Red Seal Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) Practice Exam

What is a hydraulic accumulator used for?

1. To increase flow rate

2. To store hydraulic fluid under pressure

3. To filter contaminants from fluid

4. To cool down the hydraulic fluid

The correct answer is: To store hydraulic fluid under pressure

A hydraulic accumulator is designed primarily to store hydraulic fluid under pressure, which allows it to fulfill several roles in a hydraulic system. The accumulator collects hydraulic fluid and maintains it at a specific pressure level, ready to be released back into the system when needed. This capability serves multiple purposes, such as compensating for fluctuations in system pressure, providing additional hydraulic fluid during peak demands, and assisting with energy storage and release, which can improve the efficiency and responsiveness of the hydraulic system. By storing energy in the form of hydraulic fluid, the accumulator can smooth out pulsations in the system, maintain pressure during brief surges in demand, and help improve the overall stability of the hydraulic circuit. This functionality directly supports the design and operation of complex machinery and equipment, making it a critical component for many industrial applications. The other options, while they relate to hydraulic systems, do not accurately define the role of an accumulator. Increasing flow rate typically requires different components such as pumps or control valves, filtering contaminants is the purpose of a hydraulic filter, and cooling hydraulic fluid usually involves heat exchangers or coolers rather than accumulators.