Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Piston accumulators need little maintenance

High performance hydraulics piston accumulators are designed for use in industrial and mobile applications where continuous high performance and minimal maintenance are wanted.

The hydraulic cylinder Division of Parker Hannifin has added two new models to its proven range of high performance piston accumulators. The latest versions in the A Series range are now available as 125 and 200mm diameter units and form part of a product family that is designed for use in both industrial and mobile applications, such as suspension systems and pressure maintenance circuits, where continuous high performance, minimal maintenance and a long operating life are critical. The new A Series accumulators offer standard volumes of up to 76 litres, with maximum flow rates of up to 5,700 litres/min and a maximum working pressure of 250 bar.

By comparison, the existing 50, 75, 100 and 150mm diameter models offer a maximum working pressure of either 250 or 350 bar.

The A Series accumulators incorporate a compact yet robust steel shell and end caps, designed to allow heat to dissipate efficiently, while the bore of the accumulators is micro-finished to ensure a long seal life.

In the event of maintenance, downtime is reduced by the use of threaded caps that allow quick and easy replacement of internal seals.

These piston accumulators feature an innovative lightweight piston design that ensures a rapid response in high cycling applications.

The aluminium pistons have a dished profile allowing extra gas capacity, while maintaining stability in the bore, and permitting a greater volume of fluid to be held.

To eliminate seal 'roll-over' even in high speed applications the A Series accumulators feature a wide piston seal assembly comprising a unique, five bladed, V profile O-ring with back-up washers.

The O-ring holds full pressure in the event of long idle periods between cycles, providing dependable, full pressure storage of hydraulic energy.

The A Series piston accumulators are supplied with a wide range of optional features such as seal compounds, metric and inch mounting styles, gas valves, safety fuses and high flow gas ports for use with remote gas storage bottles.

In addition, a wide range of pumps, valves, hoses and filtration products available from Parker mean that a complete hydraulics system can be designed and built using proven, fully compatible components.