Piston accumulators are used in hydraulic applications and are designed to hold high-pressure hydraulic fluids and release them when required. Their unique design minimizes friction and pressure load while maintaining a steady pump flow. They also offer additional benefits, such as dampening vibration and compensating for thermal expansion and leakage. Additionally, these accumulators can be configured to meet a variety of requirements, including space and weight constraints.
Piston accumulators can be visually inspected for wear and tear once a year or more frequently if exposed to an unfriendly environment. It is important to pay close attention to cracks and rust in the paint and loose mounting points. In addition, inspect for excessive movement and wear on rubber seals.
Piston accumulators are often used in rugged applications. Piston seals may become damaged due to contamination, but rebuilding them is relatively simple. They are also relatively inexpensive. They can store 2,500 litres of fluid. Additionally, they are capable of withstanding high pressures up to 1,000 bars.
To maintain correct pressure, an accumulator must be pre-charged. Typically, a piston accumulator is pre-charged to a pressure at least 100 psi below the minimum pressure. However, there are instances where the OEM pre-charge pressure is insufficient for the application. A 50 percent pre-charge pressure may be acceptable.