Hailam has extensive technical experience in the field of hydraulic accumulators, continuously launching new products and applications, and constantly implementing technological innovation to expand application scenarios, working with users to promote the development of technical equipment manufacturing.

        Hydraulic accumulators are important components in hydraulic control processes, and their applications are becoming increasingly widespread, expanding into many emerging fields. The variety of accumulator products is also increasing, but their main functions remain the following: 1. Auxiliary energy source; 2. Pulse absorption; 3. Emergency power source; 4. Volume compensation; 5. Pressure compensation; 6. Counterweight; 7. Shock absorption; 8. Pulse absorption; 9. Hydraulic spring; 10. Fluid transmission, etc., which will be elaborated below.

1. Auxiliary energy

        If the flow rate changes significantly in a short period of time in a hydraulic circuit, an accumulator can be used with a smaller pump and motor, thereby reducing equipment and operating costs.

The operating cycle shown in Figure 3 requires a pump with a flow rate of Q2. If an accumulator is used, oil is stored during the time periods (t2-t1) and (t4-t3), so the required oil flow rate is very small, or even non-existent. When the required flow rate is higher than the pumping rate Q1, the accumulator can be used to supply oil during the periods t1 and t3-t2. The pumping rate Q1 must be selected to satisfy v1+v2≤v3+v4. (See Figure 1)

2. Absorption pulsation

        Pistons and diaphragm pumps inevitably produce pulsations in the hydraulic circuit during operation, which is detrimental to both operation and the service life of components.

        Installing a bladder accumulator near the pressure side of the pump can mitigate vibration, reducing it to a satisfactory level. Typical applications include fixed displacement pumps and piston pumps with a small number of pistons. (See Figure 2)

3. Emergency power source

        In the event of a sudden loss of power, such as a pipe or joint failure or pump damage, the accumulator can provide sufficient energy to complete the operating cycle or restore the transmission mechanism, valves, etc. to a safe position, thereby preventing damage to equipment or products.

        Additionally, an emergency power source is necessary in certain situations, such as a hydraulic power source required to close safety doors, electrical switches, safety valves, and emergency brakes. Another typical application is the emergency supply of fuel oil to boilers in power plants. The energy-loss-causing fault at point B in Figure 3 can be eliminated by manually operating electronic valve A, in which case the energy stored in the accumulator is used.

4. Volumetric Compensation

        In closed hydraulic systems, thermal expansion causes a rise in temperature, which in turn leads to a rise in pressure. In-line accumulators compensate for changes in oil volume, thus protecting valves, gaskets, pressure gauges, and other components from malfunction. Refineries and long-distance pipelines have typical applications (see Figure 4).

5. Stress compensation

        Accumulators are essential when a constant static pressure is required over a long period, as they compensate for pressure losses caused by leaks at joints, seals, etc., and balance pressure peaks that may occur during operating cycles. Typical applications include clamping systems (as shown in Figure 7), load platforms, road construction presses, beds, lubrication systems, etc. (see Figure 5).

6. Counterweight

        Balancing a force or weight can be achieved using a hydraulic piston driven by an accumulator, thus avoiding the need for counterweights and reducing weight. Typical applications include machine tools, winches, etc. (see Figure 6).

7. Shock absorption

        The rapid closure of valves generates shock waves (water hammer), which can damage pipes, fittings, valves, and other components. Using appropriate accumulators can significantly reduce the impact. Typical applications include water pipes, long-distance fuel and oil pipelines, and washing equipment (see Figure 7).

8. Absorption pulsation

        Mechanical vibration energy in hydraulic equipment is absorbed by an accumulator. It can be used in the drive and suspension systems of forklifts, mobile cranes, stone crushers, etc. (See Figure 8)

9. Hydraulic springs

        Cylindrical accumulators can replace mechanical springs, for example, in die assemblies used in deep drawing (Figure 11). Die pressure can be adjusted more easily and precisely over a wider range by regulating hydraulic pressure without the need for springs.

10. Fluid transport

        In a system, when the liquid pressure on one side of the loop increases and must be transferred to the liquid on the other side of the loop without mixing, a capsule accumulator can effectively solve this problem. The accumulator's capsule acts as a flexible shield between the liquid or gas, providing instantaneous response without reducing the system pressure.

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