Common Applications for Hydraulic Accumulators

Hydraulic accumulators can be extremely versatile components in a hydraulic circuit when applied correctly. In this article, we outline the common applications of hydraulic accumulators and whether it’s right for your application or business. 

• An auxiliary power source to assist the pump in a system.
• Leakage compensation, to make-up fluid, should there be a leakage in long holding components.
• Thermal expansion compensation to allow for fluid expansion under high-temperature changes.
• Emergency power source in applications where there may be a loss of power by the pump and certain safe operations need to bring the equipment to a zero-mechanical state.
• Pulsation dampening and hydraulic shock absorber; a common corrective measure to prevent line spikes that can damage fluid transmission lines.
• Holding devices to allow for long holding circuits to continue to develop pressure even when the pump is turned off.
• Transfer barrier to allow pressure to be maintained on both sides of a circuit when two different fluids are required that can’t be intermixed.
• Fluid dispensers or accumulators can provide a prolonged supply of lubrication to a complex machine at required pressures to eliminate the constant operation of a pump.
• Pump suction stabilizer that provides a head pressure to assist in possible cavitation during start-up and stopping of pumps.
• When hydraulic accumulators are used, they can reduce energy losses compared to conventional hydraulic controls and contribute to less wear and tear on the system hydraulic pumps.

For immediate assistance with your specific accumulator application, please contact a Quality Hydraulics & Pneumatics Certified Fluid Power Specialist or technical manager for assistance.