GAD BRIEF

No. 402 INDUSTRIAL

Using Accumulators for Shock Suppression

Many mobile and industrial applications experience severe shock when a moving part such as a bucket or boom stops suddenly. Quick closing valves or pump start/stop cycles can trigger water hammer-type ripples that travel through the system and that can build to peak pressures well in excess of the normal operating pressure. These shock waves can produce harsh noises or worse, damage upstream components, leading to system failure. Piping can also excite a natural harmonic that resonates throughout the system, again causing damage. a properly designed accumulator can reduce (and in many cases eliminate) the undesired results of the shock. While piston accumulators can be implemented in these systems, more commonly a bladder accumulator is chosen for its quick response. Another method for absorbing shock is to force the oil path through the accumulator. Schematic 2 is representative of Parkers Greer PulseTone that has a baffle in the hydraulic port; the baffle directs the oil into the shell of the bladder accumulator, thereby providing the best protection against shock.

Common Orientations The following three schematics demonstrate the most common orientations of plumbing an accumulator into the system. In Schematic 1, a T-union is installed in the hydraulic line. The accumulator should be installed as close as reasonably possible on the perpendicular branch of the T. Absorbing Shock A wide port on the fluid end of the The incorporation of an accumulator into such systems enables these surges accumulator will provide the best opportunity for the shock to be to be absorbed by the entrapped gas, absorbed by the accumulator. thereby reducing their harmful effects. Application symptoms: 1. Valves closing quickly 2. Cylinder bottoming out and relief, vent or compensator valves not responding quickly enough Regardless of the source of the shock and whether you are designing for it, or it arrives as an unexpected visitor
Schematic 1

Schematic 2

Though the Pulse-Tone has superior shock suppression characteristics, what should you do if your budget does not allow for this component? Schematic 3 shows a third option for plumbing the accumulator into the system. It is a general rule of thumb that this type of installation will take an additional 5% of the shock out of the system.

However, when insufficient data is available to properly size an accumulator for shock, then the following are good guidelines: 1. Use the largest port available. 2. Use a port that matches your line size. 3. Use 60% of the maximum operating pressure for the pre-charge pressure as a starting point.

this will help you understand how your accumulator size will grow with an increase in shock pressure. Varying your pre-charge pressure will alter this calculation, too. 5. The compression ratio should not exceed 4:1 (shock pressure: pre-charge pressure).

Schematic 3

Proper Sizing When sizing for shock, the key factors are the mass and velocity of the fluid in the hydraulic line and the pressure of the shock waves, as demonstrated in the equation and Table of Variables below:

Using these guidelines, you should be able to adequately size an accumulator for shock. And remember to always 4. Make an educated guess as to what call a Parker Global Accumulator your shock pressure is, then plug it Division Application Engineer for into the equation. Repeat with expert guidance, to double-check double your initial shock pressure; your calculations or to ask questions.

Shock Variables

Symbol P2 Pm P1 n g w A L V V1
3

V1 =

P2 (12wAL )( V 2)( n1) P 1 2(g)( P2)

( )
1

1/ n

System Pressure (psi) Shock Pressure (psi) Pre-charge (psi) Discharge Coefficient Acceleration due to Gravity (ft/sec2) Specific Weight of Fluid (lbs/ft ) Effective Flow Area of Pipe (ft ) Length of Pipe (ft) Fluid Velocity (ft/sec) Accumulator Volume (in3)
2

[(

Pm P2

(n-1)/ n

Equation and Table of Variables

See also:

2010 Parker Hannifin Corporation

9/2010

Parker Hannifin Corporation Global Accumulator Division 10711 N Second Street Machesney Park, IL 61115 USA phone 815 636 4100 fax 815 636 4111 www.parker.com/accumulator