Statutory Instrument No 2169
The Pressure Systems and Transportable Gas Containers Regulations 1989


The Essential Requirements

The Principle of the Regulations

To Prevent the uncontrolled release of stored pressure energy.
  • Manufacturer's serial number
  • Date of Manufacturer
  • Design standard applicable
  • Maximum Working Pressure
  • Test Pressure
  • Temperature Range
  • Capacity in Litres
  • Weight
Inspection on receipt:

  • No damage has occurred during transit
  • Model No. is as ordered
  • An accumulator should not be marked on the parallel sides, as this is the weakest part of a cylinder.
  • It is vital before installation that the correct level of nitrogen pre-charge is placed in the accumulator, which should be specified at the time of ordering.
Installation

Bladder accumulators perform at their most efficient in a vertical position (with the fluid port at the bottom). However attitudes down to the horizontal are possible in certain accumulators. The reason for this is the effect of gravity; the oil settles in the bottom of the accumulator and the gas filled bladder rides up over the top, reducing the effectiveness, and in some cases locking a certain volume of fluid in the accumulator.

The accumulator should be mounted such that the amount of movement possible by the pipes attached to the accumulator is at a minimum to prevent the pipes from rupturing. The best way to fix the accumulator is using the clamps and brackets detailed in the spares section given with the description of the accumulator.

Under no circumstances should an accumulator be mounted by welding on to the shell.

Post Installation

After initial installation or following repairs the gas pressure should be tested within the first week. Thereafter a six-monthly check should be sufficient.

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