FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

The accumulator is filled with nitrogen gas by our company Field Engineer. However, if you purchase the gas charging assembly (Options), you can work on it yourself (You need nitrogen gas separately.). For details of the operation, refer to the Minilator Instruction Manual or contact a Shimadzu sales or service representative.

 

WARNING:

• If the equipment is to be used again after a long period of inactivity, do not apply sudden hydraulic pressure at startup.

  If the equipment is not used for a long period of time, the bladder may adhere to the casing and may be damaged if hydraulic pressure is applied suddenly. When you use it again, do not apply oil pressure suddenly. If you apply pressure little by little, it will be hard to break. You can avoid this trouble by removing the nitrogen gas if you do not plan to use the device for a long time. In that case, refill nitrogen gas before use.

• Ensure that the oil pressure is zero during maintenance and inspection of the accumulator.
  If oil pressure remains, oil may spout, or in the worst case, the accumulator may jump at high speed, which is very dangerous. Be sure to install the accumulator cover after work.

• When charging with nitrogen gas, first check that there is no rupture of the bladder inside the accumulator.
  If the bladder is broken, nitrogen gas may flow through the hydraulic piping into the Hydraulic Power Supply tank, causing the oil in the tank to spew out. Follow the steps below to verify that the bladder is not torn.

  1) Open the charging assembly adjustment handle slightly, and slowly feed nitrogen gas. If the pressure of the pressure gauge increases as the gas is sent, the bladder is normal.
  2) If the pressure does not increase even if nitrogen gas is supplied, the bladder may be torn. Check for air leakage from the air breather of the Hydraulic Power Supply. If air is leaking, the bladder is broken, so the accumulator needs to be replaced.

 

NOTE: The below shows the charging pressure of nitrogen gas.

• High pressure side (supply side), Circuit pressure: Max.21MPa, Nitrogen gas charging pressure: Approx. 11MPa

• Low pressure side (return side), Circuit pressure: Max.0.5MPa, Nitrogen gas charging pressure: Approx. 0.1MPa