Frequently asked questions:
1. What is a Bladder Accumulator?
A bladder accumulator is a hydro pneumatic energy storage device consisting of a welded or forged steel pressure vessel, an internal elastomer bladder that separates gas (nitrogen) from fluid, and is equipped with dedicated gas charge and fluid ports.
2. What is a Bladder Accumulator used for?
In a hydraulic system, a bladder accumulator:
- Stores energy to support peak flow, reducing the need for oversized pumps
- Maintains system pressure and compensates for leakage across the circuit
- Absorbs shocks and pressure spikes (“water hammer”), protecting hoses, valves, and other components
- Damps pump pulsation and smooths flow fluctuations for quieter, stable operation
- Supports emergency safety functions, providing limited hydraulic power if the main pump supply fails
3. Why is PED Certification Critical?
The Pressure Equipment Directive (PED 2014/68/EU) is the mandatory legal standard for pressure equipment sold within the European Economic Area. Compliance entails:
- Verifying vessel design and manufacturing integrity, preventing catastrophic failure under high pressure
- Mandating legal compliance for the European market, permitting the required CE marking for installation (South African compliance equivalent: SANS347)
- Enforcing strict quality control and material traceability, ensuring consistent performance and safety
- Validating safety due diligence, mitigating liability risks and satisfying industrial insurance requirements
4. How does a Bladder Accumulator work?
Bladder accumulators work in the following way:
- The bladder is pre-charged with dry nitrogen (N₂)
- As system pressure rises, hydraulic fluid enters the accumulator and compresses the nitrogen, storing energy
- When pressure drops or flow demand spikes, the compressed nitrogen expands, pushing stored fluid back into the circuit to maintain pressure and smooth operation
5. Bladder Accumulator Applications
- Optimises Hydraulic Power Units (HPUs) by supplying peak flow and stabilising output pressure
- Enhances machine tools and industrial hydraulics, ensuring rapid response times and consistent clamping force
- Protects mobile and construction hydraulics from load spikes and road shocks during operation
- Suppresses hydraulic shock on cylinders, valve blocks, and manifolds to prevent mechanical damage
- Damps fluid pulsation near hydraulic pumps, significantly reducing system noise and vibration
- Sustains holding pressure in maintenance and leakage compensation circuits without continuous pump operation
- Powers emergency actuation and reserve energy circuits to ensure safety if the primary supply fails
6. Bladder Accumulators are best suited for the following sectors
Bladder accumulators deliver critical energy storage and protection for heavy machinery across demanding industrial sectors. These applications include:
- Mining, Open cast and Underground
- Industrial/ Manufacturing
- Pulp and Paper
- Agriculture
- Food and Beverage
- Marine
- Oil and Gas
- Power Generation
- Automotive
- Construction
- Aerospace
