Accumulators store hydraulic energy to dampen pressure spikes, reduce shock, and support peak flow.

When your hydraulic system sees rapid load changes, pressure spikes can disrupt motion and increase stress on components. An accumulator stores pressurized fluid with a nitrogen gas charge and reacts quickly to maintain stable performance.

Three potential benefits using hydraulic accumulators:

  • Stabilize pressure during load changes
  • Reduce shock from sudden cylinder movement
  • Supplement pump flow during peak demand

 

Request a Quote

Where Accumulators Improve Equipment Performance

OEMs and integrators pair accumulators with Purpose-Built cylinders in applications that need added support or smoother load control.

Common Accumulator Applications:

  • Shock reduction during actuator reversal.
  • Added stability in material handling and lifting systems.
  • Emergency actuation in case of loss of main pump flow.
  • Dampens pressure fluctuating in hydraulic systems.

How a Piston Accumulator Works

A piston accumulator uses a sealed piston assembly that separates hydraulic fluid from nitrogen gas. System pressure moves the piston and compresses the gas. As pressure falls, the gas expands and pushes the fluid back into the circuit.

Piston Accumulator Components

Piston Accumulator Components

Accumulator Sizing Considerations

Correct sizing depends on accurate calculations.

  • Minimum and maximum pressure.
  • Required usable volume.
  • Space considerations.
  • Load mass and operating speed.
  • Required response time and duty cycle.

Integration Best Practices

You get the best results from an accumulator when the following criteria are met.

  • Mount the accumulator close to the actuator circuit.
  • Use isolation valves for servicing.
  • Charge with nitrogen using proper equipment and procedures.
  • Use clean, compatible hydraulic fluid.
  • Maintain the accumulator pre-charge as part of your service plan.

Pre-Engineered 3,000 PSI Piston Accumulators

Part Number Bore Fluid Volume (gal) Fluid Volume (in³) Gas Volume (gal) Gas Volume (in³) Tube O.D. (inches) Port Length (inches) Seal Kit
7202000200 2.00 0.13 28.88 0.13 30.10 2.50 #12 SAE 15.94 ASK-200
7202000400 2.00 0.25 57.75 0.26 58.98 2.50 #12 SAE 25.13 ASK-200
7202000800 2.00 0.50 115.50 0.51 116.73 2.50 #12 SAE 43.51 ASK-200
7203000200 3.00 0.13 28.88 0.13 31.08 3.50 #12 SAE 10.83 ASK-300
7203000400 3.00 0.25 57.75 0.26 59.96 3.50 #12 SAE 14.92 ASK-300
7203000800 3.00 0.50 115.50 0.51 117.71 3.50 #12 SAE 23.09 ASK-300
7204000400 4.00 0.25 57.75 0.28 65.17 4.50 #20 SAE 10.85 ASK-400
7204000800 4.00 0.50 115.50 0.53 122.92 4.50 #20 SAE 15.44 ASK-400
7204001600 4.00 1.00 231.00 1.03 238.42 4.50 #20 SAE 24.63 ASK-400
7204002400 4.00 1.50 346.50 1.53 353.92 4.50 #20 SAE 33.82 ASK-400
7204004000 4.00 2.50 577.50 2.53 584.92 4.50 #20 SAE 52.21 ASK-400
7206000800 6.00 0.50 115.50 0.55 127.43 6.75 #24 SAE 11.83 ASK-600
7206001600 6.00 1.00 231.00 1.05 242.93 6.75 #24 SAE 15.92 ASK-600
7206002400 6.00 1.50 346.50 1.55 358.43 6.75 #24 SAE 20.00 ASK-600
7206004000 6.00 2.50 577.50 2.55 589.05 6.75 #24 SAE 28.17 ASK-600
7206006400 6.00 4.00 924.00 4.05 935.93 6.75 #24 SAE 40.43 ASK-600
7206008000 6.00 5.00 1155.00 5.05 1166.93 6.75 #24 SAE 48.60 ASK-600
7206012000 6.00 7.50 1732.50 7.55 1744.43 6.75 #24 SAE 61.27 ASK-600
7206016000 6.00 10.00 2310.00 10.05 2321.93 6.75 #24 SAE 81.70 ASK-600