A hydraulic accumulator is a pressure storage reservoir in which an incompressible hydraulic fluid is held under pressure. This pressure is typically applied by an external source of stored energy such as a compressed gas, a spring, or a suspended weight.
The primary purpose of a hydraulic accumulator is to store energy and release it as needed to supplement the pump flow in a hydraulic system. In heavy-duty and high-pressure applications, accumulators play a crucial role. They help to absorb shocks and pulsations, maintain system pressure, and compensate for leakage or thermal expansion within the closed circuit.
During a high-pressure testing cycle, there may be moments where a sudden, high volume of fluid is required instantly—faster than the hydraulic pumps can supply. The hydraulic accumulator steps in to provide this rapid flow, ensuring the testing equipment operates smoothly without pressure drop-offs. Once the demand decreases, the main pumps run during idle times to recharge the accumulator with pressurized fluid.
By effectively dampening pressure spikes and providing emergency power in the event of a pump failure, hydraulic accumulators improve the efficiency, stability, and lifespan of complex hydraulic test benches.
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