Comprehensive Ram Pump Design and Installation

Manual for use in Developing Countries

Clemson Engineers for Developing Countries

Ram Pump Group

Max Pawlick, Andrew Chesser, Chris Grguras, Adam Benson, Adam Sagerman
 Intro

Abstract
The purpose of this document is to provide a specific step by step process for the construction,
implementation, and use of Hydraulic Ram Pumps throughout the developing world, and specifically the
Central Plateau of Haiti. Ram pumps have been utilized for over 200 years to pump water in times and
locations without reliable energy sources. They utilize the energy of elevated water in streams or raised
ponds to pump a percentage of this water uphill. If a location has an elevated supply of water, and the
target community only needs a fraction of that water supply, a ram pump may be a suitable solution.
The relative simplicity of the mechanism allows ram pumps to be constructed with common PVC
fittings that are usually available in developing countries. This dramatically reduces system price and the
difficulty of transporting unwieldy machined ram pumps overseas. In addition, many do it yourself (DIY)
materials are available on the internet concerning the construction of these ram pumps. However, research
supported the claim that most DIY manuals are not practical in developing countries. They generally fail
to highlight the importance of the site evaluation and the possible nuances in design that depend on it.
Additionally, their designs do not address the possible variability in flowrates needed or lift heights
required.
The solution presented in this paper addresses these concerns by walking the reader through a site
evaluation, suggesting a specific design that optimizes their environment, leading them though
construction and tuning of their pump for maximum performance, and instructing them on maintenance
procedures. The goal of this paper is to catalyze the spread of ram pump technology to developing
countries by leading citizens and charitable organizations to install and maintain ram pumps that perform
at high standards.

Overview
This document begins with a brief overview of the technology, its applications, and supporting
mathematics. This is followed by a section that guides the reader through a site evaluation, and
determining their required flow rate. The next section utilizes site evaluation results to determine whether
a ram is a feasible solution, and if so, what ram design is most effective. This will be followed by a bill of
materials that provides locations and prices of materials around Cange for the design chosen, and section
describing alternative material possibilities and their effects on pump performance should the suggested
materials not be available. The final sections guide the user through ram pump start up, maintenance, and
troubleshooting.

Technology
Hydraulic Ram Pumps are capable of moving water uphill by utilizing the potential energy of
elevated water without using an outside power source. They have been widely used since the beginning of
their production in the early 19th century. The pump only uses two moving parts; this mechanical
simplicity allows it to run reliably for long periods of time with little maintenance. The amount of water a
ram pump delivers is dependent on several factors, some based on the geography of the site and some on
the design of the pump. Some ram pumps provide enough water to use in irrigation systems in addition to
drinking and sanitation. A broad schematic of a ram pump system is shown in figure 1 below.
 Figure 1: Ram Pump System Schematic
The pump operates using the water hammer effect, a sudden pressure change that results from the
abrupt stopping of flowing water in a pipe. This effect is possible because the pump uses the potential
energy of all the water that flows into it, but only provides potential energy to a small percentage of that
water, which is pumped up the delivery pipe. The stages are shown below in figure 2.

Figure 2: Ram Pump Operation

In stage one, high velocity water flows through the waste (impetus) valve. Once the pressure in
the pipe becomes too strong it will push this valve closed, at which point the water flowing in the drive
pipe will be abruptly stopped. By the Navier Stokes equation, this sudden decrease in velocity yields a
sudden increase in pressure forcing open the internal (flapper) valve. The opening of the flapper valve
relieves the pressure on the waste valve, allowing it to open again. When water pressure above the flapper
valve becomes too great for the valve to hold, it closes, reapplying the original pressure to the waste valve
and starting the cycle over. Each time the process runs, a small amount of water moves up through the
delivery pipe, leading to a steady flow.

Site Evaluation
Parameters Required
Before a ram pump is constructed, a site evaluation must be done in which several parameters
must be determined.
These parameters are:
1. Flow rate of the water source
2. Vertical fall available from the water source
3. Vertical elevation to the desired location (from the pump location)
4. Distance from the water source to the ram
5. Distance from the ram to the desired location
6. Volume of water required per day to the desired location
These parameters are essential to determine if a ram pump is the right technology for a certain
community or area. Additionally, this information allows the user to design the most effective type of ram
for their environment.

Measuring the Flow Rate

It is extremely important to measure or estimate the flowrate at its yearly minimum, otherwise the
design chosen could stop pumping when the source flowrate decreases. Having an understanding of how
the flowrate varies throughout the year will be critical to determining the optimal pump size.
To measure most flow rates simply use a container and a stop watch. It is most convenient to use
a container that has a known volume. Useful containers are five-gallon buckets or gallon jugs. However,
it is important to keep in mind that the bigger the container is, the more accurate the calculation of the flow
rate will be.
To measure the flowrate of a moving source, divert the water from your source so that as much as
possible flows into the container. Time how long it takes for the container to fill. Then divide the volume
of the container by the time to get the flow rate. For example, if the container’s volume is 5 gallons, and it
takes 20 seconds for the bucket to fill, then the flow rate it 15 gallons per minute. Measurements should
attempt to be within 10% of true value.
If your source is stagnant water, connect any available piping with a minimum diameter of 1 inch
and run it down to the planned site of the pump. Then, perform a similar calculation as described in the
paragraph above to determine the water velocity. This velocity will remain roughly constant even if the
diameter of the pipe is increased, thus giving flexibility over the flowrate. However, it is important to note
that using a flowrate too large may result in over draining your source. To estimate the effect on a standing
water source, perform a draw down test. Information concerning draw down test is readily available online.
Measuring the Vertical Fall and Delivery Head
The vertical fall is the height from the water source to the ram. The delivery head is the vertical
elevation from the ram to the desired location. The ideal tool for measuring this is surveying equipment. If
that is not available, the fall can also be measured using a carpenter’s level (or the iPhone Compass app)
and a stick of known height. Begin your measurement at the location of the pump, point the stick upwards
and then use your line of sight in coordination with the level to find the next measuring point, repeat the
process. This process can be shown in the illustration below. The same process is used to find the delivery
head.

Figure 3: Measuring Vertical Delivery

Determining Pumping Distances

Pumping distances are measured from the water source to the ram and from the ram to the desired
location. These distances can be measured using a tape measure. For a quick estimation with no tape
measure or measuring device, one can pace toe to heel the whole distance from the ram to the supply or
desired location and count his or her steps, and their length. Pumping distances only become significant
when they are large in comparison to the pump delivery height.

Calculating Water Needed

It is important to know how much water is needed for a specific community per day. The amount
of water used by each person per day can vary greatly depending what it is used for and how much
infrastructure the community has. For example, communities seeking water for agriculture will require
much more water per capita than the half gallon of drinking water necessary to sustain each person. The
following tables are from a ram guide aimed at farmers in the United States. It can be used as a starting
point to estimate the water required by infrastructure and agriculture.
 Figure 4: Rife Ram Calculating Water Required

Other Considerations
The most important part of the site evaluation is establishing a connection with the
community. To some extent they will be responsible for maintaining the system and some
members will need to be trained on how to start and troubleshoot the pump.
It is important for design considerations to make an assessment on how difficult the
location of the pump is to access as some designs require more frequent attention. The designer
must also know how frequently the trained community members can attend to the pump. The
budget of the project must also be considered.

Design
After a sight evaluation it can be determined whether a ram pump is a feasible option for
the site, and if so how optimized the system needs to be in order to function as needed. The
questions below should provide rough answers to these questions.

How high is the delivery height?

Under 125
feet 125-350 feet Over 350 feet
Basic designs Design decisions should be made A ram pump may not be suitable (is possible but
are suitable to maximize performance has not been verified, see efficency discussion)
What is the lowest possible ratio of lift height to fall height at you location?
5 or less 6 to 9 10 or higher
Basic designs Design decisions should be made may not be suitable (is possible but has not
are suitable to maximize performance been verified, see efficency discussion)
What percentage of the incoming flowrate do you need pump to provide?
5% or less 5% to 15% higher than 15%
 Basic designs Design decisions should be made may not be suitable (is possible with low lift:fall
are suitable to maximize performance ratio, consult efficiency equation)
Is it reasonable for the community to perform brief maintenance at the pump a twice a week?
No, but once a month would be
Yes reasonable. No
Basic designs A cushioning device should be Your ram should incorporate a snifter in its
are suitable used in the pressure chamber. design. (see snifter section)
Figure 5: Ram Pump Feasibility

If more than one of your answers fell into the red category a ram pump is probably not
the best option for your site. Solar pumps are generally a good alternative in these cases.

Basic Design Overview

The design below was created by Mark Risse of the University of Georgia and is standard
for DIY applications. The visuals below are for a 1 ¼ inch pump oriented with the water flowing
from right to left.

Figure 6: Basic DIY Design

Connected to part 1 is the drive pipe where water enters the system. The details of the drive pipe are
critical to pump design.
NOTE: This paper supports a design that replaces part 4 with a modified brass spring check valve
which is critical to pump performance. See Waste Valve Customization section.
 Design

Sizing
The size of the mainline pump components depend on the source flowrate measured during
the site evaluation. The table below outlines what pump diameters are possible with certain
flowrates and the expected performance from them. If the flowrate falls below the minimum listed
in the table, the pump will stop working. This table assumes the ratio of the delivery height to the
fall height is 5, thus it is important to adjust expectations based on the ratio from an individual site
evaluation.

Figure 7: Delivery Pipe Length

Drive pipes carry the water from source to the mainline of the pump. The diameter of the
drive pipe is equal to the diameter of the pump. The table below gives ranges of the possible
lengths of the drive pipe. If the distance between source and location of the pump is too large a
stand pipe system must be used to maintain the pressure spike required to move water.
 Figure 8: Drive Pipe Length

Pump Efficiency
Efficiency varies for all ram pumps, but it remains constant for an individual pump. Existing
literature estimates efficiencies from 50-60% for machined metal pumps and 30% for DIY plastic
designs. The efficiency of a pump is a function of delivery flow, supply flow, lift height, and fall height;
because of this, it can be used to estimate delivery flowrates, or calculate fall required for desired delivery
flowrates.

The Basic Equation for Efficiency

Where:
𝑄𝐷 ∗ ℎ η = Efficiency of the Pump
𝜂=
𝑄𝑆 ∗ ℎ𝑠 QD = Delivery Flowrate
QS = Supply Flowrate
h =Total head (lift – fall)
hS = Supply head (fall)

Figure 9: Efficiency Equation

The table below represents expected output flowrate in gallons per day based on a lift to fall ratio
increasing from top to bottom as well as a source flow rate in gallons per minute increasing from left to
 right. This table also assumes the pump will have an efficiency of 30%. It is important to recognize that the
input flow rate is limited by the drive pipe size (refer to the maximum pump inflow column on figure 5).

Water Delivered in Gallons per Day

Input Flow Rate gal/minute

2 4 6 8 10 15 20 25
2 432 864 1296 1728 2160 3240 4320 5400
3 288 576 864 1152 1440 2160 2880 3600
4 216 432 648 864 1080 1620 2160 2700
5 173 346 518 691 864 1296 1728 2160
Lift to Fall
Ratio 6 144 288 432 576 720 1080 1440 1800
7 123 247 370 494 617 926 1234 1543
8 108 216 324 432 540 810 1080 1350
10 86 173 259 346 432 648 864 1080
12 72 144 216 288 360 540 720 900
15 58 115 173 230 288 432 576 720
18 48 96 144 192 240 360 480 600
21 41 82 123 165 206 309 411 514
24 36 72 108 144 180 270 360 450

Figure 10: Projected Delivery

Despite the validity of the efficiency equation, some of the deliveries listed above are not possible
in practice, this is because efficiency drops as the pump lifts to higher ratios and higher total lifts. The
table below provides an indication of what efficiency your pump needs to function for its lift to fall ratio.
For each ratio listed it will be more difficult for a system to perform at larger magnifications of that ratio.
For example, a system with 10 feet of fall and 70 feet of lift will operate with much higher efficiency than
a system with 30 feet of fall and 210 feet of lift.
The values listed below represent the percentage of water delivered of the water that comes into
the system. The yellow values indicate a loss of efficiency and the red values indicate the pump is
unlikely to lift to its required height. Efficiencies of 25 to 30% are likely for PVC designs, 45 to 50% are
likely for metal designs, and 35 to 40% are likely for combination designs.
 % Water Delivered

% Efficiency
25 30 35 40 45 50
2 12.5 15.0 17.5 20.0 22.5 25.0
3 8.3 10.0 11.7 13.3 15.0 16.7
4 6.3 7.5 8.8 10.0 11.3 12.5
5 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0
Lift to Fall
Ratio 6 4.2 5.0 5.8 6.7 7.5 8.3
7 3.6 4.3 5.0 5.7 6.4 7.1
8 3.1 3.8 4.4 5.0 5.6 6.3
10 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0
12 2.1 2.5 2.9 3.3 3.8 4.2
15 1.7 2.0 2.3 2.7 3.0 3.3
18 1.4 1.7 1.9 2.2 2.5 2.8
21 1.2 1.4 1.7 1.9 2.1 2.4
24 1.0 1.3 1.5 1.7 1.9 2.1
Figure 11: Percentage of Water Delivered

Pressure Chamber
The pressure chamber is responsible for protecting the pump components from the pressure spike
that occurs each time the pump runs. The table below can be used for sizing.

Figure 12: Pressure Chamber Sizing

 A main part of the pressure chamber is the compressible item inside of it. The pump will
function with only air inside the pressure chamber, but once it becomes water logged the pump will stop
working, make loud clanging sounds, and potentially break. Therefore, if only air is used in the pressure
chamber the pump must be drained and restarted every 2 or 3 days. To lessen the frequency of
maintenance it is recommended a compressible object be inserted into the drive pipe; bike tires and foam
pool noodles are commonly used for this application. However, it is critical to remember that any inflated
shock absorber will eventually lose its pressure and need to be replaced. As an alternative for keeping the
chamber pressurized, a snifter valve can be installed. Snifters use the movement of water through the pipe
to move a small amount of air into the pressure chamber during each cycle. While sizing a snifter
correctly is tricky and lowers pump efficiency, it allows the pump to run indefinitely without
maintenance. Design information regarding snifters is found in the snifter section below.

Waste Valve Customization

Altering the pressure required to close your waste valve is the most critical element of designing a
ram pump that is capable of pumping to significant heights. The maximum delivery height is determined
by how strong the pressure spike is each time the waste valve closes. The pressure spike gains strength
from larger fall heights because the velocity of the water exiting waste valve increases. This increase in
velocity raises the change in momentum that occurs when the valve closes, causing a larger pressure
spike.

Figure 13: Brass Spring Check Valve

To customize the pressure required to close your waste valve, remove the spring from a normal
brass spring check valve. Once this is complete, the water will have to overcome the weight of the piston
in order to shut the valve. Then, attach a female threaded union to the threaded section on the left side of
the image. Attach all thread rod to the other side of the union. This allows washers or bolts to be added to
the valve to increase the force required to close it. Without performing this process and adjusting the
weight as necessary, a ram pump cannot reach heights over 75 feet regardless of fall height. The image
below shows a customized spring check installed on a ram pump.
 Figure 14: Ram Pump with Customized Waste Valve

Snifter Valve
A snifter valve is commonly used in piping, pumps, and pistons. The values take in air each time
the pump cycles to keep the pressure chamber from filling with water. The easiest way to install a snifter
is to drill a small hole in the piping right before the internal valve. A hole 1/16 th of an inch in diameter is
usually ideal. Larger holes can also be drilled and then obstructed with a cotter pin that is bent to insure it
remains in the system. In order to install an effective snifter, the general design of the pump must be
altered slightly to allow air to enter the system.

Figure 15: Snifter Compatible Design

The schematic below uses all the same parts label as the first design, with the exception of parts
18 through 20. This design allows air to enter horizontally as water moves up the pump. However,
between pressure spikes water leaks out of the snifter, lowering output and efficiency.
 Installing a snifter usually requires tweaking and observation to ensure the valve delivers enough
air to prevent the pressure chamber from water logging. If loud clanging is observed after installation,
increase the size of the hole or decrease the size of the cotter pin as needed. With a correctly sized snifter,
a ram pump can run for years without requiring any maintenance.

Stand Pipe/Drive Pipe Specifications

Each time a ram pump cycles, a pressure wave travels up to the end of the drive pipe and then back
down to the pump. The timing of this pressure wave is critical. As a result, drive pipes that are too long
(Figure 6) require a system to shorten the distance traveled by the pressure wave. Stand pipes are just
vertical pipes that allow the pressure wave to dissipate at an appropriate distance from the pump. The image
below shows how they are integrated into a ram pump system.

Figure 16: Stand Pipe Schematic

To have a properly functioning ram when using a stand pipe, the dimensions of the drive pipe, stand
pipe, and supply pipe matter. The supply pipe is the pipe that brings the water from the water source to the
stand pipe. The following ratio of diameters should be used.

1 inch Drive Pipe: 2 inch Supply Pipe : 3 inch Stand Pipe

Required Pump Pressure

The required pressure in PSI can be calculated by multiplying the lift height in feet by 0.433. This
value should be used to ensure your pipe fittings can survive the repeated pressure wave. For example, for
delivery heights over 125 feet, schedule 40 PVC fittings are in danger of failing under the repeated stress.
It is advised to design cautiously when considering pressure because materials in developing countries
may not meet common standards.

System Considerations
In addition to the pump itself, a ram pump system must also address the control of water before
and after the pump. The incoming water cannot carry any large objects, such as sticks or rocks, into the
system. However, fine filters will disrupt water flow and stop the pump from operating. Metal grates or
capped PVC pipes with many holes drilled into them are common solutions.
To operate effectively, a ram pump’s inlet should be submerged. The minimum suggested depth
is 4 inches; however, 6 inches is preferable. This prevents air from entering the drive pipe and disrupting
the pump’s operation. This may be impractical for smaller systems that are supplied by a stream. In these
cases it is highly recommended a small dam is constructed which makes submersion possible.
After the water is passes through the pump a hose or piping system must bring it to its
destination. Since the shock of the pressure wave is dissipated in the pressure chamber, outlet vessels do
not experience a large amount of stress. In most cases garden hoses will suffice. Dynamic head
calculations can be performed to verify the required operating pressure of your outlet material.
Since ram pumps expel most their water at the waste valve, this area is likely to experience a
buildup of water. When a ram pump is located within a stream this is less likely to be an issue, but it may
be a significant concern for systems that house their ram pump away from bodies of water.
For a system to provide drinking water it must contain effective filtration devices. Water must be
filtered after it arrives at its destination to prevent flow disruption in the pump. Additionally, filter
systems should be designed that avoid putting back pressure onto the ram. Even if water is not being used
for drinking it is highly recommended that the system’s water storage container have an overflow system
that diverts surplus water back to the source. This practice keeps water moving and substantially improves
the quality of water in storage.
 Parts and Construction

Materials List
The parts list should be followed closely to make the construction process as easy as possible. These
materials are required for proper construction of a Ram Pump. There are some alternatives to these parts
that will be discussed after the list. The list assumes a 1-1/4 inch drive pipe, therefore size and material
adjustments need to be made based on your chosen design. Attempt to keep the ratios present in this
materials list similar to your design for best results.

 1-1/4” ball valve

 1-1/4” tee (2 are needed)
 1-1/4” union
 1-1/4” check valve
 1-1/4” spring check valve (customizable)
 ¾” tee
 3/4” ball valve
 ¾” union
 1-1/4” x ¾” bushing
 ¼” ball valve
 100 psi gauge (may need to be higher for stronger pump)
 ¾” X 6” nipple
 4” x 1-1/4” bushing
 4” coupling
 4” x 24” PR160 PVC pipe
 4” PVC glue cap
 ¾” x ¼” bushing
 40’ section of 1-1/4” PVC pipe
 Bicycle tire
 6 Connecting nipples (if the design is made of metal threaded piping)
 1-1/4 inch elbow (for snifter design)
 1-1/4 inch coupling (for snifter design)

Part Specifics and Alternatives

It is important to follow the parts list closely, however if certain parts are unavailable or difficult
to obtain, they can be replaced by alternatives in some cases. However, they may have consequences on the
pump’s performance, longevity, or maintenance requirements.
The most important choice revolves around the air chamber. This chamber must remain pressurized
with air, or else the pump will stop working and break do to the lack of cushion to dissipate the energy of
the water hammer effect that powers the pump. There are several methods to achieve this.

Pressurizing Methods:
 1. Ideally, a snifter should be installed in the system by drilling a hole and inserting a cotter pin on
the piping between the internal check valve and the pressure chamber. This allows the pump
to function nonstop with minimal maintenance. However, installing the snifter valve requires a
drill. This option is strongly recommended, but if it is not possible proceed to the next option.
2. Secondarily, a flexible container pressurized with air, such as a bicycle tire tube, can be inserted
into the pressure chamber. However, like tires on a bike, anything filled with air will eventually
release it and once the air-filled container loses pressure the pump will fail. Therefore; if this design
is followed the pressure chamber must be checked every few days and the container must be re-
inflated.
3. A compressible object, such as a foam noodle, can be inserted and secured inside of the pressure
chamber. To test if the object may work, press down on it. If it responds in a similar way to a
pressurized bike tire it will function. However, any object placed in the pressure tank will come
into contact with the water the pump outputs, thus materials that could be hazardous to health must
be avoided.

The alternatives for the other parts and notes are listed below.

1-1/4 ball valve

 Can be switched out for butterfly, glove, or gate valve, without any change in the system.
3/4 union
 The union is necessary. Without a union on each side it is extremely difficult to take apart and clean
out the device if it needs maintenance.
1 ¼ spring check valve (Customized Waste Valve)
 It is our strong recommendation that this be used in order to obtain peak performance. The spring
check valve allows for weight to be added to create a stronger water hammer force allowing for the
water to reach much higher points than it could before. The optimal weight must be determined by
trial and error, however 1lb added to a spring check valve that has been stripped of its spring is
generally a good start. If using a swing check still, the angle can be changed to 45֯ to achieve a
higher delivery point but a spring check is the best option in order to do so.
1 ¼ check valve (Internal Valve)
 This part can be a spring or swing check without causing any issue.
¼ brass valve, PSI gauge, ¾ to ¼ bushing, can be removed, in which case ¾ tee would be swapped
for a short section of pipe.
  These parts measure the pressure in the pump mainline, which needs to reach a certain threshold
before the pump can be started. This can also be achieved via trial and error.
Bushings
 Required to connect pipes of different sizes.
Reducer
 Needed to connect upward pipe to pressure tank 4 in coupling.
Pressure Tank Pipe
 This needs to be pressure rated for the maximum pressure spike. Particularly for systems that have
a pressure tank with a larger diameter it will be necessary to purchase schedule 80 piping for this
piece, although it is more expensive, it will ensure the pressure tank does not rupture.
Drive Pipe
 The suggested length from equation is about 150 to 1000 x the diameter of the drive pipe. Using a
drive pipe shorter than recommended will degrade pump performance. Additionally, pipes made of
inflexible material, like steel, will have better performance than PVC. If steel is not available, PVC
pipes can be surrounded in concrete to improve drive pipe performance.

PVC Cement and Teflon

 Required to connect all of the PVC piping
Output materials
 A hose or pipe that carries water from the pump to its destination, and the subsequent collection
tank are required.
Construction
While the materials and their specific dimensions of ram pump components vary depending on the
design, the arrangement of parts is the same. Below is the mainline of the pump, where water would flow
right to left, with the key components labeled.

Figure 17: Labeled Ram Pump Schematic

1. Gather listed materials from materials list

2. Lay out materials according to diagram
3. Cut connecting units of pipes
a. Pieces don’t need to be overly long, just long enough to reach fully into all the fittings
b. For metal designs all parts will be connected with nipples and wrapped with Teflon tape
4. Smooth down inside edges of cut pipes with sand paper
a. Don’t worry if pipes seem rather tight, the primer and cement will lubricate the edges
5. Using gloves, rub primer then cement on the outside face of the pipe, and inside face of the fitting
a. Be sure to rub primer FIRST, then cement
b. Don’t rush, but get pipes together before cement rises
 c. Note: When connecting the spring check valve, point the arrow on the valve TOWARDS
the main tee connected to the pressure chamber. ALSO with the brass spring check valve,
the arrow should point down toward the tee and main line of pipe
6. Main line set up:
a. Connect the main line valves to unions
i. Be sure to place unions on inside of valves toward center of pump
ii. When connecting the threaded sections, wrap threaded areas with Teflon tape to
prevent leaks
7. Pressure gauge set up:
a. From top-bottom construct in this order:
i. Gauge
ii. Ball Valve
iii. Nipple
iv. Bushing
b. Note this step is optional but helps with troubleshooting
8. Pressure chamber set up:
a. Gather big pipe section, cap, adapter, bike tube, and bike pump
b. When inflating the bike tube, don’t over-inflate just enough to make tube squishy
i. Purpose is to prevent chamber from becoming waterlogged
c. Stuff bike tube into large pipe chamber
d. Add fishing line or string tied inside the bike tube that hangs down into the main line of
the pump. This way, when the tires deflates it can be popped, removed, patched, and
reflated.
e. It’s suggested that a union be added below the pressure chamber so that it can be removed,
and the process in bullet D can be performed easier.
f. After, prime and cement both ends of chamber and place the cap on one end and adapter
on the other
g. After pieces dried up glue whole assembly to main line
9. Check valve
a. Install swing check inside of union
b. Make sure inside “flapper” is hanging down when assembly upright
c. Thread down to the bushing that is already cemented to main line

NOTE: It is also important to have a coarse filter over the inlet of the drive pipe to prevent large objects
from clogging it. However fine filters, such as cloth, will disrupt flowrate and hamper performance. PVC
caps with slits cut into them using a hacksaw is a common solution.
 Installation, Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Installation
1. Close the valve leading out of the pump system completely.
2. Set the drive pipe so the water source flows into it.
3. Open the valve leading into the pump
a. After a few moments of shooting out water, the waste valve should close
4. Use a stick or pole to manually open the waste valve by pressing down on it for approximately 1
second.
5. Leave the pump for a few seconds and then repeat step 4. It may be required to do this as many as
60 times before the pump valve will open and close on its own.
6. Look at your pressure gauge on the pump. Let the pump run until it reaches somewhere between
20 to 30 PSI.
7. Once pressure is reached begin to slowly open the output valve. If it is opened all at once the pump
could stall. If the pump does stall return to step 3.
8. Once the pump is functioning, experiment with different amounts of weigh on the waste valve to
maximize performance as desired.

Tuning
Once the pump is running, the weight on the check valve will need to be adjusted to maximize
performance. To maximize flow rate, the minimum amount of weight to achieve the pressure required
should be added. The waste valve should be weighed down until the pressure rises slightly above the
required value. This value can be read off the pressure gauge installed near the outlet of the system.
Overweighting the check valve will reduce the amount of water delivered. The weighting will have to be
adjusted if there is a significant change in flow rate through the drive pipe.

Troubleshooting
This list gives solutions to common problems that occur while installing and attempting to operate
a ram pump.
1. Loud, metallic banging from pump

a. No air in the chamber. Pump should be stopped immediately and air chamber drained of

water for maintenance to avoid severe damage to pump. Check for air leaks.

2. Waste valve does not work

a. Check for debris. Check waste valve on seating, should be able to move freely.
 3. Waste valve is intermittent, closes at irregular rhythm.

a. Often indicates air in drive pipe. Check to make sure drive pipe mouth is submerged by

water. Drain any trapped air, by manually opening and closing waste valve.

4. Pump is operating, but no water at delivery site.

a. Make sure delivery gate valve is open and there is no obstruction or air blockage. If your

pump has a pressure gauge, check that there is enough pressure to pump water to delivery

site.

5. Waste valve stays open.

a. Not enough water in drive pipe, too much weight on waste valve, or delivery valve issue.

Maintenance

One of the major benefits of ram pumps is that they will continuously run with minimal
maintenance. There are only a few moving parts, so it does not take a lot of work to take care of it. The
available materials and proximity of a technician should be taken into account when selecting the type of
pump. If there is a local person who has the ability to make repairs and check the functionality frequently,
it may be best to build a ram pump using inexpensive local materials. If there is limited availability of a
technician, a commercial pump may be preferable. This means that the more inexpensive the pump, the
more often one might have to do some form of maintenance on it.
The primary work that may need to be done on a ram pump is re-pressurizing the pressure chamber.
When using a pool noodle, bike tire, etc., to keep pressure from being waterlogged, they will wear down or
need to be inflated. Maintenance will need to happen every 3-4 weeks using this system. This just involves
removing the pool noodle or bike tire and replacing it or filling it with air again. To do this the unions
around the pressure chamber need to be removed, and then the tire or noodle can be pulled out of the
chamber. The next step is to just inflate the tire and put it back in or replace the noodle. When your tire or
noodle wears down, the chamber will become waterlogged, requiring it to be drained. This can be done
while also replacing the tire or noodle. In order to do this, both valves must be closed, and then you can
remove the pressure chamber as described before and pour out the water that is inside of it. If a snifter valve
is being used, no maintenance will ever need to be done. Snifters allow for the pump to run constantly with
no maintenance because the snifter will keep the pressure chamber from being water logged and keeps it
pressurized. Maintenance is an important factor in ram pumps with regards to longevity, but can easily be
minimized by following these steps.
 Conclusion

This document will allow a user to design, install, and maintain a ram pump system after
performing a site evaluation. In addition, the ram will function in a fashion that takes advantage of the
nearby geography and skill of the constructor(s). This paper highly encourages its reader to find other
sources of information, including other research papers, testing experience, and videos to expand their
knowledge of ram pumps.
It is critical to note that only a portion of the system’s success is dependent on the engineering
aspects. The more complicated portion of the project is educating and training the recipient community to
maintain the system. The end goal of any water project should be community ownership and
responsibility. Water projects cannot be treated separately from community development. Thus, an
understanding and relationship with the community is critical to any successful water system.
 Works Cited
Home-Made Hydraulic Ram Pump for Livestock Water
https://www.clemson.edu/extension/publications/files/livestock-forages/Lf13-home-made-
hydraulic-ram-pump.pdf
Rife Ram Information Manual and Setup Guide
http://www.riferam.com/assets/ram-information-manual-and-set-up-guide.pdf

Special thanks to Scott Hunt who advised us. His YouTube videos cover information on his ram
pumps. They can be found on his page Engineer775.