Series 111 Accumulators
Maintenance
17
Purging Fluid from the Gas Chamber
When you should
perform this
procedure
Piston-type accumulators may collect hydraulic fluid in the gas chamber,
which then reduces the gas volume of the accumulator. The fluid should
be purged from the gas side if a pressure check procedure shows one or
more of the following:
•
A consistent trend of pressure being higher than expected.
•
Precharging requires smaller volumes of gas than expected to obtain a
desired pressure level.
•
Fluid is expelled from a gas valve during gas venting.
Venting pressurized gasses can generate loud noises and freezing
temperatures.
Transferring gasses from high to low pressure containers creates freezing
temperatures.
Do not work with pressurized gasses without wearing protective clothing. Wear
heavy gloves, safety glasses, and ear plugs when working with pressurized gases
Procedure
Complete the following steps to purge the fluid from the gas chamber. See
1. If the valve stem of the accumulator is facing down, go directly to
step 2.
If the valve stem of the accumulator is facing up or the accumulator is
on its side, remove the accumulator as described in
on page 18 and turn it so the valve stem is facing down.
2. Remove the accumulator valve protective cover and the valve stem
cap. Securely position the accumulator with the gas valve down.
3. Place a suitable container under the valve stem to capture any
expelled fluid. Use an open-end wrench and open the locknut on the
accumulator valve assembly two or three full turns. Allow gas
pressure to reduce to zero and hydraulic fluid to expel.
4. Replace the accumulator as described in
precharge the accumulator as described in
CAUTION
