The latest bladder accumulators are particularly suitable for applications where rapid cycling, low response times and good fluid tolerance are required.

The hydraulic cylinder Division of Parker Hannifin has launched its latest range of bladder accumulators for regulating the performance of hydraulics systems in industrial and mobile applications. Called the BAE Series, these accumulators can be used for maintaining constant hydraulic pressure, absorbing hydraulic shocks, supplementing pumping capacity or making energy reserves available in emergencies. Furthermore, the latest bladder accumulators are particularly suitable for applications where rapid cycling, low response times and good fluid tolerance are required.

BAE accumulators use a flexible bladder housed within a durable steel shell made from seamless chrome-molybdenum alloy steel with forged ends.

An opening in the end of the bladder is attached to a gas precharging valve mounted on the top of the accumulator shell.

The bladder is charged with a dry inert gas, such as nitrogen, to a set precharge pressure determined by system requirements.

At the base of the shell, a fluid port is connected to the hydraulic system and, as the system pressure fluctuates, the pressurised bladder expands and contracts discharging fluid from, or allowing fluid into, the accumulator shell.

To protect the bladder from damage, a poppet valve, normally held open by spring pressure, regulates the fluid flow through the hydraulic port and prevents extrusion of the bladder into the port in the event of system pressure loss.

The standard BAE accumulator shell is suitable for use at operating temperatures down to -40C.

The absence of dynamic sealing surfaces gives these bladder accumulators exceptionally fast response times, vital in high cycling applications, and makes them tolerant to contamination and particularly suitable for low-lubricity fluids.

In addition, the accumulators retain their high performance under a wide range of operating conditions, as their bladders are specially formulated for low permeability.

The BAE Series accumulators are supplied as standard for use with hydraulic mineral oil, but alternative models are also available for use with other media, including bio-degradable hydraulic fluids, nonflammable liquids and emulsions.

For maximum flexibility, the bladders are available as either top or bottom repairable units.

The fluid ports are constructed from high-strength alloy steel, for maximum durability, with BSPP ports fitted as standard, while other port styles, such as ISO6149 and SAE ports, are also available.

Standard BAE Series accumulators are designed for operation at pressures up to 330 bar, with higher pressure models also being available.

Flow rates range from a maximum of 240 litre/min for the 1 litre BAE01 accumulator up to 900 litre/min for the 50 litre BAE50 accumulator.