Fine tuning liquid levels for the accumulator

For this particular accumulator sphere, we used 2.5 cups of distilled water in the bubbler. The amount of liquid will, of course, vary for different accumulators, bubblers, systems, and for smaller pressure differentials, for instance. 

Test the system with a bubbler liquid level based on your calculations, then note the pressure differential and adjust the bubbler liquid level accordingly. This may sound tedious, but it is really very simple and easy to do - it works well, and permits the use of inexpensive off-the-shelf parts. 

A better method is to use an equalization valve, but we wanted to explore simpler alternatives. One option is to use a differential pressure switch with solenoid valves that will open or close to balance the system. The valves are readily available, but this is actually a more expensive option because hazardous environment and chemical and material compatibility requirements must be taken into account. 

Accumulators can be purchased or you can fabricate your own. We used a 3.5 diameter high pressure stainless steel sphere. This was a larger size than was ideal for the system, and it required that the bubbler have less liquid than we would have preferred - the more liquid in the bubbler, the better it is for scrubbing. However, it was a nice looking sphere lying around begging to be used in a project, so we used it. 

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