Working Principle of Bladder Accumulator

Bladder accumulator uses a rubber bladder to isolate nitrogen and hydraulic oil, relying on gas compression/expansion to achieve storage and release of hydraulic energy and gas potential energy.

I. Basic Structure

Accumulator steel shell: high-pressure container, divided into upper and lower ends.

Rubber bladder (capsule): internally pre-charged with nitrogen (inert, non-flammable), externally connected to hydraulic oil.

Inflation valve: used for charging nitrogen into the bladder.

Oil inlet valve (with mushroom check valve): high-pressure ball valve only allows oil fluid to enter and exit, preventing the bladder from being extruded.

II. Working Process (Two Stages)

Energy Storage (Oil Charging): When hydraulic system pressure rises, oil fluid enters between the shell and bladder through the oil inlet valve, the bladder is compressed and nitrogen pressure increases, hydraulic energy is converted to gas potential energy for storage until system pressure and nitrogen pressure reach equilibrium.

Energy Release (Oil Discharge): When system pressure drops, high-pressure nitrogen expands, the bladder rebounds, pushing hydraulic oil back into the system to supplement pressure/flow until pressure reaches equilibrium again.

III. Core Principle and Application

Essence: Utilizing the compressibility of gas to achieve energy storage and release, the bladder isolates oil and gas, prevents oil aging, and provides fast response.

Main Applications:

Energy Storage: Short-term supply of large oil volume (such as clamping, rapid action).

Pressure Stabilization: Compensate for leakage and stabilize system pressure.

Vibration Absorption: Absorb pressure pulsation and impact, protect components.