydraulic system:
Energy Storage and Boost (Power Reserve):
When the system requires short-term high flow, they use the stored energy to meet this demand, which exceeds the pump's capacity. This allows for the selection of a smaller and more cost-effective pump.
They increase energy efficiency by storing energy during pump idle periods.
Shock Absorption and Vibration Reduction:
They help protect the piping and components in the system by absorbing sudden pressure surges (hydraulic shock) that occur during valve opening/closing or heavy-load movements. This extends system life and reduces the risk of failure.
Leak Compensation:
To prevent pressure drops due to small internal leaks in the system, the pump maintains pressure using stored liquid without having to run it continuously.
Thermal Expansion Control:
It maintains a stable system pressure by compensating for volumetric fluctuations caused by temperature changes.
The Hidroman Difference: Integrating Accumulators with the System
Correct selection of hydraulic accumulators is vital to system reliability and efficiency. An incorrectly sized or incorrectly typed accumulator can negatively impact system performance.
At Hidroman, we precisely calculate critical parameters such as:
Type (Bell, Membrane, or Piston)
Volume (Liters)
Maximum Working Pressure
Pre-filled Gas Pressure
during the project phase, we integrate the most suitable solution for your application. We also ensure your system operates at peak performance with services like regular accumulator maintenance and nitrogen charging.
If you want your hydraulic systems to be more efficient, longer-lasting, and more reliable, contact us to learn more about our accumulator solutions and engineering services.