Various regulations govern the manufacture and installation of accumulators

Various regulations govern the manufacture and installation of accumulators. These regulations are based on two fundamental design codes. The codes are the ASME and Sound Engineering Practice (SEP). There are additional rules for certain industries.

A hydraulic accumulator is a pressure vessel that stores energy in compressed gas. It is used to maintain constant pressure in systems that use variable displacement pumps. It is also used to compensate for force in continuous processes.

The accumulator is made of elastic materials, such as carbon steel or stainless steel. It includes a shell and a diaphragm that serves as an elastic barrier between the fluid and gas. Depending on the application, an accumulator can hold several thousand ps. It is used in many industries.

There are two types of accumulators: the diaphragm and bladder types. Both are made from carbon steel, chrome-molybdenum alloy steel or stainless steel. Depending on the application, special compounds may be used.

Some countries also require a product certification. These certifications are issued to manufacturers who create accumulators that meet specific design requirements. For example, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) certifies accumulators for use on oil rigs. Other certifications include Det Norske Veritas, which is often required in oil and gas applications.

The ASME code requires that accumulators are made of material that meets the specifications. The accumulator must also be tested. During this test, it is necessary to ensure that the accumulator can withstand pressures up to 1.5 times its design pressure for 30 minutes.