A hydro water pump, more specifically a hydraulic ram pump (often shortened to ram pump or hydram), is a cyclical water pump that uses the energy of flowing water to pump a portion of that water to a higher elevation.
Essentially, it's a pump powered by hydropower. It takes water at a lower "hydraulic head" (pressure) and flow rate and outputs a smaller quantity of water at a higher hydraulic head.
Here's a breakdown:
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Powered by Hydropower: The pump's operation relies solely on the energy of flowing water, making it a sustainable option where a water source with a sufficient flow exists.
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Cyclical Operation: The pumping action is based on a repetitive cycle involving the momentum of water flow and pressure changes.
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Hydraulic Head Difference: The core function of a hydram is to increase the potential energy of a portion of the water, moving it to a higher elevation.
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Inputs and Outputs:
- Input: Water source at a lower elevation with a certain flow rate.
- Output: A smaller volume of water pumped to a higher elevation.
How it Works (Simplified):
- Water flows from the source: Water flows down a drive pipe from the source and gains momentum.
- Waste valve closure: As the flow increases, it forces a waste valve to close suddenly.
- Pressure surge: The sudden closure creates a pressure surge (water hammer effect).
- Delivery valve opens: This surge forces a delivery valve open, allowing a small amount of water to flow into an air chamber.
- Pressure equalization: The pressure in the drive pipe decreases.
- Delivery valve closes: The delivery valve closes, trapping water in the air chamber and delivery pipe.
- Waste valve reopens: The waste valve reopens, and the cycle repeats.
Advantages:
- Sustainable: Uses only the power of flowing water.
- Low maintenance: Simple design with few moving parts.
- Reliable: Can operate continuously without electricity.
Disadvantages:
- Requires a constant water source with sufficient flow.
- Inefficient: A large portion of the water is wasted.
- Can be noisy: The cyclical operation can generate noise.
Examples:
Hydrams are commonly used in remote areas for:
- Supplying water to livestock.
- Irrigating gardens.
- Providing potable water to homes.
