How Do Hydraulic Ram Pumps Work?

Hydraulic ram pumps are some of the most common pumps in the world. Thanks to their simplicity, they are particularly common solutions when it comes to providing clean water to deprived areas of the world. Hydraulic ram pumps are a common feature throughout many systems, not just as pumps, but their principle operation remains the same.

What Is A Hydraulic Ram Pump?

These kinds of pumps are powered by water with a height difference. That means that, in those areas where natural flows exist with a height difference in the water over a small difference, these hydraulic ram pumps can be used to transport water to greater heights. This means that the entire system does not need any kind of electrical operation, or even fuel.

The hydraulic equipment relies on the water hammer effect to develop high levels of pressure that allow a portion of the input water to move upwards from where the main body of water lies. The major advantage of this equipment is its simplicity. Aside from the water’s own kinetic energy, no other power source or additional equipment is needed.

For a long time, hydraulic ram pumps were ignored in favour of steam engines and diesel powered engines. However, thanks to its low maintenance, sustainable energy and local production, these systems have become exceedingly popular over the past few years.

The Suitable Conditions For Hydraulic Ram Pumps

Generally, it is accepted that water can be pumped to as many as 30 times the height as the available drive head, which is the height difference of the water being used to drive the pump. For example, a drive head of 2m could be used to pump water up to 60m. The capacity of a hydraulic ram pumps depend on the overall scale of the pump, which is typically measured via the size of the tube delivering the water to the pump itself.

The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Ram Pumps

Advantages

· These hydraulic systems use completely renewable energy sources and are powered via hydraulics.

· When they’re properly designed, they can easily be produced and maintained within a local area – this makes them ideal for providing water wells to a range of environments, as well as a fantastic addition to any hydraulic system.

· They are also extremely effective in mountainous regions, or other areas which feature a range of different heights and depths.

Disadvantages

· The only disadvantage to hydraulic ram pumps which make the most of the water hammer effect is that they require liquid with a height difference. This makes the ram pumps unsuitable for many perfectly flat situations, but suitable of a range of other locations and systems.

Hydraulic Ram Pumps From Flowfit Online

Here at Flowfit, the hydraulic ram pumps that we provide are much smaller than those you’re likely to see on water charity adverts, but the principle remains the same. Our ram pumps rely on the water hammer effect to transport water around a hydraulic system, and are essential components for most hydraulic solutions.

For more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our professional team today on 01584 876 033. If you have any specific questions or concerns, please email our team at sales@flowfitonline.com, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!