Parker hannifin`s hydraulic accumulator division offers integrated accumulator manifold [iam] to replace diaphragm accumulators in pilot circuit applications. To save space and reduce gas permeation beyond traditional diaphragm/manifold designs, the new integrated accumulator manifold design integrates a piston-type accumulator directly into an aluminum manifold, making the manifold itself an accumulator. This approach effectively incorporates the accumulator, pilot circuit and switching valve circuit into a single compact fully-integrated unit. The integrated accumulator manifold design can accommodate up to 1000 psi [69 bar] operating pressure and features up to a 20 cubic inch [328 cm³] displacement. It is for use on front-end loaders, backhoes, skid steers, aerial and man lifts. In this type of equipment, hydraulic accumulators are used to provide emergency power to pilot the directional control valve in the event of an engine failure that suspends a load in the air. Traditionally, these accumulators consist of a rubber diaphragm accumulator, usually about 4 inches [10 cm] in diameter, attached to an aluminum manifold of about the same size. The design cuts the size of this critical component almost in half by making the manifold itself into an accumulator. A chamber within the manifold houses a piston, which separates the pressurized gas from the stored hydraulic fluid. Should there be an engine failure, energy in the form of pressurized fluid is discharged into the system and used to pilot the directional control valve.
