Reservoir

The reservoir enables the performance of a hydraulic system to be optimized. For example, it can be utilized as an energy reservoir and for the absorbance of pressure surges or flow fluctuations. Reservoirs are capable of absorbing a defined volume of fluid under pressure and releasing it again with minimal losses. The construction consists essentially of a pressure resistant container, generally a gas charge of nitrogen and a separator e.g. a piston, a membrane or a bubble elastomer.

Hydraulic fluid only starts to flow into the reservoir when the fluid pressure is greater than the gas-preload pressure.