Dead Weight Accumulator uses dead weight to store oil energy.
A Dead Weight Accumulator is a type of hydraulic accumulator used in hydraulic systems to store and release energy in the form of pressurized hydraulic fluid. Hydraulic accumulators are commonly used in various industrial applications to maintain pressure, dampen shocks and pulsations, and store energy for emergency use.
Table of Contents
Construction of Dead Weight Accumulator
It consists of a piston loaded with dead weight and moving within a cylinder which exerts pressure on the oil.
The stroke of the piston pressure will remain constant because the load remains unchanged.
The dead weights may be of some heavy material such as iron, concrete block or even water.
The piston is fitted precisely in to the cylinder to minimize leakage.
They can be used to serve several hydraulic systems at a time are used in mill and central hydraulic system.
For minimum leakage past the piston, it must be a precision fit in the accumulator tube to ensure a long life.
Working
When oil from pump enters through inlet port, it pushes the piston upwards against the load exerted by the dead weight placed on the platform.
The dead weights are used to maintain oil pressure for changing of the accumulator.
When piston moves from lower end to upper end, the accumulator get charged and when it is connected to the application point, the oil under pressure releases energy through the outlet A.
When pistons moves down completely, the accumulator is unloaded and discharge.
The accumulator pressure is given by,Where,
d = Diameter of piston
W = Deadweight
w = Piston and Piston rod weight
And volumetric Capacity of weight loaded accumulator is given by,
Vacc = π/4 x (d2) x L
Where,
L = Piston stroke length
Symbol
Advantages of Dead Weight Accumulator
It supplies oil at constant pressure.
Simple in construction.
It can serve several hydraulic systems at a time.
It can supply a large volume of fluid under high pressure.
Disadvantages of Dead Weight Accumulator
They are bigger in size and much bulky as compared to others of the same capacity. They consume more space and need heavy structures to support them.
It has larger size.
More space is required hence not suitable where space is limited.
Applications
Due to their size, their applications are limited to stationary equipment such as heavy-duty presses, where large volumes are required.
Emergency Hydraulic Systems: Dead Weight Accumulators are often used in critical systems where the immediate availability of high-pressure hydraulic fluid is essential for safety or emergency purposes. For example, they can be found in safety systems on heavy machinery or industrial equipment that must continue to operate during power outages or other emergencies.
Hydraulic Presses: Dead Weight Accumulators are used in hydraulic presses to provide high-pressure hydraulic fluid for operations like metal forming, stamping, and extrusion. When a high force is required in a short burst, these accumulators can deliver the necessary pressure.
Hydraulic Elevators: Elevators in buildings often use hydraulic systems for smooth and efficient operation. Dead Weight Accumulators can help maintain constant pressure in these systems, ensuring that the elevator moves smoothly and stops at the right level.
Hydraulic Dampers: In some industrial applications and systems, hydraulic dampers are used to absorb shocks and vibrations. Dead Weight Accumulators can provide a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid to operate these dampers effectively.
Machinery Calibration and Testing: In calibration and testing systems for machinery, precision is crucial. Dead Weight Accumulators are used to generate precise and stable hydraulic pressures for testing various components and systems.
Valve and Actuator Testing: In industries like petrochemical and aerospace, valves and actuators need to be tested under high-pressure conditions. Dead Weight Accumulators are used to create consistent, high-pressure environments for such testing.
Hydraulic Accumulator Training and Education: Dead Weight Accumulators are also used in educational settings to teach students about hydraulic principles and systems. They offer a straightforward way to demonstrate hydraulic energy storage and release concepts.
FAQ
How does a dead weight accumulator work?
The dead weight loaded on the piston develops a gravitational force that provides potential energy in the cylinder. This accumulator applies a constant pressure on the fluid throughout its range of motion, regardless of the speed and amount of fluid output.
How does the accumulator function work?
The accumulator is a pressure vessel for storing hydraulic pressure using the compressible and decompressible nature of nitrogen gas. So, it can be said that the accumulator has a similar function to the rechargeable electric battery.
What is the accumulator formula?
Accumulator calculations are based on the principle of thermodynamic laws: P1V1=P2V2, isothermal condition (temperature is constant, heat transfer occurs); or P1V11.4=P2V21.4, adiabatic condition for nitrogen (no heat transfer).
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