25
Shock absorbers (vibration 
dampers).
Dual pipe gas-pressure shock absorber
The dual pipe gas-pressure shock absorber 
has become established as the standard 
damper.
In the dual pipe gas-pressure shock absorber, 
the working cylinder and the housing form 
two chambers. The piston and piston rod 
move inside the working chamber, which is 
completely Þlled with hydraulic oil. The ring-
shaped oil reservoir between the working 
cylinder and the housing serves to 
compensate volumetric changes caused by 
the piston rods and temperature changes in 
the hydraulic oil.
The oil reservoir is only partially Þlled with oil 
and is under a pressure of 6 - 8 bar, which 
reduces the tendency towards cavitation.
Two damping valve units are used for 
damping; the piston valve and the bottom 
valve. These comprise a system of spring 
washers, coil springs and valve bodies with 
throttle bores.
242_080
Cavitation is the formation cavities and 
the creation of a vacuum in a rapid 
liquid ßow. 
Working cylinder
Gas Þlling
Damping valve unit
(piston valve)
Damping valve unit
(bottom valve)
Oil reservoir
Damper valve
Non-return valve 
27
Single pipe gas-pressure shock absorber
With the single pipe gas-pressure shock 
absorber, the working chamber and the oil 
reservoir are located in a single cylinder. 
Volumetric changes caused by the piston rod 
and the temperature changes in the oil are 
compensated by another gas chamber which 
is separated from the working cylinder by a 
dividing piston. The level of pressure in the 
gas chamber is approx. 25 - 30 bar and must 
be able to sustain the damping forces during 
compression.
The damping valves for compression and 
rebound are integrated into the piston. 
Comparison of single/dual pipe gas-pressure shock absorbers
Dual pipe gas-pressure shock 
absorberSingle pipe gas-pressure shock 
absorber
Valve function The tendency towards cavitation 
is reduced by the gas pressure in 
the oil reservoirMinimal tendency towards 
cavitation thanks to high gas 
pressure and separation of oil and 
gas
Characteristic 
curvesAny, due to separate valves for 
compression and reboundDependant on the gas pressure 
during compression
Short damping 
strokesGood Better
Friction Low Higher due to seal under pressure
Design Greater diameter Longer due to gas chamber in the 
cylinder
Installation 
positionApproximately vertical  Any
Weight Heavier Lighter
242_082
 Piston with damping
valves
 Dividing piston
Gas chamber
Damper valves