What component separates the fluid and air/nitrogen chambers in cylindrical accumulators?

The component that separates the fluid and air/nitrogen chambers in cylindrical accumulators is the floating piston. This design is crucial because it allows the accumulator to maintain a distinct barrier between the hydraulic fluid and the gas used for precharging, typically nitrogen. The floating piston moves freely within the cylinder, enabling it to adjust to changes in fluid volume and pressure while ensuring that the gas charge remains isolated from the hydraulic fluid. This separation is essential for the proper functioning of the accumulator, as it helps to absorb pressure fluctuations in hydraulic systems and provides the necessary pre-charge to maintain system performance and responsiveness.

Understanding the role of the floating piston is fundamental for anyone operating or maintaining accumulators, as this knowledge directly impacts system efficiency and safety. Other components, despite their importance in an accumulator's operation, do not serve this specific function of separation between the gas and fluid chambers.