Which accumulator is described as consisting of a cylindrical body with an internal piston and usually nitrogen as the gas load?

Which accumulator is described as consisting of a cylindrical body with an internal piston and usually nitrogen as the gas load?

• A. Piston-type
• B. Bladder-type
• C. Direct contact-type
• D. Diaphragm type

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that a piston-type accumulator stores hydraulic energy by compressing a gas behind a movable piston inside a cylindrical housing. One side of the piston holds hydraulic fluid, the other holds a gas charge, typically nitrogen, which provides the compressible energy source. As system pressure rises, the piston moves to compress the gas; when demand exceeds pump flow, the gas expands and pushes fluid back into the system, smoothing pressure and delivering energy when needed. This setup is distinct from bladder- or diaphragm-type accumulators, which use flexible membranes to separate gas from fluid, and from direct contact-type designs that lack a separating piston. Hence, the described device is a piston-type accumulator.