Nitrogen Under Pressure... Accumulators (Full Version)

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Via Lite -> Nitrogen Under Pressure... Accumulators (8/2/2006 11:09:14 PM)

juiced cars have been using accumulators to smooth their rides for years...

back to basics, it is my understanding that accumulators are units that allow oil from the hydrolic system to flow into it.  the accumulator has a bladder separating the oil from pressurized nitrogen.

when then hydrolic strut tries to compress from impact/driving the oil has no where to go, except to raise its pressure.  the accumulator's bladder flexes as the nitrogen gas compresses.  This provides some "give" in the hydrolic system.

a question to the expereinced...

why couldn't an accumulator like this work on an air suspension system?  obviously the pressure of the nitrogen would need to be lower on an air system versus an hydrolic system.  an air suspension system varies from say 30psi to 180 psi when inflated.  our hydrolic systems push much higher numbers.

we are dealing with two very different elements.  oil vs air.  would one contract or expand sooner than the other?  is the accumulator's bladder  capable of flexing if air pressure increases?

overall, what is the safety of running 350psi of nitrogen charged in a bombshell like unit?  if there are safety concerns, how do they differ with oil on one side of the bladder, instead of air?

lots of questions.  please chime in.

thanks in advance!




volv_lo -> RE: Nitrogen Under Pressure... Accumulators (8/3/2006 9:38:01 AM)

I run on average 600psi in my car.  I found it gives me the perfect response time and a decent (a little hard) ride.  Not sure why any one would want to use accumulators with an air set-up?

BTW, most units can handle 3,000psi.  Just check the rating first.





Via Lite -> RE: Nitrogen Under Pressure... Accumulators (8/3/2006 2:51:09 PM)

thanks for the quick reply!

quote:

ORIGINAL: volv_lo
I run on average 600psi in my car.  I found it gives me the perfect response time and a decent (a little hard) ride.


so you like your accumulator's nitrogen charged at 600psi.  what variance of psi does your hydrolic system run?

im trying to gauge how much to charge the nitrogen for a system that will reach a max of 200psi.  i need the bladder to move, at much lower pressures.



quote:

ORIGINAL: volv_lo
Not sure why any one would want to use accumulators with an air set-up?


ive chosen to use air cylinders.  id like to use an accumulator with air to "dampen" the cylinder.

you will ask, why use a cylinder since air struts are so readily available and cheap now.

ive chosen the cylinder for the following reasons...

1) smaller mounted OD than bellowed bag
2) air cylinder provides higher load capacity than a sleeved bag, since bellows wont fit
3) cylinder is available with a 3/8" fitting, where air struts are almost always 1/4"
4) cylinder has larger range of motion, this means i can run a taller kit on my unibody car, and get the obstacle clearance i need to keep the vehicle practical
5) cost

with that said, will an accumulator work in an air setup?



volv_lo -> RE: Nitrogen Under Pressure... Accumulators (8/8/2006 2:28:24 PM)

For the amount of work, you might as well just run hydraulics.  More play time, soft ride with accumulators, more travel, less cost.

I carry a small bottle opf nitrogen with me on long trips.  Drop it to 300psi for the trip, then back up to 600psi to play.

[;)]





volv_lo -> RE: Nitrogen Under Pressure... Accumulators (8/8/2006 2:29:44 PM)

actually, you could run two sets of accumulators with a directional control valve.  Point to one set at 300psi and the other at 600psi for playing..



volv_lo -> RE: Nitrogen Under Pressure... Accumulators (8/9/2006 11:47:31 AM)

[image]http://www.geocities.com/highgravityproductions/2accums.jpg[/image]



GTPhelps -> RE: Nitrogen Under Pressure... Accumulators (8/15/2006 10:12:38 AM)

what psi are you running on your cylinders? And are you not running shocks?



volv_lo -> RE: Nitrogen Under Pressure... Accumulators (8/16/2006 8:15:05 AM)

ME??

Do you mean my accums??  600 psi or do you mean hydraulic PSI approx. 3000psi not counting pressure spikes.

yes I'm using shocks.  Some people think accumulators replace shocks.  NOT TRUE, accumulators are in place of your springs.  Shocks are a must for a daily...



quote:

ORIGINAL: GTPhelps

what psi are you running on your cylinders? And are you not running shocks?



GTPhelps -> RE: Nitrogen Under Pressure... Accumulators (8/25/2006 5:05:27 PM)

not you I meant via lite



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