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Estimation of Power and Efficiency of Hydraulic Ram Pump with Re-

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 International Journal of Computer-aided Mechanical Design and Implementation
Vol.1, No. 1, (2015), pp.7-18
http://dx.doi.org/10.14257/ijcmdi.2015.1.1.02

Estimation of Power and Efficiency of Hydraulic Ram Pump with

Re-circulation System

Sampath S S1, Sawan Shetty2, Allan Mathew Pendanathu3, Waleed Javaid4,

Chithirai Pon Selvan M5
1, 2
Assistant Professors, School of Engineering & Information Technology,
Manipal University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
3, 4
Under Graduate Mechanical Engineering Students, School of Engineering &
Information Technology, Manipal University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
5
Associate Professor, School of Engineering & Information Technology, Manipal
University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
E-mail: selvan@manipaldubai.com

Abstract
There are lots of limitations of conventional energy especially in the rural regions.
Hence more attention of designers is diverted towards the use of unconventional energy.
A mechanical device is designed works on the principle of conversion of potential energy
to kinetic energy which is governed by gravity and runs on zero running cost. Present
work involves in design and fabrication of hydraulic ram pump which is powered by the
falling water from a small height to lift a part of that water required elevation. The
current work emphasizes in the calculation of the discharge, power and the efficiency of
the ram pump. The above is modified in terms of providing re-circulation system to avoid
the wastage of water. The results which are obtained are validated with respect to
standard fluid mechanics calculations.

Keywords: Renewable energy, delivery valve, impulse valve, discharge

1. Introduction
Hydraulic ram pump is widely used to provide energy for agriculture and domestic
purposes [3]. This type of pump is used by farmers and middle class people in rural areas
for its zero running cost [4]. It is a water pumping device that is powered by falling water
which works by using the energy of water running down a drive pipe to the body of the
ram pump [3]. It pumps water from stream, creek and other water sources with flowing
water. This device uses the kinetic energy of the falling water and it lifts it to the higher
elevation than the source [1, 3]. Existing ram pumps have various limitations like
complexity of usage, cost factor, maintenance etc. [3]. Therefore it is very much required
to design a simpler system for the smooth usage [1]. A hydram or impulse pump is an
automatic pumping device [7] which doesn't use electricity or any other power source [2,
6]. Hydram pumps the water to increases the water head which can be used in
hydropower plants where high pressure water impinges on the turbine. It can have
advantage of increasing the potential energy with a minimum set up and maintenance cost
[5]. Also it can tap energy at low velocity streams and the system can be affordable and
scalable to Pico and micro hydropower systems [5]. Various kinds and designs of
hydrams were tried and the main challenges were the high noise from the waste valve,
consistence wear on the waste valve rubber and corrosion problems. This research
addresses these challenges by making uses of aluminium alloy and optimizing on the
weights at the waste valve [6]. A hydram is a structurally simple unit consisting of two
moving parts. These are the impulse valve (or waste valve) and the delivery (check)

ISSN: 2205-8591 IJCMDI

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International Journal of Computer-aided Mechanical Design and Implementation
Vol.1, No. 1, (2015)

valve. The system also consists of an air chamber and an air valve. The operation of
hydram is alternating due to the cyclic opening and closing of the waste and delivery
values. The closure of the waste valve creates a high pressure rise in the drive pipe. An air
chamber is required to transform the high intermittent pumped flows into a continuous
stream of flow. The air valves allow air into the hydram to replace the air absorbed by the
water due to the high pressure and mixing in the air chamber [7]. Recent studies showed
that simulation is created i.e. computer model is developed to investigate the effects of
parameter variation [8].

Figure 1. Construction of Hydraulic Ram pump [11]

Basically force of moving water gives the power it needs which uses the momentum of
the relatively large amount of moving water to pump a relatively small amount of water
uphill [2]. The pump which has a valve that allows water to flow through this pipe and
build up speed. Once the water reaches its maximum speed, the valve slams shut. Due to
this the flowing water develops a great deal of pressure in the pump because of its inertia
[1]. The pressure forces open a second valve. High-pressure water flows through the
second valve to the delivery pipe which has an air chamber to allow the delivery pipe to
capture as much high-pressure water as possible during the impulse [7]. The pressure in
the pump falls. The first valve re-opens to allow water to flow and build up momentum
again. The second valve closes. A hamlet setting can be supplied with water using hydram
as shown in figure 2. The water is purified in treatment plant (chlorination, filtration, solar
distillation) before it is supplied to the destination.

Figure 2. Schematic Representation of Village Water Supply with a Hydram

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2. Related Study
Arnold F. Dumaoal Sr [1] et al. worked on the design and construction of downdraft
type of ram pump to use it in rural areas. Paper reaches an important conclusion that
Downdraft type hydraulic ram pump which is installed, occupies less space that the
traditional types of ram pump. Nwosu and Madueme [2] constructed hydraulic ram pump
which is used to increase the head of the falling water. The rate of flow of water, from the
tank and pumping water into the tank are designed to operate in an optimum manner. A
controlled actuator is used In order to maintain the flow rates. The underground tank is
made to store rain water and is capable of meeting the water need of the micro
hydropower plant for the off rain periods. Zoller [3] et al. built a ram pump, the design
stressed with a goal of improving the performance of the pump in terms of delivery flow
and efficiency. Mainly this work was carried out to facilitate the irrigation. Seemin
Sheikh [4] et al. studied the literature available and prepared a structured design
methodology for hydraulic ram pump (HYDRAM) which covers design parameters,
design procedure along with the mathematical relationship used for the design work.
Nganga [5] et al. optimized the power generated by low head small hydro plants through
the use of hydram used to boost the water pressure before it impinges on the turbine.
Fabrication of hydram is carried out with suitable modifications. By adjusting the waste
valve stroke length the flow rate in the delivery pipe and the pressure in the hydram were
optimized. Results showed that Hydram was able to pump water to a higher head which
then increased the power produced by the turbine. Mbiu [6] et al. highlighted on design
development of a durable and locally made hydram using inexpensive and readily
available materials. A test rig was fabricated and used to analyze the different parameters
of the hydram. Optimizing these parameters ensures that the hydram performance is
enhanced and as a result giving the pump a longer life. Experimental and analytical
modelling results were generalized in performance charts and compared to commercially
available types operating characteristics. These results will enable the targeted users to be
able to select appropriate sizes for their water pumping needs. Shuaibu Ndache
Mohammed [7] designed and fabricated hydram. The setup which was constructed yields
desired power and efficiency. The overall cost of fabrication of that hydram proved that
the set-up is relatively cheaper than the existing pumps. Verspuy and Tijsseling [8]
constructed a simple mathematical model of a hydraulic ram. The model was compared
with the previous models in order to validate the results and was used to perform a
parameter variation study. Iversen [9] made an attempt to identify the features of the ram,
the drive head and flow, the discharge head and flow, the cycle frequency, and the system
efficiency. Analytical results are expressed in terms of the ratio of the maximum drive
velocity at drive valve closure to the maximum steady state velocity with the drive valve
wide open. Comparison of the analysis with experimental results gives a numerical
correlation of heads and flows. Martin Basfeld and Ernst August Muller [10] developed a
simplified theory from Newton's equations of motion, taking into account loss factors and
boundary conditions. Results from that theory were compared with measurements made
on a laboratory model; in particular, the time dependence of the flow velocity in the drive
pipe, the water volume delivered per work cycle and the efficiency were experimentally
determined as functions of various parameters.

3. Methodology
Hydram of hydraulic ram is a mechanical device which uses the simple principle of
transfer of energy that is from potential to the kinetic energy. Water which is at a higher
elevation flows downhill due to gravitational force [4]. Water which will be at one
hydraulic head flows into a higher hydraulic head. It basically uses water hammering
effect in order to develop the pressure.

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There is a sudden stoppage of the flow of water in a pipe which creates a very high
pressure surge. Equation (1) shows the total discharge of the fluid from the drive pipe [4].

Q = 3.14 r2LN ………. (1)

Due to the gravity effect the fluid flows inside the pipe with an velocity which is given
by the equation (2).

............ (2)

The nature of flow (Laminar, transitional or turbulent) is determined by using an

dimensionless number which is calculated by using equation (3).

............ (3)

Equation (4) represents a mathematical relationship given by Blasius to determine

frictional factor f with the use of dimensionless number.

............ (4)

Darcy-Wersbach equation which is shown in equation (5) used to evaluate the loss in
the head for fluid flow in pipes.

............ (5)

Fluid which is present accelerates enough to close the waste valve this is due to the
drag and the pressure in the water which equals the waste valve weight. Equation 6
represents the drag force.

............ (6)

Equation (7) represents the force that accelerates the fluid which is given by

............ (7)

The exit pressure which is much greater than that of the inlet at a point is given by the
equation (8).

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............ (8)

Equation (9) represents the power developed by the hydraulic ram.

............ (9)

Equation (10) represents the hydraulic pump efficiency.

............ (10)

Calculation of the fall and Elevation is given by equation (11)

........... (11)

Initial
Problem Literature Design & Build Test Validation
Definitio survey Material Prototype Prototype
n Selection

Figure 3. Methodology in Design and Fabrication of a Hydraulic Ram

Pump

Figure 3 shows the design and fabrication of a hydraulic ram pump. The methodology
of the entire process starts with the definition of the problem where the objective is
decided. Literature survey includes the collection of data which supports the current
modification of the design. Design calculation and the material selection are the key
parameters of the plan. A prototype is built based on the requirement. Various tests are
conducted by changing the elevation by changing various parameters results a noted. Last
phase is validation it involves in comparing of the results with the standards or the
existing experiments.

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4. Construction and Working

Figure 4 shows the various parts which are involved in the construction of a hydraulic
ram. The water flows from a height through the inlet pipe, passes thought the gate valve
and the union, where it reaches a T-joint, which has a swing check valve placed on it in
the downward direction. The velocity at which the water flows down causes the check
valve to close and the water is forced to move into the second swing check valve, which is
placed in the forward direction. The water then moves into another T-joint which has a
chamber made of 4” UPVC (Unplastisied poly vinyl chloride) filled up to ¾ with closed
cell foam. The air chamber also has a 2”-4” reducer attached in between it and the T-
Joint. The water passes through the reducer and fills up the air chamber and the foam
helps in increasing the pressure of the water, the water is then made to do back down into
the reducer which increases the pressure more. At this high pressure the water may go
back, which is where the second swing check valve closes and forces the water to move
into the forward direction. The water then passes through another reducer of size 2”-1”.
This further increases the pressure due to the change in diameter and allows the water to
be pumped to a higher level. The water can be pumped to a height of 9 m for a fall of 3 m
at a 45° angle. As the angle of supply line is reduced the water can be forced to maximum
distance. Figure 5 shows the construction of the hydraulic ram pump. The entire set up is
provided with a waste water collecting reservoir to avoid the loss of water and it is
recirculated into the point of inlet. This process avoids the waste water loss unlike the
conventional systems and the entire volume is pumped to the desired elevation.

Figure 4. Working Principle of Hydraulic Ram Pump

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Figure 5. Fully Constructed Hydraulic Ram Pump

5. Experimentation and Validation

For performing the calculation the specification of the various elements of the
hydraulic ram has to be considered. Due to the modification of the dimensions will affect
the output greatly. Diameter of the inlet and outlet pipe is 50.8 mm and 25.4 mm. The
diameter of the swing check valve is 50.8 mm. There are two reducers which play an
important part to increase the pressure has 50.8 mm and 25.4 mm respectively. Air
chamber has a diameter of 101.6 mm and length of 500 mm. The outlet pipe is at 45 °,
where water gets elevated.
From experimentation it is determined that water is flowing at 4 litres/ min which is at the
inlet due to gravity and at the outlet the water is pumped out at 0.8 litres/ min. Remaining
water is exited at the waste valve [3]. The reservoir collects the water at the region of
waste valve and it is re circulated into the inlet. This avoids the maximum wastage of
water which is very vital in rural areas [1].

Table 1. Pressure at the Outlet with the Change in the Length of Drive Pipe
Sl.no Length of drive pipe (m) Outlet pressure (bar)
1 1 0.7

2 2 1.3

3 3 2

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Figure 6. Variation of Outlet Pressure with the Change in Drive Pipe Length

Figure 6 shows the graph and Table 1 represents the different pressure obtained at the
output pipe for varying length of supply pipe. The pressure of the output increases as the
inlet supply length increases.

Table 2. Actual and Theoretical Supply Length Achieved vs Drive Pipe

Length
Sl. Length of drive pipe (m) Theoretical Supply Actual Supply
No pipe length (m) pipe length
(m)

1 1 3 3

2 2 6 6
3 3 9 7.5

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Figure 7. Supply Pipe Length (m) vs Drive Pipe Length (m)

Figure 7 and tables 2 represents the actual & theoretical length to which the water can
be pumped to for an angle of 45° taking the pump works at an efficiency of 60 %.

Table 3. Length of Drive Pipe vs. Rate of Outlet Water Flow

Sl.no Length of drive pipe (m) Rate of inlet water flow Rate of outlet water
(litres/min) flow (litres/min)
1 1 4 0.8

2 2 4 1

3 3 4 0.72

Figure 8. Variation of Rate of Outlet Water Flow with the Change in Drive
Pipe Length

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Figure 8 and table 3 represents the amount of water obtained as the output per minute
for an inlet water supply of 4litres/min for varying length of fall. Three times the inlet
length is taken as the output length. From experimentation it is proved that for a drive
pipe length of 2 m, the rate of outlet water flow is maximum compared to the other two
cases that is 1 m and 3 m.

Table 4. Litres of Water Delivered for a Complete Day (litres/24 hrs) vs

Working Fall

Figure 9. Variation of Volume of Water Delivered per Day with the Working
Fall

Figure 9 and table 4 show the water output obtained in 24 hours by the pump for an
inlet flow of 4 liters/min. It is observed that by maintaining the fall head constant and
increasing the lift height there is a drop in the volume of water delivered with respect to
the time period.

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By using equation (11) the elevation to which the water gets pumped could be
determined which is shown in table 5. The water required for the household purpose is
500 liters per day (or 0.3472 liters per min) and considering the efficiency of the ram
pump is 60% [4]. The amount of water supplied is 3 liters which is much higher than it
gets delivered, that is in ram pump around 10 to 12% of the water is elevated and the
remaining water goes out of waste valve which will be guided into the inlet by the re
circulation system provided. The fall height is considered to be 1.5 m. With the help of
equation the total elevation to which the water can be pumped is 9.375 m.

Table 5. Determination of the Elevated Height of Water

Sl.No Fall Height Flow of water Efficiency House hold Total
(m) (l/min) % requirement elevation to
(Liters/min) which water
gets pumped
(m)
1 1.5 3 60 0.3472 9.375

Table 6 shows the calculation of various parameters involved in the design of the
hydraulic ram pump. It is found out that the above designed hydraulic ram pump with
given specifications generate the power of 0.73 kW and the efficiency of 59.5%.

Table 6. Calculation of Various Parameters

Sl. Suppl Flow Velocit Reynold Frictio Head Pressure Power Efficien
No y discharge y of the s nal loss on waste (kW) cy (%)
head (l/min) fluid Number Factor (mm) valve
(m) flow (kPa)
( m/s)
1 1.5 3 0.025 1573 0.05 3.1 4.13 0.73 59.5

The results which are obtained in table 6 is compared with the results obtained in the
research paper [4, 11], the results are very close. The efficiency of the hydraulic ram
obtained is very crucial to determine the height of the delivery.

6. Conclusions
Water conservation and sustainable energy is one of the very important thing especially
in rural area, therefore the design of hydram plays an important role to lift the water
without the aid of external means. Also the installation cost of the entire setup is very less,
compact & simple. It could be tested at the region where the horizontal water stream flow
has greater pressure and velocity. Steady flow energy equation could be adopted in order
to determine the velocities at various points since the discharge at various points in the set
up doesn't remain constant. Variation in the diameter of the air chamber will change the
outlet pressure and the discharge. Therefore an optimum dimension could be determined
by experimentation. By providing water recirculation system maximum wastage of water
is prevented which is vital in rural areas.
From the graphs plotted, it is proved that with the increase in the length of the drive
pipe the outlet pressure also raises. But in the present case that for a drive pipe length of 2
meter the discharge at the outlet is maximum compared to the other two cases. The
current system which is designed produces a power of 0.73 kW and the efficiency of 59.5
% which is ideal. By changing the inlet discharge, the power can be calculated and it
could be represented with the help of graph.
The work can be further continued by using the pumped water in generation the power
in hydroelectric plants. That is the elevated water is made to rotate the blades which

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generates the power. Thus this entire set up behaves like a perpetual motion machine
where there is no energy required to generate unlimited power till the infinite time period.
The analytical calculations can be made further simple by writing a computer programme
which will help to determine the optimum solution. Modelling and analysis can be carried
out using Ansys Fluent software which determines the various design parameters.

Nomenclature
Q= Discharge, l/min
h= supply head, m
H= delivery head, m
d= Pipe radius, m
L= Pipe length, m
Vd= velocity of fluid, m/s
Ad=Area of the pipe, m2
υ= Kinematic Viscosity, m2/s
Re=Reynolds number
f= friction factor
fd= drag force, N
Cd= Coefficient of discharge
Av= Area of waste valve, m2
VT= Velocity at the T section, m/s
dv/dt = Change in velocity with respect to time, m/s2
Pw= Pressure on the waste valve, Pa
P=Power generated, W
Q'= Discharge at the outlet, l/min
Qw= waste water discharge, l/min
η= Efficiency of the hydram, %

References
[1] A. F. Dumaoal Sr, F. A. Urbano and B. P. Pareja, “Design and performance evaluation of a local
downdraft hydraulic ram pump”, pp. 1-13.
[2] C. A. Nwosu and T. C. Madueme, “Recycled micro hydropower generation using hydraulic ram pump
(hydram)”, International Journal of Research in Engineering & Technology, vol. 1, no. 3, (2013), pp. 1-
10.
[3] F. Zoller, J. Woudstra and M. van der Wiel, “Hydraulic ram pumping in rural community development”,
(2004).
[4] S. Sheikh, C. C. Handa and A. P. Ninawe, “Design methodology for hydraulic ram pump (hydram)”,
International journal of mechanical engineering and robotic research, vol. 2, no. 4, (2013), pp. 170-175.
[5] O. B. Nganga, G. N. Nyakoe, W. Kabecha and N. O. Abungu, “An experimental prototype for low head
small hydro power generation using hydram”, pp. 174-186.
[6] R. N. Mbiu, S. M. Maranga and M. Mwai, “Performance Testing of Hydraulic Ram Pump”, Sustainable
Research and Innovation (SRI) Conference, (2015), pp. 6-8.
[7] S. N. Mohammed, “Design and Construction of a Hydraulic Ram Pump”, Leonardo Electronic Journal of
Practices and Technologies, No. 11, (2007), pp. 59-70.
[8] C. Verspuy and A. S. Tijsseling, “Hydraulic ram analysis”, Journal of hydraulic research, vol. 31, no. 2,
(1993), pp. 267-278.
[9] H. W. Iversen, “An Analysis of the Hydraulic Ram”, Journal of Fluids Engineering, vol. 97, no. 2,
(2010), pp. 191-196.
[10] M. Basfeld and E. A. Muller, “The hydraulic ram”, Forschung im Ingenieurwesen, Springer link, vol. 50,
no. 5, (1984), pp. 141-147.
[11] O. A. Nnene, I. Okoye and J. C. Agunwamba, “Design and Construction of a Water Conservation
System", Research gate, (2009), pp. 1-13.
[12] E. J. Schiller and P. Kahangire, “Analysis and computerized model of the automatic hydraulic ram
pump”, Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 11, no. 4, (1984), pp.743-750.

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