DCB Accumulators

Depth Compensated Accumulators – Innovative Hydraulic Power for Subsea Operations

Accumulators play a critical role in delivering hydraulic fluid to wellhead blowout preventers (BOPs), subsea control systems, and subsea trees. Among their key functions, they actuate the shear rams on subsea BOP stacks, ensuring operational reliability and safety.

At Reel Power Marine & Energy, our patented Depth Compensated Accumulators (DCBs) utilize the ocean’s water column pressure to enhance hydraulic performance. This innovative design significantly reduces the number of accumulator bottles required in subsea systems—sometimes by more than 90%.

Unmatched Efficiency & Consistency

Unlike conventional accumulators, which suffer from volume loss due to changing subsea pressures and temperatures, Reel Power DCBs deliver a fixed, predictable volume output at any depth. Our technology ensures that accumulator performance remains identical to surface conditions, eliminating the inefficiencies seen in traditional designs, which can lose up to 85% of their volume in deepwater environments.

A Decade of Proven Success

As we celebrate over 13 years since the first deployment of our Depth Compensated Accumulators, we take pride in having over 500 patented DCBs operating worldwide. Our customers rely on our technology for its efficiency, reliability, and ease of use. Here’s why:

• Set It & Forget It
  •  Once the nitrogen pre-charge is set, no adjustments are needed for varying water depths. This saves time, reduces non-productive hours, and minimizes manual calculations
• Significant Weight & Space Savings
  •  Compared to conventional piston accumulators, DCBs reduce overall system weight and footprint—some applications have achieved a 40% reduction in accumulator weight
• Unparalleled Deepwater Efficiency
  •  In water depths exceeding 6,000 feet, DCBs maintain efficiency above 95%, whereas conventional accumulators drop below 15%.
• Great for Well Hopping
  •  Move to the next subsea well at a different depth without tripping the BOP stack, potentially saving millions of dollars. DCBs eliminate the need for reconfiguring accumulator settings, making well-to-well transitions seamless and efficient.
• Lower Maintenance Requirements
  •  With fewer bottles, DCBs streamline subsea systems by reducing piping complexity and maintenance demands.
• Proven Performance in Offshore Drilling
  •  With an extensive track record in deepwater BOP operations, Reel Power DCBs continue to set the industry standard for reliability and performance.

Experience the Reel Power Advantage

For over a decade, Reel Power Marine & Energy’s Depth Compensated Accumulators have been redefining subsea hydraulic power. Join the dozens of operators and drillers worldwide who trust our technology for their critical deepwater operations.