Why hydraulic breaker need nitrogen and how to charge?

Hydraulic breakers are an essential tool for excavator operators, but many may not be aware of the role of nitrogen and how to charge it. In this article, we will discuss why hydraulic breakers need nitrogen, how much nitrogen should be added, and how to add it.

1. Why do we charge the hydraulic breaker with nitrogen?

2. How much nitrogen should be added?

3. What will happen if there is a shortage of nitrogen or overcharged?

4. How to charge nitrogen?

1. Why do we charge the hydraulic breaker with nitrogen?

Nitrogen is a critical component of the accumulator, which stores the energy of the hydraulic breaker's previous blow and the energy of the piston recoil. By releasing the stored energy during the second blow, nitrogen increases the striking power of the hydraulic breaker. Therefore, the amount of nitrogen added determines the performance of the hydraulic breaker.

2. How much nitrogen should be added?

The optimum amount of nitrogen varies based on the hydraulic breaker model and external conditions. Typically, the pressure in the accumulator should be around 1.4-1.6 MPa (approximately equal to 14-16 kg).

3. What will happen if there is a shortage of nitrogen or overcharged?

Insufficient nitrogen will result in decreased pressure in the accumulator, leading to less powerful striking. On the other hand, overcharging nitrogen can cause the pressure in the accumulator to be too high, preventing the hydraulic breaker from working.

4. How to charge nitrogen?

To charge nitrogen, you need to follow the following steps:

1. Connect the pressure gauge to the three-way valve and turn the handle counterclockwise.

2. Connect the hose to the nitrogen cylinder.

3. Remove the screw plug from the hydraulic breaker and install the three-way valve on the charging valve of the cylinder, ensuring that the O-ring is installed on the three-way valve.

4. Connect the hose to the three-way valve.

5. Turn the valve handle on the nitrogen cylinder counterclockwise to release nitrogen gas, then slowly turn the three-way valve handle clockwise to the specified set pressure.

6. Turn the three-way valve handle counterclockwise to close, and then turn the valve handle on the nitrogen bottle clockwise to close.

7. After removing the hose from the three-way valve, close the three-way valve.

8. Turn the three-way valve handle clockwise to recheck the cylinder pressure.

9. Remove the hose from the three-way valve.

10. Install the three-way valve tightly on the charge valve.

11. Turn the three-way valve handle clockwise to show the pressure value in the cylinder on the pressure gauge.

12. Repeat steps 1 to 8 if the nitrogen pressure is low until it rises to the specified pressure.

13. If the nitrogen pressure is too high, turn the regulator on the three-way valve counterclockwise slowly to discharge nitrogen from the cylinder. Once the pressure gauge shows the proper pressure value, close the regulator clockwise. Ensure that the pressure is within the specified value and that the O-ring is installed on the three-way valve.

14. Turn left | turn right

New and repaired hydraulic rock breakers must be charged with nitrogen before starting work, with a pressure of 2.5, ±0.5MPa. If the hydraulic breaker is not in use for an extended period, the nitrogen should be evacuated, and the oil inlet and outlet ports should be sealed. It should not be stored in high temperatures and environments below -20 degrees.

To ensure that hydraulic breakers work efficiently and protect their components, it is essential to charge nitrogen correctly by measuring the pressure with a pressure gauge and adjusting it according to the actual working conditions.

If you have any questions about hydraulic breakers or other excavator attachments, please feel free to contact us.