Piston Accumulator Magnetic Particle Separation for Seal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic accumulators, particularly piston accumulators, are prone to failure due to metallic particulate contamination, which can damage sealing systems and other components, especially when filter devices reach their throughput limits.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a magnetic-field-generating device in the accumulator housing to separate and collect magnetisable particles, such as metallic particles, from the fluid flow before they reach the sealing system, using a magnetic plug or solenoid that can be replaced or cleaned during maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filter devices are used to clean particulate contamination from hydraulic oil, then the hydraulic system is protected from contamination, but the filter elements have limited throughput capacity and cannot handle very high flow rates and corresponding high fluid pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the contamination removal function into two segments: a filter device for general particulate removal and a magnetic-field-generating device for metallic particle removal. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the system to handle high flow rates while maintaining effective contamination protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic-field-generating device acts as an intermediary component that specifically targets metallic particles before they reach the filter device. By introducing this intermediate magnetic separation stage, the system can process high flow rates without overwhelming the filter elements, as the magnetic device pre-removes ferromagnetic contaminants.
2Productivity
If piston accumulators are used in hydraulic systems, then they can receive and return pressurized liquid, but metallic particulate contamination can pass into the sealing system and cause failure
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic-field-generating device is positioned to perform preliminary action by removing metallic particles from the hydraulic oil before the fluid reaches the piston accumulator's sealing system. This preliminary magnetic separation prevents contamination from entering the sealing areas, protecting the accumulator's reliability while maintaining full hydraulic operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful metallic particles into a beneficial separation process. By using the magnetic field to attract and collect metallic contaminants, the system transforms what would be destructive contamination into a manageable collection that can be periodically removed, thereby protecting the sealing system while allowing continuous operation.
3Reliability
If filter elements are used to clean hydraulic oil, then particulate contamination is removed, but contaminated particles can still pass to the clean side and cause damage to accumulator components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces part of the mechanical filtration system with a magnetic field-based separation system. The magnetic-field-generating device uses magnetic forces instead of mechanical filtering to capture metallic particles, providing an additional layer of protection that prevents contaminated particles from passing through the filter element to the clean side of the accumulator.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Prevents damage to the sealing system and extends the lifespan of hydraulic components by effectively removing metallic particles, ensuring reliable operation even under high fluid pressures and flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic-field-generating device is received in a part of the accumulator housing that comprises the fluid port in such a way that magnetisable particles can be separated, in a cleaning manner, from the respective fluid located between the part of the accumulator housing and the separating element in the direction of the magnetic-field-generating device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a hydraulic accumulator, in particular in the form of a piston accumulator, comprising a separation element (10), which is arranged in an accumulator housing (14) and separates two fluid chambers (16, 18) in a fluid-tight manner, in particular a closed-off storage chamber (20) containing a working gas, from a liquid chamber (22) containing an operating liquid, such as hydraulic oil, a fluid connection (24) being connected in a fluid-conducting manner to one of the fluid chambers (18), characterised in that a magnetic-field-generating device (42) is received in a part of the accumulator housing (14) which comprises the fluid connection (24), in such a way that magnetisable particles can be separated, in a cleaning manner, from the fluid located between the part of the storage housing (14) and the separation element (10) and deposited in the direction of the magnetic-field-generating device (42), on the latter.