Hydraulic accumulators are essential components for the safety and efficiency of hydraulic systems. Their function is to store energy in the form of pressurised fluid and then release it when needed, thus ensuring the continuity and stability of the system. Various types of accumulators are available on the market, but the most common are diaphragm and bladder models. In this article we look in detail at the main differences between these two models and which one to choose according to your needs.

What hydraulic accumulators are

Hydraulic accumulators serve to:

• Assorbire le variazioni di pressione: they prevent peaks that could damage the system.
• Compensare le perdite di fluido: they keep the system pressure stable.
• Fornire energia supplementare: they help sustain periods of intense work or sudden demand peaks.

They are therefore indispensable for increasing the durability of systems and improving overall performance.

Diaphragm accumulators: features and benefits

Diaphragm hydraulic accumulators consist of a metal shell containing an elastic diaphragm that separates the hydraulic fluid from the gas, typically nitrogen. These accumulators are particularly suitable for:

• Applicazioni con pressioni elevate.
• Situazioni in cui sono richieste dimensioni compatte.
• Sistemi dove la rapidità di risposta è fondamentale.

The main advantages include resistance to high pressures, long life and the ability to maintain constant performance even after many cycles of use.

Bladder accumulators: features and benefits

Bladder hydraulic accumulators are similar to diaphragm ones but, instead of a fixed diaphragm, they use a flexible internal bladder that separates the gas from the fluid. This solution is ideal for:

• Applicazioni con grandi volumi di olio.
• Sistemi che operano a pressioni più moderate.
• Impianti che richiedono facilità di manutenzione.

The advantages include a generally lower cost, the possibility of replacing the internal bladder without changing the whole accumulator, and a good ability to absorb pulsations.

How to choose between diaphragm and bladder accumulators

The choice between a diaphragm and a bladder accumulator depends mainly on:

• Pressione di lavoro.
• Volume di fluido richiesto.
• Spazio disponibile per l’installazione.
• Necessità di manutenzione e facilità di intervento.

Eurofor provides expert technical advice to help you select the most suitable accumulator for your application. We supply Emmegi products as well as compatible alternatives designed to integrate with existing systems.

Are you looking for hydraulic accumulators? Contact us now.

At Eurofor srl we specialise in the sale and technical consulting of diaphragm and bladder hydraulic accumulators. We have been active in the hydraulic sector since 1999 and offer only high-quality products and complete assistance. Contact us through our website or come and visit us at our premises in Rovato (Brescia) to receive information and a free quote right away.