Accumulators

Question 1

What is an accumulator?

Answer 1

Energy storage device

Pressure storage reservoir which a non compressible fluid is held under pressure

Question 2

What are the advantages of an accumulator?

Answer 2

Pump size can be reduced, cope with large demands

Supply circuit can respond quickly to demand

Smooth out pulsations in pressure and flow

Question 3

What are the 4 main reasons accumulators are used?

Answer 3

Auxiliary power supply
Leakage compensator
Emergency power supply
Shock absorber

Question 4

What are the 4 types of accumulators?

Answer 4

Diaphragm , gas pressurised

Gas pressurised, bladder

Gas pressurised, piston

Spring pressured, separated by diaphragm

Question 5

What does the auxiliary power source do on an accumulator?

Answer 5

Stores the oil , then releases it when it’s demanded to complete the cycle

Serving as a secondary power source

Question 6

What does leakage compensator mean when talking about an accumulator?

Answer 6

Counteract fluid losses due to internal or external leakage when the system is pressurised but not in operation

Question 7

What does the pump do in relation to the accumulator?

Answer 7

Charges it until maximum pressure is obtained, this then automatically stops the electric motor that drives the pump

It then supplies the oil

It then closes when pressure drops and starts the motor again until recharged

This reduces electrical power and heat

Question 8

How does the emergency power source work in an accumulator?

Answer 8

The accumulator charges as the cylinder extends , if the pump fails the solenoid will de energise, shifting the valve

The oil is then forced to the rod end causing it to retract

Question 9

How does shock absorbing work in relation to the accumulator?

Answer 9

Reduction of High pressure pulsations or shock,

Rapidly closes the valve , this causes a wave which travels back and forth the pipe until the energy dissipates