What is an accumulator used for in the seal oil system?

• A. It is charged with nitrogen to maintain system pressure and prevent low oil pressure trips.
• B. It functions as the primary oil reservoir for the compressor oil.
• C. It filters impurities from the seal oil.
• D. It vents excessive pressure to the atmosphere.

Answer: (A)

In a seal oil system the accumulator provides a nitrogen-charged pressure buffer, keeping the seal oil supply at the required pressure. The nitrogen on top of the oil creates a stable pressure source that doesn’t swing with temperature or small volume changes, so when the seal oil pump momentarily lags or leaks occur, the stored oil is released to maintain the set pressure. This keeps the barrier around the seal intact and prevents the system from triggering low oil pressure trips. The accumulator also helps dampen pressure pulsations, smoothing flow to the seals for more reliable operation. It isn’t the main oil reservoir, it doesn’t filter impurities, and it isn’t meant to vent excess pressure to atmosphere.