Introduction to Hydraulic Accumulators
What is a hydraulic accumulator? The accumulator in a hydraulic system is an important part of controlling pressure and energy. The purpose of an accumulator in a hydraulic system is to store, maintain, and recover pressure within the hydraulics system in order to support optimal functionality.
How does a hydraulic accumulator work? By helping to stabilise and enhance pressure outcomes within the hydraulics system, an accumulator ensures that pressure remains equipped to support effective energy generation and transfer. In turn, this allows the hydraulic system to optimally control connected equipment and technology.
Choosing the right hydraulic accumulation system is essential. Only by making an informed decision can you ensure that you’re buying a high-quality accumulator that is well-suited to the equipment you need to power and the tasks you need to perform.
3 Types of Hydraulic Accumulators and Their Applications
There are three main types of hydraulic pressure accumulators. Each offers its own unique benefits and advantages within specific use cases. When you understand the differences between various hydraulic accumulator types, you can easily select the right option for your needs.
Bladder Accumulators: Energy Management in Industrial and Mobile Applications
A hydraulic bladder accumulator is designed to support efficient energy management, using a flexible bladder to store fluids under pressure. This allows the bladder system to supplement pump flow, helping to maintain more stable system pressure over time.
Bladder-type hydraulic accumulators are ideal for industrial and mobile applications. They help to avoid pressure fluctuations, ensuring that pressure and subsequent power can be relied upon as a steady and consistent system feature.
Diaphragm Accumulators: Lightweight and Compact for Mobile Equipment
Diaphragm hydraulic accumulators use a flexible diaphragmatic system to stabilise pressure and absorb hydraulic shocks as needed. These accumulators are able to dampen flow variations, ultimately reducing fluctuations.
In space-constrained environments, diaphragm accumulators can be particularly useful. Their lightweight and compact design allows them to work efficiently even in small or mobile spaces.
Piston Accumulators: High-Performance Solutions for Demanding Applications
Hydraulic piston accumulators rely on a floating piston to store fluid and support high compression and flow rates. Requiring cleaner fluid than many other accumulator types, piston accumulators are capable of dealing with much larger volumes.
Due to their high fluid capacity, piston accumulators are well suited to high-capacity, high-pressure tasks. These accumulators can perform robustly in scenarios requiring up to 2,500 litres at extreme high pressure.
How to Decide on a System
Choosing a hydraulic accumulator can be challenging, especially if you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for.
Most importantly, you need to carefully consider your needs. What tasks will your accumulator need to perform reliably and efficiently? What projects do you need hydraulics to power, and what kind of equipment do you already have on hand?
Answering these questions can be a valuable starting point. While bladder and diaphragm accumulators can be useful in lower-pressure scenarios, high-pressure requirements are likely to need the extra boost of a piston-based system.
It’s also a good idea to consider your budget. It’s worth investing in a quality accumulator system that is up to the tasks you’re asking from it. In fact, this investment could end up saving you money in the long run, improving efficiency and reducing the likelihood of damage and repair costs.
Still not sure how to choose the right accumulator? Feeling overwhelmed by the options you’re facing? It may be helpful to contact an expert and discuss your specific needs. At Gerrard Hydraulics, our experienced team can guide you in the right direction and help you find a well-tailored accumulator solution.
Explore a Comprehensive Range of Hydraulic Accumulators at Gerrard Hydraulics
Searching for hydraulic accumulators for sale? Explore a comprehensive range of high-quality accumulators, available now from Gerrard Hydraulics.
Our accumulators are designed to prioritise both value and functionality, all while tailoring your unique needs. We provide top-quality products, with a variety of extra features made to enhance performance and functionality over time.
Don’t wait to find the right equipment. Find the perfect hydraulic accumulator system today. Shop online, or contact us for expert advice before you purchase.