Spring-loaded Accumulators

 The spring-loaded accumulators are similar in construction to that of dead-weight type accumulators.

SPRING-LOADED ACCUMULATORS

1. Construction

The spring-loaded accumulators are similar in construction to that of dead-weight type accumulators. In this type, instead of loading the ram with dead- weight, it is preloaded with compression spring, as shown in Fig.9.3. It consists of a cylinder body, a moveable piston, and a compression spring. The spring provides the compression energy required for this accumulator.

2. Operation

As the spring is compressed by the piston, the hydraulic fluid is forced into the accumulator cylinder. The pressure in the accumulator is dependent on the size and preloading of the spring. The accumulator pressure increases as the spring gets compressed, because incoming fluid flow increases the load required to compress the spring.

When the fluid is discharged out of the accumulator, it causes the spring to expand. As the spring approaches its free length, the accumulator pressure drops to a minimum. Thus the pressure exerted by the spring-loaded type accumulator on the fluid is not constant as in the dead-weight type.

3. Advantages

1. The spring-loaded accumulators are usually smaller and less expensive than the dead-weight type accumulators.

2. They are easy to maintain.

4. Disadvantages

1. The pressure exerted of the fluid is not constant.

2. They are used mostly for low-volume, low-pressure systems.

3. For high-pressure and high-volume, applications, they tend to be bulky and costly.