What Is a Hydraulic Accumulator?
A hydraulic accumulator is a device which stores hydraulic pressure to act as a buffer in hydraulic systems during periods of peak demand, system pressure fluctuations, and to counteract hydraulic shock. When the system is subjected to extreme loads this pressurized fluid is introduced to relieve the demand on the hydraulic pump. This process is also repeated when there are unexpected drops in system pressure and when fluid hammer or hydraulic shock occurs. These devices use an external source to keep the fluid in the accumulator reservoir at approximately the same pressure as the average system pressure. There are several common types of hydraulic accumulator systems using raised weights, springs, compressed gas, and metal bellows to maintain the pressure in their reservoirs.
