Lightweight composite overwrapped accumulators

A lightweight composite overwrapped diaphragm accumulator (100) comprising:

• (i) an accumulator housing (102) comprising a first hollow casing (104A) and a second hollow casing (104B), wherein
• A) said first hollow casing (104A) comprises:
• (a) an inner mating portion (124) having an outer mating surface (130),
• (b) a plurality of annular grooves (120A and 120B) on the outer mating surface (130) of said inner mating portion (124), and
• (c) a first orifice (116A) for introducing a first pressure medium;
• and
• B) said second hollow casing (104B) comprises:
• (a) a second orifice (116B) for introducing a second pressure medium,
• (b) an outer mating portion (128) having an inner mating surface (134) such that when said inner mating portion (124) is secured together with said outer mating portion (128) forms a mated joint that comprises a plurality of annular cavities (120A and 120B) within an interstitial space of said mated joint;
• C) a flexible diaphragm (112) having a plurality of mounting flanges (126A and 126B) disposed within said plurality of annular cavities (120A and 120B) within said mated joint thereby securing said flexible diaphragm (112) therebetween,
• wherein said flexible diaphragm (112) subdivides an interior of said accumulator housing (102) into first and second pressure medium storage areas, said first pressure medium storage area accommodating said first pressure medium, said second pressure medium storage area accommodating said second pressure medium,
• (ii) a composite overwrap material (108) encasing said accumulator housing (102) and providing mechanical strength for holding said accumulator housing (102) under pressure and providing a sealing means to prevent leakage of a fluid medium contained within said accumulator housing (102).