Realization of a hydraulic ram (experimental but perfectly functional) by theUniversity of Orleans
A hydraulic ram is a pump that uses the energy of the water to lift a certain amount of water much higher than the height of the original stream.
It is a self-powered pump that pumps approximately 30% of the water that passes through it "free".
assembly diagram, click to enlarge
The principle is simple and a ram is easily achievable through commercial plumbing parts.
More: hydraulic ram, the ecological pumping
Here is the presentation of a ram test bench produced by a professor from the University of Orleans. You can chat with him on our forum devoted to the manufacture of a hydraulic ram.
Overview and performance
A tank with a capacity of 10 liters is placed at the outlet of the lift column (5.20 m).
The measured time to fill the tank is 6 minutes, this measure does not take into account the system boot time.
results:
- Volume remaining in the "drop" tank: 72 liters
- Volume recovered 10 liters
- Lost volume 35 liters
- Efficiency: 10/35 = 28%
For an operating time of 1 100 liters time we recovered ...
Details on the implementation of the valve and the ram
Only one piece is to modify the brass strainer. We add a threaded rod with a dual function: guide to the oscillation of the valve and adjustment of the automatic reopening time of the valve according to the mass that is applied to it (80 grams in the assembly presented here). This mass will obviously be specific to each assembly (pressure / flow, etc.)
Parts of a ram
Realization of the ram valve: a slightly modified brass strainer.
Photos general assembly
assembled hydraulic ram and running
More:
- Presentation of the hydraulic ram principle
- Video of a ram in operation
- Follow-up of the study and realization of a hydraulic ram on forums
Hello,
There is a small problem in calculating the efficiency of your ram pump:
10 L recovered for 35 L lost, therefore a yield of 10 L (useful) out of 45 L injected (absorbed) into the ram.
Which gives us a 22% return, I think.
cordially
Hello, I would like to install a ram pump in a river where there is very little natural drop. To compensate, I plan to submerge the system more than a meter deep (natural hole in the river). The goal is to reach 6-7m above the pump.
Does this seem possible to you (pressure problem due to the water height?)?
What about the resistance of materials in water?
Thank you in advance for your feedback
Hello, I live in Chile in the countryside, my water is not drinkable, I have a spring with a big drop about 60 meters more than 400 meters from my house. It is almost impossible to install electricity. Could a ram pump be a viable solution?
Of course Vincent, given the difference in level, by gravity the water should even reach the house. Anthony from Raphèle les Arles.
Thank you for this article!