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


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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.


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