Reservoir (Tanks) And Accessories

Hydraulic reservoirs store the fluid necessary for the operation of hydraulic systems. Understanding the types available and how to specify the right reservoir for a given application will help to ensure optimized performance of hydraulic components and systems. 

In addition to holding in reserve enough fluid to supply a system's varying needs, hydraulic reservoirs also provide:

• a large surface area to transfer heat from the fluid to the surrounding environment
• enough volume to let returning fluid slow down from a high entrance velocity, enabling heavier contaminants to settle and entrained air to escape
• a physical barrier (baffle) that separates fluid entering the reservoir from fluid entering the pump suction line
• air space above the fluid to accept air that bubbles out of the fluid
• access to remove used fluid and contaminants from the system and to add new fluid
• space for hot-fluid expansion, gravity drain-back from a system during shutdown, and storage of large volumes needed intermittently during peak periods of an operating cycle, and
• a convenient surface to mount other system components, if practical.

These are the traditional roles of reservoirs, however, new trends may present deviations from the norm. For example, new designs for hydraulic systems often call for reservoirs that are much smaller than those based on traditional rules of thumb. Because most systems warrant some special consideration, it is important to consult industry standards for minimum guidelines. Recommended Practice ANSI/(NFPA)/T3.16.2* addresses basic minimum design and construction features for reservoirs.