NCCER Millwright Practice Exam

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Study for the NCCER Millwright Exam. Empower your knowledge with quizzes that enhance understanding, and multiple-choice questions that provide hints and explanations. Get fully prepared and ace your exam!

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What is the main purpose of accumulators in a hydraulic system?

To regulate fluid flow
To store fluid under pressure until needed
To filter impurities from the fluid
To maintain constant pressure

The correct answer is: To store fluid under pressure until needed

The primary function of accumulators in a hydraulic system is to store fluid under pressure until it is needed. This allows the hydraulic system to manage energy more efficiently by providing a reserve of hydraulic fluid that can be released when demand increases, such as during peak operating conditions or when the pumps are unable to keep up with the system's fluid requirements. Accumulating fluid in this manner contributes to the stability of the system by balancing pressure fluctuations and maintaining operational efficiency. This is particularly useful in applications where consistent power delivery is critical, as it mitigates the risk of pressure drops that could lead to equipment malfunctions or inefficiencies. Other options suggest functions that are not the main role of accumulators. For instance, while regulating fluid flow and maintaining constant pressure are important functions in hydraulic systems, they are typically managed by valves and pumps rather than accumulators. Filtering impurities relates to maintaining fluid cleanliness, which is handled by filters, not accumulators. Understanding this distinction is crucial for grasping the overall functionality of hydraulic systems.