A hydraulic ram pump, also known as a ram pump operates as a water pump driven by the energy of moving water. It accepts water under certain hydraulic head and flow rate and outputs water at a greater hydraulic head while reducing the flow rate.
- No external energy is needed to run the ramp pump.
- The higher you go less water you get, and more water is wasted.
- Working Principle: it works in the principle of water hammering. Water hammering, also known as hydraulic shock or fluid hammer, is a sudden and sharp increase in water pressure in a plumbing system when the flow of water is rapidly stopped or redirected. It occurs due to the inertia of flowing water. Here’s how it happens:
-Flowing Water: In a plumbing system, water is transported through pipes, often at a relatively high speed.
-Sudden Stop or Change: When a valve is closed rapidly (such as a faucet being turned off quickly or a water pump stopping suddenly), or when there is a sudden change in the flow direction (like a check valve closing), the moving water is abruptly halted or redirected.
-Pressure Surge: The water in motion carries kinetic energy. When it is stopped or redirected suddenly, this kinetic energy is converted into potential energy in the form of increased pressure. This results in a pressure surge or shock wave that travels through the pipes.
-Noise and Vibration: The pressure surge can create a loud banging or hammering sound, which is why it’s called “water hammer.” It can also cause vibration and stress on the plumbing system, potentially leading to damage over time.
- The cycle of a hydraulic ram pump involves several distinct steps that repeat continuously as the pump operates. Here’s a breakdown of the typical cycle:
-Inlet Phase:
- Water from a water source (e.g., a stream or river) flows into the hydraulic ram pump through an inlet pipe.
- Initially, the waste valve (also known as the inlet valve) is open, allowing water to enter the pump.
-Acceleration and Water Hammer:
- As water enters the pump, it accelerates through the waste valve and gains kinetic energy.
- The waste valve suddenly closes due to the increase in water velocity, causing a water hammer effect. This rapid valve closure creates a shockwave or pressure wave inside the pump.
-Pressure Wave Propagation:
- The pressure wave generated by the water hammer travels through the drive pipe, which is a vertical pipe that extends above the pump.
- The pressure wave reaches the top of the drive pipe, where it encounters an air chamber or snifter valve.
-Pressure Wave Reflection:
- The air chamber or snifter valve allows the pressure wave to reflect back down the drive pipe.
-Delivery Phase:
- As the pressure wave returns down the drive pipe, it reaches a point where the pressure is sufficient to open the delivery valve (also known as the outlet valve).
- The opening of the delivery valve allows a portion of the water in the drive pipe to be pushed into the delivery pipe.
-Water Discharge:
- Water from the drive pipe is forced into the delivery pipe due to the pressure difference created by the opening of the delivery valve.
- This water is delivered to a higher elevation, where it can be used for various purposes, such as irrigation or filling a storage tank.
-Waste Valve Reopening:
- After the pressure wave has traveled through the drive pipe and the delivery phase is complete, the waste valve reopens.
- Water from the water source can again flow into the pump, restarting the cycle.
- This cycle repeats continuously as long as there is a sufficient and consistent flow of water from the water source. The hydraulic ram pump operates without the need for external power sources, making it a reliable and energy-efficient method for lifting water to higher elevations, particularly in areas where electricity is unavailable or impractical.