Accumulators are crucial in pumped fluid systems by providing expansion volume and positive fluid inlet pressure. They are an integral part of various applications, including liquid cooling systems. When it comes to selecting the suitable accumulator for your specific needs, factors such as fluid selection, temperature range, pressure output, total volume of system fluid, and level sensing requirements must be considered. This article will explore three popular accumulator types: edge welded, piston, and bootstrap, and highlight their unique features and benefits.
Edge Welded Accumulator: Edge welded accumulators, also known as bellows accumulators, are designed for extreme environments and applications that demand zero tolerance for leakage. These accumulators feature a flexible bellows capsule instead of a traditional piston, eliminating the need for elastomeric seals. The sealed gas charge on one side of the bellows provides the stored energy to pressurize the system fluid. The edge-welded design ensures durability and allows these accumulators to withstand millions of operating cycles, typically lasting the entire lifespan of the vehicle or system. Edge-welded accumulators are an excellent choice if your liquid cooling system works in harsh conditions and requires maximum reliability.
Piston Accumulator: Piston accumulators are a popular and cost-effective choice for many applications. They feature a moveable piston element supported by elastomeric seals. In some units, a coil spring provides the necessary force to ensure fluid pressurization over the operating range. In other cases, the piston is pressurized by a regulated external gas source. Piston accumulators offer long-term reliability and are available at an attractive price point. They are suitable for many systems, including fluid cooling and hydraulic power systems, providing the necessary expansion volume and positive fluid inlet pressure.
Bootstrap Accumulator: Bootstrap accumulators are unique in their design and functionality. These self-pressurizing accumulators achieve fluid pressurization without needing springs or a sealed gas charge. In a bootstrap configuration, a high-pressure source acts on one end of a dual-area piston while the other side of the piston is in contact with the low-pressure fluid. The area ratio between the two sides of the piston creates a pressure multiplication effect. This accumulator type offers the advantage of eliminating residual pressure once the high-pressure source is removed, enhancing safety and facilitating system maintenance. If your liquid cooling system requires pressure multiplication without the need for additional components, the bootstrap accumulator is an excellent choice.
Determining the Optimum Accumulator: When selecting the suitable accumulator for your liquid cooling system, it is essential to consider your specific requirements. PDT, a reputable accumulator provider, offers various configurations ideal for various fluids and applications. By considering factors such as fluid selection, temperature range, pressure output, system fluid volume, and level sensing requirements, PDT's engineers can assist in selecting the optimum solution. Their expertise in centrifugal and positive displacement pumps ensures that even if PDT did not provide the pump, they could still design and supply the appropriate accumulator for your pumped fluid system.
Accumulators are vital components of pumped fluid systems, providing expansion volume and positive fluid inlet pressure. When selecting an accumulator for your liquid cooling system, understanding the unique features and benefits of edge welded, piston, and bootstrap types is crucial. You can make an informed decision by considering factors such as fluid selection, temperature range, pressure output, system fluid volume, and level sensing requirements. With PDT's wide range of accumulator configurations and their expertise in pump systems, they can provide the ideal solution tailored to your specific needs. Contact PDT's application engineers to explore the optimum accumulator solution for your liquid cooling system.