1. As an auxiliary power supply
The actuators of some hydraulic systems operate intermittently, and the total working time is very short. Although the actuators of some hydraulic systems are not intermittently operated, their speeds vary greatly within a working cycle (or within a stroke). After the accumulator is set in this system, a pump with a smaller power can be used to reduce the power of the main drive, so that the entire hydraulic system is small in size, light in weight and cheap in price.
2. As an emergency power source
For some systems, it is required that when the pump fails or the power fails (the oil supply to the actuator is suddenly interrupted), the actuator should continue to complete the necessary actions. For example, the piston rod of a hydraulic cylinder must be retracted into the cylinder for safety reasons. In this case, an accumulator with appropriate capacity is required as an emergency power source.
3. Supplement leakage and maintain constant pressure
For the system where the actuator does not act for a long time but maintains a constant pressure, the accumulator can be used to compensate the leakage, so that the pressure is constant.
4. Absorb hydraulic shock
Due to the sudden change of direction of the reversing valve, the sudden stop of the hydraulic pump, the sudden stop of the movement of the actuator, and even the artificial need for emergency braking of the actuator, etc., the liquid flow in the pipeline will change sharply, resulting in shock pressure (oil hit). Although there is a safety valve in the system, it is still unavoidable to produce a short-term sharp increase and shock of pressure. This impact pressure often causes failure or even damage of instruments, components and sealing devices in the system or rupture of pipelines, and also causes obvious vibration of the system. If an accumulator is installed before the shock source of the control valve or hydraulic cylinder, the shock can be absorbed and mitigated.
5. Absorb pulsation and reduce noise
The pulsating flow rate of the pump will cause pressure pulsation, which will make the movement speed of the actuator uneven, resulting in vibration and noise. An accumulator with sensitive response and small inertia is connected in parallel at the outlet of the pump, which can absorb flow and pressure pulsation and reduce noise.