Hydraulic station accumulator maintenance

Are accumulators a maintenance item?

They carry out numerous functions, which include energy storage and reserve, leakage and thermal compensation, shock absorption, and energy recovery. While accumulators present a number of advantages in hydraulic system operation and can provide many years of trouble-free service, they are a maintenance item.

How to remove accumulator from hydraulic system?

Removal of Accumulator from the Hydraulic SystemShut equipment down and make certain that ydraulic pressure at the accumulator is at zero. Remove gas valv protector (Item 9) and gas valve cap (Item 8B).Explosive decompression or gas expansion rupture is caused by high pressure gas trapped within t

What is a hydraulic accumulator used for?

A hydraulic accumulator is used for one of two purposes: either to add volume to the system at a very fast rate or to absorb shock. Which function it will perform depends upon its pre-charge. If the accumulator is to be used to add volume to the system, its pre-charge must be somewhat below the maximum system pressure so oil can enter it.

What does an accumulator store in a hydraulic device?

An accumulator in a hydraulic device stores hydraulic energy much like a car battery stores electrical energy. Accumulators come in many different sizes and designs to store hydraulic fluid under pressure. Its initial gas pressure is called the “precharge pressure.”

Are hydraulic accumulators safe?

Hydraulic accumulators are pressure vessels and must be treated accordingly. Only trained and qualified individuals should perform installation and maintenance procedures on any accumulator. Always wear personal protective equipment (safety glasses and chemical resistant protective gloves, if necessary)

How do you precharge a hydraulic accumulator?

Correct precharging involves accurately filling the gas side of an accumulator with a dry, inert gas such as nitrogen, before admitting fluid to the hydraulic side. It is important to precharge an accumulator to the correct specified pressure. Precharge pressure determines the volume of fluid retained in the accumulator at minimum system pressure.