Hydraulic Ram Pumps By: Halo Srud Qader Supervised By: D. Chalang Hama Rasheed Table of Contents Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... 1 Table Of Figures............................................................................................................................................. 1 1. Objectives:................................................................................................................................................. 2 2. Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 2 3. Ram Pump Types: ...................................................................................................................................... 3 3.1. Single-acting Ram Pump: ................................................................................................................... 3 3.2. Double-acting Ram Pump: ................................................................................................................. 3 3.3. High-Lift Ram Pump: .......................................................................................................................... 3 3.4. Miniature Ram Pump: ........................................................................................................................ 3 3.5. Micro-Hydro Ram Pump: ................................................................................................................... 3 3.6. Adjustable Ram Pump: ....................................................................................................................... 3 4. Ram Pump Mechanism ............................................................................................................................. 5 4.1. Components: A typical ram pump consists of the following components ........................................ 5 4.2. Working principle ............................................................................................................................... 5 5. Mathematics behind Ram Pumps ............................................................................................................. 6 6.Conclusion .................................................................................................................................................. 8 7.References.................................................................................................................................................. 8 Table Of Figures Figure 1 A ram pump surrounded with backpressured water ...................................................................... 2 Figure 2 Ram pump ....................................................................................................................................... 2 Figure 3 Double-acting Pump used for double-acting ram pump................................................................. 4 Figure 4 A masterplan for High-Lift Ram Pump............................................................................................. 4 Figure 5 Adjustable valves for making an adjustable Ram Pump ................................................................. 4 1 1. Objectives: To introduce ram pumps To distinguish between ram pump types To clarify the ram pump mechanism and the physics behind it 2. Introduction Having a dependable water supply is crucial for communities worldwide. However, in remote or electricity-limited areas, finding affordable and sustainable ways to pump water can be a significant obstacle. This report examines ram pumps, which are straightforward devices that use the force of moving water to lift and pump water without relying on external power sources. Ram pumps operate by harnessing the energy present in flowing water. They function based on basic principles and consist of distinct components with specific roles. This report will explain the operational principles of ram pumps and explore different types and variations suitable for various applications. Ram pumps have a wide range of applications, from agricultural irrigation to water supply projects in remote regions. They are particularly advantageous in off-grid locations due to their autonomy and low maintenance requirements. However, it's important to consider limitations such as the impact of water quality and installation factors. By presenting case studies and real-life examples, this report will illustrate successful implementations of ram pumps, highlighting their positive influence on communities, economies, and the environment. Understanding the potential and limitations of ram pumps can guide decision-making for policymakers, engineers, and stakeholders seeking sustainable water management solutions. In conclusion, ram pumps offer a promising solution for water pumping in areas with limited access to electricity. By harnessing the power of moving water, these devices can contribute to reliable water supply and enhance the lives of communities worldwide. Figure 1 A ram pump surrounded with backpressured water Figure 2 Ram pump 2 3. Ram Pump Types: 3.1. Single-acting Ram Pump: This common type of ram pump utilizes a vertical drive pipe and a waste valve to generate a water hammer effect. The force closes the waste valve, causing a portion of the water to be pumped to a higher elevation through a delivery pipe. 3.2. Double-acting Ram Pump: Similar to the single-acting pump, this type incorporates two drive pipes and waste valves. It enables continuous pumping by alternating the flow between the two pipes, ensuring a consistent water supply. 3.3. High-Lift Ram Pump: Designed for pumping water to greater heights, high-lift ram pumps feature larger drive pipes and waste valves to handle increased flow and pressure. 3.4. Miniature Ram Pump: Compact and portable, miniature ram pumps are used in small-scale applications or where space is limited, often for experimentation or educational purposes. 3.5. Micro-Hydro Ram Pump: These specialized pumps harness the energy from small streams or creeks with low flow rates. They are ideal for remote locations lacking traditional power sources. 3.6. Adjustable Ram Pump: Offering flexibility, adjustable ram pumps allow users to modify settings such as waste valves, delivery valves, or air chambers to optimize performance, achieving desired flow rates or lift heights. It's important to consider that these descriptions provide a brief overview, and there may be further variations and adaptations of ram pump designs to suit specific needs and conditions. The selection of a suitable ram pump type depends on factors such as available water sources, required flow rates, lift heights, and project specifications. 3 Figure 3 Double-acting Pump used for double-acting ram pump Figure 4 A masterplan for High-Lift Ram Pump Figure 5 Adjustable valves for making an adjustable Ram Pump 4 4. Ram Pump Mechanism It operates based on the principles of fluid dynamics and relies on the momentum of water to perform its pumping action. Here's a basic overview of how a ram pump works: 4.1. Components: A typical ram pump consists of the following components • Supply Pipe: The pipe through which the water flows from a water source, such as a stream or a river. • Drive Pipe: The pipe that carries the water from the supply pipe to the pump. • Delivery Pipe: The pipe that transports the pumped water to the desired location at a higher elevation. • Air Vessel: A chamber that helps regulate the pressure and flow of water within the system. 4.2. Working principle • Flow and Velocity: Water flows down the supply pipe due to the force of gravity. The flow of water creates kinetic energy or velocity. • Valve Action: The ram pump utilizes a valve mechanism to control the flow of water. It typically consists of two valves: a waste valve (also known as the waste or impulse valve) and a delivery valve (also called the check valve or non-return valve). • Cycle of Operation: • Inlet Stroke: Initially, both the waste and delivery valves are closed. Water from the supply pipe enters the drive pipe, and its velocity increases due to the narrowing of the pipe. • Momentum and Pressure Buildup: As the water gains velocity, its momentum builds up. This increased momentum forces the waste valve to open, allowing a portion of the water to escape into the waste pipe. • Valve Closure and Pressure Surge: When the waste valve opens, the momentum of the water decreases, causing the waste valve to close. The sudden closure of the valve creates a pressure surge or water hammer effect, which sends a high-pressure shockwave through the system. • Delivery Stroke: The pressure surge forces the delivery valve to open, allowing water to enter the air vessel and the delivery pipe. This high-pressure water is then pushed up to the desired elevation through the delivery pipe. • Reset: Once the pressure equalizes, the delivery valve closes, and the cycle repeats. 5 5. Mathematics behind Ram Pumps One mathematical model of a hydraulic ram pump system was proposed by Li et al. They derived the equations for the pressure and water level fluctuations, the motion of the waste and delivery valves, and the performance optimization of the ram pump. The equations are: Where: P is the pressure in the pressure chamber; Ad is the cross-sectional area of the delivery pipe; V is the volume of the pressure chamber; L1 is the length of the drive pipe; Q1 is the flow rate through the waste valve; L2 is the length of the delivery pipe; Q2 is the flow rate through the delivery valve; ρ is the density of water; Qd is the flow rate into the delivery tank; f1 and f2 are friction factors for the drive and delivery pipes; Qe is the flow rate out of the delivery tank; A1 is the cross-sectional area of the waste valve; D1 and D2 are diameters of the drive and delivery pipes; A2 is the cross-sectional area of the delivery valve; Pa and Pb are atmospheric pressures at the waste and delivery valves; At is the cross-sectional area of the tank; H1, H2, H3, and Hd are water levels at different points in the system; 6 Another mathematical model of a hydraulic ram pump was developed by De Carvalho et al. They used a numerical method to simulate the ram pump operation and optimize its design and operation parameters. The equations are: Pa, Pb, and Pc are pressures at different points in the system; xa and xb are displacements of the waste and delivery valves; ma and mb are masses of the waste and delivery valves; ka and kb are spring constants of the waste and delivery valves; γa and γb are damping coefficients of the waste and delivery valves; and Ha, Hb, Hc, and Hd are water levels at different points in the system. 7 6.Conclusion In conclusion, this report aimed to introduce ram pumps, provide an understanding of different ram pump types, clarify the ram pump mechanism, and explore the underlying physics involved. Through the examination of various ram pump types, it is evident that these devices harness the energy from flowing water to lift a portion of it to higher elevations without external power requirements. The ram pump mechanism operates based on fluid dynamics principles, utilizing the momentum and pressure changes within the system. By comprehending the mathematical equations associated with ram pumps, one can gain a deeper understanding of their performance and efficiency. Overall, ram pumps offer a reliable and efficient solution for pumping water in remote areas or locations without access to electricity. 7.References (1) What is a Hydraulic Ram Pump?- A Complete Guide - Engineering Choice. https://www.engineeringchoice.com/what-is-a-hydraulic-ram-pump/ (2) Hydraulic Ram Pump : 10 Steps (with Pictures) - Instructables. https://www.instructables.com/Hydraulic-Ram-Pump/. (3) Homemade Hydraulic Ram Pump for Livestock Water. https://lgpress.clemson.edu/publication/homemade-hydraulic-ram-pump-for-livestock-water/ 8
