Horizontal Accumulator

✅ 1. Product Overview

The Horizontal Accumulator, also known as a Floor-Type Spiral Accumulator, is a dynamic coil storage system used in tube mills, slitting lines, and other continuous strip processing lines. Its main function is to buffer strip material during coil changeover or welding, ensuring non-stop production.

🌀 2. Working Principle & Storage Mode

This accumulator stores strip material horizontally in a serpentine loop layout. As the strip is fed from the uncoiler, it enters the accumulator and is guided through a series of rollers that form horizontal loops. These loops are stored along a linear bed or platform.

• Storage Form: Horizontal spiral/serpentine loops

• How It Works:

  1. Infeed phase: Strip enters and forms horizontal loops while the production line continues running.

  2. Outfeed phase: When the uncoiler stops, the accumulator feeds the stored strip forward.

  3. Synchronization: Infeed and outfeed are controlled by a PLC to balance loop volume and maintain tension.

⚙️ 3. Technical Specifications (Sample Configuration)

🏗️ 4. Main Components

1. Loop Frame & Guide Rollers – Forms and guides horizontal strip loops.

2. Infeed & Outfeed Rollers – Feed strip in and out smoothly.

3. Tension Control System – Maintains strip tension via sensors.

4. Drive System – Includes servo or inverter motors for speed control.

5. Support Platform – Steel base frame or track for loop support.

6. PLC Control Cabinet – Centralized automation and logic control.

🧭 5. Application Scenarios

• ERW tube and pipe mills

• Steel strip slitting and recoiling lines

• Cut-to-length and blanking lines

• Continuous cold roll forming systems

• Pickling and galvanizing lines

🔄 6. Comparison: Disc vs. Horizontal vs. Vertical Accumulator

🎯 7. How to Choose

• Choose Disc Accumulator if:

  • You have limited floor and vertical space

  • Pipe diameter lower 127mm, thickness lower 5mm.

  • Buffering needs are moderate

• Choose Horizontal Accumulator if:

  • You have enough floor space

  • Need long strip buffering (20m+)

  • Require good tension control but limited ceiling height

• Choose Vertical Spiral Accumulator if:

  • High-speed line (80–120 m/min)

  • Short space

  • You can accommodate a tall structure