How to: Make a ram pump

md-pumping.jpg
I was searching the web trying to learn more water pumps for a future project when I came across this great website. It details the making or a ram pump. I am amazed at the lack of a motor or any user input. I wish I had a stream near by to try it out!

This is a pump that uses the power of water flowing downhill to deliver a supply of water to a much higher level. Pumps like this are relatively easy to build at home, for very little cost.

Learn how to make a Ram Pump

Posted by Marc de Vinck | May 2, 2008 03:00 AM
DIY Projects, Green | Permalink | Comments (6) | Email This | Bookmark and Share | Digg this!

Recent Entries

Comments

Oldest comments listed first.

Posted by: keith on May 2, 2008 at 5:19 AM

Ram Pump

Would be great plans were available


Posted by: keith on May 2, 2008 at 5:22 AM

Technical data

Take a look at this link from Clemson Univ.

http://www.clemson.edu/irrig/equip/ram.htm


Posted by: PopeRatzo on May 2, 2008 at 6:03 AM

So how much ram does this pump require? Can it run Vista?


Posted by: Monsignor Funkibut on May 2, 2008 at 9:09 AM

Hydraulic Rams

www.homepower.com has several articles on ram pumps and their uses. I believe one includes plans.


Posted by: Marc de Vinck on May 2, 2008 at 9:12 AM

@Monsignor Funkibut

Thanks for the link, it's a great site with a lot of info.


Posted by: Pekar on May 4, 2008 at 8:31 AM

I've built several hydraulic ram pumps using these designs. I highly recommend the Clemson design using a tilting swing check valve over the more fiddly modified spring check valve in the other designs.
Swing check valves can be expensive in larger sizes.
check Ebay, or plumbingsupply.com
Everything else should be readily available.


Leave a comment


Subscribe to MAKE!Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!

Subscribe today, save 42% and get web access to MAKE free. MAKE Digital Edition is available only to subscribers.

$34.95 / 1 year
(4 Quarterly Issues)

Subscribe now

How-to videos for Makers and Crafers!


Void your warranty, violate a user agreement, fry a circuit, blow a fuse, poke an eye out... Welcome to the Make Blog!

Features and more @ MAKE!


Get MAKE 14 - Subscribe or on newsstands!

Add MAKE to iGoogle - GoogleGoogle.
Add MAKE to your RSS reader - Real simple.


Advertise here with FM.

Why advertise on MAKE?
Read what folks are saying about us!

Click here to advertise on MAKE!

Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!


Phillip Torrone.Phillip Torrone
Senior Editor
Tel: 707-827-7311


Gareth BranwynGareth Branwyn
Robot Maker


Kip KayKip Kay
Video Maker


Jonah Brucker-Cohen Jonah Brucker-Cohen
Artist / Researcher

Suggest a Site!

Natalie Zee DrieuNatalie Zee Drieu
Senior Editor
CRAFT


Becky Stern Becky Stern
Culture jammer


Collin CunninghamCollin Cunningham
Sound Maker


Marc de Vinck Marc de Vinck
CNC Maker

Current Podcast

itunes_p.jpg Maker's Notebook Pocket - CRAFT Video Podcast Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes Love your Maker's Notebook, but wish it had a pocket? Well, in this video I'll show you how easy it is to add your own. This... More...

Get the Make blog sent via email

Enter your email to receive the Make blog each day:



WOW! Thanks to everyone involved with Maker Faire Bay Area: attendees, makers, exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, and crew...it was AMAZING! Over 400 Makers and 60,000+ attendees! Be sure to check out the photos @ Flickr, and our Maker Faire posts for all the action! The next scheduled Maker Faire is Austin: Oct. 18th & 19th, 2008 - Travis County Expo Center!

Make Categories

www.flickr.com
photos in MAKE More photos in MAKE Flickr Pool
www.flickr.com
photos in Craft More photos in Craft Flickr Pool

Advertise here.
Why advertise on MAKE?
Read what folks are saying about us!

Click here to advertise on MAKE!
Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!

Recent Posts from the Craft: Blog

Recent Posts from the Hackszine Blog