Is Accumulator Required?

[2Biz]

I have a 4 bay SS Mark VII pump station. I noticed today that one of the Accumulators is starting to drip. Problem is, only two of my regulators have an accumulator attached. The other two regulators have about a two foot long "Capped" hi-pressure hose attached to the same place where the accumulator should go.

So my question, is the accumulator absolutely required, or is the 2 foot long "Capped" Hi-Pressure hose actually doing the same thing? Accumulators are not cheap and this current configuration has ran this way for years without any pump damage.

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[I.B. Washincars]

Neither the hose or the accumulator is needed. Most of mine have been removed over the years and I can't tell any difference. Pull it off and cap the fitting, no one but us will ever know.

Don't attempt to take the accumulator apart! IIRC, when I went to the Mark VII school about 20 years ago they told us these were charged with nitrogen and could explode. That is why it is installed pointing down toward the floor.

 

[2Biz]

I had read where these accumulators were charged with nitrogen to 800 psi and needed recharged every 6 months or so. I'm sure the two I have left haven't been replaced or serviced since they were put in new with the pump station. And who knows how long ago that has been.

BTW...I found this:

Accumulators are designed to extend the life of your pressure washer pump by reducing the pulsations that arise in the incoming water supply. The nitrogen filled accumulators absorb the "shock" of low pressure instead of your pumps pistons, valves and packing.

I guess I'm wondering why accumulators arn't needed any more? Or were they even needed in the first place?


Thanks for the help.

 

[MEP001]

A good accumulator shouldn't have to be recharged. I've seen Giant and Cat accumulators that are 20 years old and still working.

Accumulators are designed to extend the life of your pressure washer pump by reducing the pulsations that arise in the incoming water supply. The nitrogen filled accumulators absorb the "shock" of low pressure instead of your pumps pistons, valves and packing.

I would suspect if the hose is solid or steel-braided throughout that it might help, but since most of the washes I've seen use thermoplastic that gives, the accumulator is unnecessary from a pump wear standpoint. About the only thing they do on a typical self-serve application is make less noise in the bay.

 

[Greg]

2Biz,
I agree with I.B. and MEP, from a pump wear standpoint an accumulator is not necessary when used with a triplex pump, nor will you notice any difference. If a dampener is 20yrs old and appears to be working, it likely isn't doing anything anyway....its just there.

I see what you read about accumulators, it could pertain to a different market or pump type since the article refers to "incoming water supply" rather than pump discharge water.
Some pump types by design, such as a double acting simplex, twin piston, etc. will produce more pulsation. Triplex pumps are pretty smooth in comparison.

Your pump discharge hose will absorb small pulses. If you use pipe or extreme reinforced discharge hose, then do the pulse hose.
I think to that accumulators can "shadow" potential system issues. Unfortunately many old timers purchased new dampeners when a pump started to run rough.....only to find out later that the pump seals or cups were worn, trash was stuck in a pump valve, pump cavitating, etc.

Save your accumulator money and use it towards other maintenance items... or treat yourself!

Greg Thoennes
Sales & Tech Support
Arimitsu Pumps

 

[2Biz]

Thanks guys for the help. Its appreciated. I have 2 HP hoses made up and ready to install as soon as my weep can take a rest!

When will this winter ever end?!?!?!?!

 

[Randy]

I shut down my Weep system 2 weeks ago for winter season

 

[MEP001]

I think to that accumulators can "shadow" potential system issues. Unfortunately many old timers purchased new dampeners when a pump started to run rough.....only to find out later that the pump seals or cups were worn, trash was stuck in a pump valve, pump cavitating, etc.

This is so true. I can't tell you how many times someone has called me and said "My pump was pulsating, so I replaced the pulse dampener and it didn't help."

 

[2Biz]

I shut down my Weep system 2 weeks ago for winter season

Lucky you!!!!

After last night, I don't thinks its supposed to hit freezing again for awhile. They predicted above freezing temps for all this week. Its hit the 20's every night so far.