A
hydraulic ram pump is a water pumps in which the downward flow of
naturally running water is intermittently halted by a valve so that
the flow is forced upward through an open pipe into a reservoir.
It is a motorless device designed to take water from a high-flow,
low-head source and divert some of that flow to a high head. The
water flows downhill from the pond and drives a water wheel. The
water wheel is connected to a reciprocating pump. The pump then,
moves the water uphill. It is ideal where small quantities of water
are required and power supplies are limited.
The Design
While designing a hydraulic ram pumps the following considerations
are required:
The available water source
The length and fall of the drive pipe used for channeling water
from the source to the pump
The size of hydraulic ram pump
The elevation lift from the pump to the desired destination
The desired pumping flow rate through the delivery pipe to the destination
The difference in height between the water source and the pump site
(called vertical fall).
The quantity of flow available from the source.
The length of pipe from the source to the pump site (called the
drive pipe).
Components of a Hydraulic Ram Pump
The installation of a hydraulic ram pump consists of various components
and each of these components are quite significant.
Supply Line- The
supply needs to be free from trash and sand as these can plug up
the ram. If the water is not naturally free of these materials,
the intake should be screened using a settling basin.
Drive pipe- The drive
pipe should be of a non-flexible material for maximum efficiency.
To reduce the head loss as a result of friction, the length of the
pipe divided by the diameter of the pipe should be within the range
of 150-1,000. The drive pipe diameter is usually chosen based on
the size of the ram.
Ram- Rams are constructed
by fabricating check valves and are also available as manufactured
units in various sizes and pumping capacities. Rams can be used
in tandem to pump water if one ram is not large enough to supply
the need. The ram should be level and securely attached to an immovable
base, preferably concrete with the waste-water being drained away.
Delivery Pipe- The
delivery pipe used may be of any material withstanding water pressure.
Storage Tank- Located
at a level to provide water to the point of use, the storage tank's
size is based on the maximum demand per day.
Advantages:
The hydraulic pumps are inexpensive with simple construction and
easy installation. It does not require petrol, diesel or electricity
for its working. It is totally pollution free with minimum maintenance.
Make Inquiry
|