HYDAC – SBO Series Diaphragm Accumulators
HYDAC diaphragm accumulators utilize the compressibility of a gas (nitrogen) in storing hydraulic energy. The gas is required because fluids are practically incompressible and thus, can not store energy by themselves. The diaphragm is utilized to separate the gas and the fluid sides of the accumulator.
The diaphragm accumulator functions by drawing in fluid from the hydraulic circuit when the pressure increases and thus, compresses the gas. It returns this energy to the circuit as the pressure decreases by the expansion of the gas.
A poppet is incorporated into the diaphragm to prevent its extrusion through the fluid port.
HYDAC manufactures two types of diaphragm accumulators:
- Welded (non-repairable)
- Threaded (repairable)
These have been successfully applied to both industrial and mobile applications for energy storage, maintaining pressure, leakage compensation, and vehicle hydraulic systems (e.g. brake and suspension).
Construction
Both types of diaphragm accumulators have the same basic construction. The difference is in the shell. The welded version has a shell that is electron-beam welded, and therefore cannot be repaired. The threaded type has a shell made up of two halves (top and bottom) which are held together by a threaded locking ring.
Diaphragm Materials
Not all fluids are compatible with every elastomer at all temperatures. Therefore, HYDAC offers the following choice of elastomers:
- NBR (Standard Nitrile)
- LT-NBR (Low Temperature Nitrile)
- ECO (Epichlorohydrin)
- IIR (Butyl)
- FPM (Fluorelastomer)
- Others (available upon request)
To determine which material is appropriate …Always Refer To Fluid Manufacturer’s Recommendation.
Corrosion Protection
For use with certain aggressive or corrosive fluids, or in a corrosive environment, HYDAC offers protective coatings and corrosive resistant materials (i.e. stainless steel) for the accumulator parts that come in contact with the fluid, or are exposed to the hostile environment.
Mounting Position
Diaphragm accumulators by design may be mounted in any position. In systems where contamination is a problem, we recommend a vertical mount with fluid port oriented downward.
System Mounting
HYDAC diaphragm accumulators are designed to be screwed directly onto the system. We also recommend the use of our mounting components to minimize risk of failure due to system vibrations.
Applications
Some common applications of diaphragm accumulators are:
- Agricultural Machinery and Equipment
- Forestry Equipment
- Machine Tools
- Mining Machinery and Equipment
- Mobile and Construction Equipment
- Off-Road Equipment