Repairable Diaphragm Accumulators

Type-AM
Filters . Accumulators
an ISO 9001 Company

EPE Accumulators are widely used

in Hydraulic Systems for following
applications :

 Fluid Power Storage

 Counter Balance
 Pulsation Damper
 Hydraulic Semi-Shock Damper
 Emergency Energy Reserve
 Shock Absorber
 Volume Compensator
Technical Features
 Hydraulic Spring Design : Screwed Shell, Repairable
 Pressure Compensator Max. Working pressure : 210 Bar.
Test pressure : 1.43 times Max. Working Pressure
 Fluid Separator Temperature range : -10° C to +80° C
Allowable pre. Ratio (P2/P0): 6:1
Nominal capacity : 0.1 to 2.5 Ltrs.
Material of Construction
Body : Carbon Steel / Stainless Steel
Diaphragm : Nitrile / Viton / EPDM
Connections - Gas Side : 5/8” UNF (M)
Fluid Side : M18 x 1.5 (F)

AM 0.75 P 210 C M 0 -

M 0 -

R 8

F
S
An ISO 9001 Company
Techni Towers
C-54/A, A.P.I.E., Balanagar (1) To be specified in full besides the code.
Hyderabad -500 037. A.P.,India.
Tel. Nos. : 23778803/23778804/23871445
Fax Nos. : 040-23871447.
Internet : www.epe-india.com
E-mail : business@epe-india.com Note : Technical specifications are subject to change. Catalogue Ref. : EPE/DTA-R/001

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 General
GAS FILL VALVE

ACCUMULATOR SHELL

DIAPHRAGM

STEEL / PLASTIC BUTTON

FLUID PORT

Definition and Operation - (Refer Fig.A)

A hydro-pneumatic accumulator is a device used specifically for storage of liquid under pressure. As liquids, for all practical
purposes, are incompressible, this objective is achieved by utilising the compressibility of gases.

 A flexible rubber separator i.e., a diaphragm is fitted into the accumulator shell.
 An inert gas - nitrogen - is filled into the diaphragm through a pressure valve to a pressure P0. The diaphragm expands, filling the
entire volume V0 of the accumulator shell.
 When the system (circuit) pressure P1 is higher than the gas precharge pressure P0, the hydraulic liquid enters the accumulator
shell and the diaphragm is compressed reducing the gas volume to V1.
 Should the liquid pressure rise to P2, the volume of gas reduces to V2 with an attendant rise in the pressure, thus balancing the
Liquid pressure.

A potential energy is now created in the accumulator to be utilised whenever needed.

Construction - (Refer Fig.B)

 An accumulator shell is a combination of forged and machined components specifically designed for leak proof assembly.
 Diaphragm is a flexible rubber component separating hydraulic fluid and nitrogen.
 Fluid Port connects the accumulator to the hydraulic system.
 Gas Fill Valve is a non-return valve provided on the accumulator for inflating the diaphragm in the accumulator with the help of
a Pre-loading and Checking Set.

Accumulator Selection

 While choosing the most suitable accumulator size, following aspects should be considered.
 Maximum operating pressure of the system should be lower than maximum working pressure of the accumulator indicated in
the catalogue or on the product name-plate.
 Pressure ratio P2/P0 should be less than 6.
 The material of the body and diaphragm should be compatible with the fluid used and with the operating temperature.

EPE Diaphragm Accumulators are charged with nitrogen before shipment, unless otherwise specified in the order, at a pressure of

 10 bar for despatch within India

 Nil for exports

2
 FIG 1 FIG 2 FIG 3

ØD ØD ØD
A/F 18 5/8” UNF
5/8” UNF
5/8” UNF
A/F 18 A/F 18

22
22
22

A
A

A
G
G
C
C ØB G
C
ØB
ØB

Dimensions

Max. Work Gas Volume Dry Weight Fluid Port Connection G

Type Fig. A B C (A/F) D
Pre. (bar) (Liters) (kgs) Standard On request
AM-0.1 0.1 1.7 127 74 77
1 1/2" BSP(F)
AM-0.35 0.32 2.5 150 91 99
36
AM-0.5 0.48 3.72 169 94 116
2
AM-0.75 0.72 6.17 201 116
210 M18 x 1.5 (F)
AM-1 0.9 9.3 1/2" BSP(F) - 259
AM-1.5 1.4 10.4 3/4" BSP(F) 299 136
3 120 40
AM-2 1.9 12.25 364
AM-2.5 2.4 14.55 454

Checking & Charging

Pre-Loading & Checking Set type-PC is to be used for checking /
charging of repairable Diaphragm Accumulators. When charging, the
nitrogen bottles must be capable of delivering pressure higher than the
desired accumulator gas pressure.

Use dry industrial nitrogen. NEVER USE OXYGEN OR AIR.

Proceed as follows:
 Fit the suitable pre-charging equipment to the gas valve;
 Connect it to the nitrogen cylinder with the charging hose;
 Slowly introduce nitrogen into the accumulator until reaching a
pressure slightly above the required level;
 Close the valve of nitrogen cylinder and disconnect the charging hose
from the equipment;
 Wait for the gas temperature stabilization;

A PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE MUST BE INSTALLED BETWEEN THE NITROGEN GAS CYLINDER AND
THE ACCUMULATOR WHEN THE GAS CYLINDER PRESSURE IS HIGHER THAN MAX PERMISSIBLE
PRESSURE OF ACCUMULATOR.

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 Installation & Maintenance

General
The EPE diaphragm accumulator is designed, manufactured and tested in accordance with current standards.
The maximum working pressure, model, precharge pressure, serial number & year of manufacture are
marked on the accumulator shell, besides the manufacturers mark and legal conformity stamp (if required).
Instructions
 Do not machine or weld the accumulator body.
 The precharge gas must be nitrogen unless otherwise agreed between the manufacturer and the user.
 Do not use liquids incompatible with the material of construction.
 For system and personnel safety, ensure that all the necessary precautions required for pressure vessels
are taken.
Preliminary checking
On receipt of an accumulator, check to ascertain that
 the accumulator is not damaged in transit.
 the identification code is as per the order.

Before installation, it is essential to check that

 the working pressure marked on the accumulator shell is higher than the maximum operating pressure of
the system and
 the accumulator is precharged to the required pressure.

Installation
An accumulator may be installed in any position. However, the vertical position (fluid port down) is
preferred.
 Leave sufficient space to allow use of the precharging equipment.
 Leave the markings clearly visible.
 Ensure space for easy removal of accumulator from system.

Connection to the fluid port requires

 An isolation and unloading valve.
 A relief valve.
 A pressure gauge connection.
This can easily be obtained by using safety blocks as per EPE Model B10 and B20.
Mounting: There must be no additional forces or moments acting on the accumulator other than those due to
the fluid power system. The accumulator mountings (brackets, clamps etc.) must ensure that the mechanical
movements and vibrations are safely absorbed so that liquid and gas connections do not become additionally
loaded.
No machining or welding should be carried out on the accumulator for the purpose of mounting.
Putting into service
Before the system is pressurised, check that
 The precharged gas is at required pressure.
 The setting of the safety or relief valve is lower than the max. working pressure of the accumulator and
 Air is vented from the piping.

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 Installation & Maintenance

Periodic Checks
The accumulator should be checked to ensure that the gas
precharge has not reduced.
Before checking, the accumulator must be isolated from the
system and the fluid removed.
An initial check is required during the first week of installation.
A
A second check should be carried out approximately 3 months
later and subsequent checks after every 3 to 6 months.
B

D Maintenance

General
Before removing the accumulator for servicing, isolate it from
hydraulic circuit and reduce pressure to zero by exhausting the
fluid from the accumulator to reservoir.

Repair
C
Repair work can involve replacing the diaphragm, seals or gas fill
valve. For safety and functionality, use only parts supplied or
recommended by EPE. Before any repair work is undertaken
both the liquid and the gas chamber have to be depressurized.

Disassembly
 Firmly fasten the lower part of the accumulator in a vice.
 Remove the gas fill valve (A) (after depressurizing the
accumulator completely).
 Unscrew the top cover (B) using a band or chain pipe wrench
or spanner.
 Extract the diaphragm (C) along with seals (D).

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 Installation & Maintenance

Spare Parts Reassembly

After careful cleaning, replace all damaged components. Wet the outer

AM 0.1 & AM 0.35 surface of the diaphragm and seals with the operating liquid.
Reassemble the top cover and tighten it firmly .
1. Gas Fill Valve

Precharge
Carry out precharging using EPE pre-loading and checking equipment,

2. Diaphragm Type - PC. Only dry industrial nitrogen should be used.

Follow procedure as explained in “Checking & Charging” on page-3 .

Mounting Instructions
The accumulators should be properly fitted / clamped on the system.
AM 0.5 & AM 0.75 Clamping should not cause the shell or the accumulator connection to
1. Gas Fill Valve
be stressed due to over tightening. It is necessary, especially with larger
capacities / lengths, horizontal mounting or with heavy units, to use
2. Sealing Elements
fasteners (clamps, brackets etc) that support the accumulator and
3. Diaphragm
prevent dangerous vibrations.
To achieve a high degree of efficiency, the accumulator should be fitted
as close as possible to the installation it serves. The space necessary for
charging & gauging kit is atleast 150mm above the gas fill valve.

AM 1 to AM 2.5
Position
1. Gas Fill It is suggested that the accumulators are installed vertically with gas
Valve
side on top. The manufacturers name plate stating the initial pressure

2. Sealing must be visible. Moreover access to the vent screw, if any, must be kept
Elements
unobstructed.

3. Diaphragm The mounting must be such that, should a rupture occur on the pipe
system at the liquid connection, or should the gas fill valve break, the
accumulator cannot be pulled from its mounting by the forces
2. Sealing
Elements involved. No welding or other mechanical process must be carried out
on the accumulator shell for the purpose of attaching fasteners.

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Welded Diaphragm type Accumulators
Technical Features
Design : Welded Shell, Non-repairable
Max. Working pressure : 40 - 350 Bar.
Test pressure : 1.43 times Max. Working Pressure
Temperature range : -10° C to +80° C
Allowable pre. Ratio (P2/P0): 8:1 (4:1 for AMW-2.8)
Nominal capacity : 0.075 to 5 Ltrs.
MOC - Body : Carbon Steel-Welded
Diaphragm : Nitrile / Epichloridrin (ECO)
Connections - Gas Side : M28x1,5 (M) OR Dia 8
Fluid Side : Female Threaded - 1/2”, 3/4” OR
With external and internal threads.

Only For
Capacity - Upto 1.4 Ltrs.
Pressure - Upto 250 bar

Dimensions
M odel A MW -0.07 A MW -0.1 6 AM W -0.3 2 A MW -0.32 A M W -0.5 AM W -0.7 5 A MW -0.75 A MW -0.7 5 AM W -0.7 5 AM W -1.0
Capacity (ltrs) 0.0 75 0.1 6 0.3 2 0.32 0.5 0.7 5 0.75 0.7 5 0.7 5 1.0
M W P (bar) 250 250 210 250 160 160 210 250 350 210
W eight (kgs) 0.62 1.0 1.4 1.7 1.6 2.6 2.6 3.7 4.6 3.5
Figure A A A A A A A A B A
H eight A 91 99.5 114 120 127 143.5 144 150.5 169 158
D iam eter D Ø64 Ø 75 Ø 92.5 Ø95 Ø103 Ø121 Ø121.5 Ø127 Ø 132.5 Ø 136
Standard Conn E1 C1 C1 C1 C2 E2 C2 C2 C4 C2
M odel AM W -1.4 A M W -1.4 A MW -1.4 AM W -2.0 A M W -2.0 A MW -2.0 AM W -2.8 A M W -3.5 A MW -3.5 AM W -5.0
Capacity (ltrs) 1.4 1.4 1.4 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.8 3.5 3.5 5.0
M W P (bar) 140 250 350 100 250 350 350 250 350 40
W eight (kgs) 4.2 6.0 7.5 3.5 7.5 11.5 14.5 13.5 16.5 9.0
Figure A A B A A B B A B A
H eight A 169 176 200 218 229 220 265 286 305 247
D iam eter D Ø 147 Ø155 Ø160 Ø144.3 Ø155 Ø180 Ø 180 Ø174 Ø180 Ø 213
Standard Conn E6 C2 C4 E3 C3 C5 C5 C3 C5 E4

Note :
 Charging of welded Accumulators is undertaken using pre-loading & Checking Set Type-PCM.
 For further details / connections please refer the catalogue “Welded Diaphragm Accumulators, Type - AMW”.

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an ISO 9001 Company Bladder type Accumulators
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Piston type Accumulators

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Safety cum Shut-Off Blocks

Type-B/BS

An ISO 9001 Company

Techni Towers
C-54/A, A.P.I.E., Balanagar
Hyderabad -500 037. A.P.,India.
Tel. Nos. : 23778803/23778804/23871445
Fax Nos. : 040-23871447.
Internet : www.epe-india.com
Catalogue Ref. : EPE/DTA-R/09-10/001
E-mail : business@epe-india.com
8