Bladder accumulators are hydro-pneumatic devices incorporating a steel pressure vessel. They are capable of functioning at maximum pressures of up to 350 bar (5,000 psi) with carbon steel material, or up to 140 bar (2,000 psi) with stainless steel material.
How Do You Use a Bladder Accumulator?
Bladder accumulators store pressurised hydraulic fluid. The gas pre-charge pressure can be modified by using the gas valve that’s located at the top of the vessel. The gas side is placed at the top if the bladder accumulator is fixed on an angle or vertically. When the fluid pressure starts to decrease, the compressed gas in the bladder will expand and push the stored fluid into the hydraulic circuit. The bladder can be pushed out of the pressure vessel once it has expelled the stored fluid. A spring-loaded valve located on the fluid side will stop this from happening.
What Are the 3 Types of Accumulator?
Bladder Accumulators
Bladder accumulators are the most common type of hydro-pneumatic accumulators used in industrial and mobile applications. Available in both high and low pressure options, they feature a rubber bladder that’s located inside a steel shell.
Piston Accumulators
Piston accumulators contain a gas section and a fluid section, with the piston working as a gas-proof screen. The gas section is pre-charged with dry nitrogen gas.
Diaphragm Accumulators
Diaphragm accumulators serve the same purpose as bladder accumulators, but they work like a membrane. A poppet is moulded into the bottom of the diaphragm to stop it from extruding out of its fluid port. Diaphragm accumulators are commonly used in instances where only small volumes are needed, where weight is a crucial factor, where a higher pressure ratio is necessary, or where costs need to be kept to a minimum.
What is the Function of an Accumulator?
- Energy storage that will save pump drive power in recurrent operation systems
- Storage of pressure energy reserve for emergencies
- Compensation for leakage losses
- Impact and vibration absorption for when intermittent vibrations occur
- Volume compensation for when changes in temperature and pressure occur
Where is accumulator used?
Accumulators are used in hydraulic systems to hold pressure in a circuit - especially where actuators are used – and to smooth out pulsations.
What are the advantages of accumulator?
Advantages of an accumulator include enabling a hydraulic system to handle extremes of demand using a less powerful pump, to respond faster to temporary demands, and to provide emergency backup and leakage and temperature compensation, among others.
Can an accumulator explode?
Yes, accumulators can explode due to deficits in user training; failure of the vessel or pipework as a result of mechanical flaws; overpressure through a fault in the operating system; or progressive wearing of a component through lack of maintenance or corrosion, among others.
What safety precautions must be taken prior to disassembling an accumulator?
The nitrogen pressure should be released and the protective cap installed before accumulator disassembly takes place.
Contact HYDAC Today
Contact HYDAC online today or call us on 1300 449 322 to learn more about bladder accumulators and their various functions and benefits.
