Setting Up and Using A RAM Pump

KTM SOLUTIONS, INC.
Formal Report D06991A00000
User
Documentation
Issue Date:
May 15, 2007
Set up and using a RAM Pump
Summary:
KTM Solutions, Inc., on behalf of Hydromissions International, used technical

oversight for the development of a low cost ram pump. A ram pump uses
hydraulic ram pressure generated from suddenly closing an open valve in a
piping system. Ram pump technology is not new. However, KTM Solutions
assisted Hydromissions in the selection of materials and development of flow
tables, valve settings, and results predictions associated with the assembly of
a pump. The design goal - to design a pump that can be constructed from
inexpensive modern materials easily purchased through common world wide
outlets. Expected material cost of the pump is under $75.00. This report
includes instructions for configuring the pump to function with a given stream
flow and/or vertical drop from inlet to pump outlet. When properly
configured, the pump will provide a minimum of 10 feet of lift for every 1 foot
of inlet drop.
Prepared By:
Original Signature on File

David Catron
KTM SOLUTIONS, INC.
Prepared By:
Original Signature on File

Paul Kumler
KTM SOLUTIONS, INC.
Page 1 of 10
This Document contains Proprietary Information of KTM SOLUTIONS, INC. Disclosure to others, use or
copying without express written authorization of KTM Solutions, Inc is strictly prohibited.
©2007 KTM SOLUTIONS, INC. Unpublished Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
Uncontrolled when printed
KTM SOLUTIONS, INC. Formal Report D06991A00000
Table of Contents
Table of Contents........................................................................................... 2
Abstract........................................................................................................ 3
Configurations ............................................................................................... 4
Assembling the Pump ..................................................................................... 5
Special notes................................................................................................. 9
Page 2 of 10
Abstract
Clean water, a resource that many people take for granted in the US, is a rare
commodity in many third world countries. Even water for irrigation purposes can be
scarce. Without water, crops can not grow. In many cases, water is available but
not at the location where it can be used for raising crops and watering live stock.
Hydromissions International requested that KTM assist in the development of a low
cost pump that can be built and configured in a third world country. Hydromissions
is an organization that develops and delivers low technology water equipment
specifically for use where electricity or other powered equipment is not available. A
ram pump was chosen to fill this need.
A ram pump uses hydraulic pressure developed when fluid flow is suddenly
interrupted. Ram pumps have been in existence for many years. However, with the
development of PVC plastics and other modern materials, it is possible to construct a
reliable pump using off the shelf hardware that can be obtained from any hardware
store. The physics of a ram pump is very simple and the set up is forgiving. This
document will provide the user with useful information for constructing and tuning
the pump. The set up instructions and tables are provided. The user will need to
calculate the vertical drop between the pump inlet and the pump output nozzle.
For a user with the ability to calculate stream flow, calculations are provided to take
advantage of the stream dynamics. However, a flowing stream is not required to run
the pump provided the availability of a vertical drop between the pump inlet and
outlet.
Operational Ram Pump – Reedy River, Greenville, South Carolina

The photograph above depicts an operating ram pump. Although the inlet of the
pump is located in a waterfall of a flowing stream, the stream flow is not required to
Page 3 of 10
run the pump. The actual inlet was positioned such that the water was taken from
the pool that collected at the inlet. The pump was running only on the flow created
by the vertical drop through the steel pipe.
Configurations
The ram pump is driven by the energy of the water passing through the pump. The
following illustration provides a pump system schematic. Water enters the inlet of
the pump at point 1. The water descends through the inlet pipe an elevation (z1)
from point 1 to point 3. The pump (P), using ramp pressure will pump the water
from point 3 to point 2 (an elevation of z2). If the pump is set up correctly, z2 will
be at least 10 X z1. This means that a 4 foot vertical drop from point 1 to point 3
will result in a 40 foot rise from point 3 to point 2!
V2
P2
2
V1
1
P1 z2
z1
L 3
Ram System Schematic
The following pictures depict the make up of a single ram pump configuration. The
components of the pump are organized into four sub assemblies (shown in the
picture on the left, below). Component 1 is the inlet check valve also called the
clacker valve. Component 2 is the inflow manifold. Component 3 is the outflow
check valve which prevents back flow from the water outlet as the water is raised to
the output height. Component 4 is ballast (air chamber) which provides back
pressure to assist in lifting the water to the desire output height. As the water
enters the output tube and rises in altitude, the pressure due to the water column
will increase. The right picture below shows a completed parts list (less the inlet and
output tubes). Although not pictured, the inlet tube is a significant component. The
inlet tube is crucial to developing the ram pressure.
Page 4 of 10
Pump Configuration
With the instructions shown in the picture above, the user can assemble the ram
pump. The pump shown above uses has a one inch inlet. The output is a ¾ inch
hose.
Assembling the Pump
1) Procure all materials as shown in the master parts list. You will also need
to purchase 1 inch diameter steel schedule 40 pipe sufficient to obtain a
total length (L – See Schematic) 4.5 X z1. In other words, if you are
designing the pipe for a drop of 5 feet, you should purchase a minimum of
22.5 feet of pipe. It is acceptable to splice the pipe.
2) Assemble the sub assemblies for the ram pump using the pictures above.
Note that part 24 is mounted inside the Inflow check. Also all PVC to PVC
connections that are not threaded in the subassemblies must be primed
and cemented together properly. To apply primer and cement first dry fit
the PVC parts together and take mental note of how far down they slide
together. Then apply the primer and glue to approximately the same spot.
Allow for ample time to dry and cure. Leaks will degrade performance.
3) Calculate the spring tension in accordance with the chart (Pg.6) and
sketch (Pg.8). Note the yellow blocks indicate a change in the type of
spring that must occur in order for the Ram pump to work properly.
Without it the system will not close correctly. Set the spring accordingly.
4) Take the four subassemblies and screw them together. DO NOT prime and
cement these connections. This will allow for maintenance and
adjustments.
Page 5 of 10
No Flow at inlet If inlet flow can be measured - total spring compression and stroke (inches)
Vertical
Drop Pipe Spring # STD Spring 14 GPM 16 GPM 18 GPM 20 GPM 22 GPM 24 GPM
Force Parallel Compression Up to 12 gal/min, Use standard compression/stroke. (yellow cells, add one
Length (L) (lbs) Springs (min) spring)
3 ft 13.5 1.02 1 0.82 0.91 0.94 0.97 1.01 1.05 1.10
3.5 ft 15.75 1.19 1 0.91 1.01 1.04 1.07 1.11 1.15 1.19
4 ft 18 1.36 1 1.00 1.10 1.13 1.16 0.72 0.75 0.77
4.5 ft 20.25 1.53 1 1.10 1.19 0.74 0.75 0.77 0.79 0.82
5 ft 22.5 1.70 1 1.19 0.77 0.78 0.80 0.82 0.84 0.86
5.5 ft 24.75 1.87 2 0.77 0.82 0.83 0.85 0.87 0.89 0.91
6 ft 27 2.04 2 0.82 0.86 0.88 0.89 0.91 0.93 0.96
6.5 ft 29.25 2.21 2 0.86 0.91 0.93 0.94 0.96 0.98 1.00
7 ft 31.5 2.38 2 0.91 0.96 0.97 0.99 1.01 1.03 1.05
7.5 ft 33.75 2.55 2 0.96 1.01 1.02 1.04 1.05 1.08 1.10
8 ft 36 2.72 2 1.00 1.05 1.07 1.08 1.10 1.12 1.15
8.5 ft 38.25 2.89 2 1.05 1.10 1.11 1.13 1.15 1.17 1.19
9 ft 40.5 3.06 2 1.10 1.15 1.16 1.18 1.20 0.89 0.91
9.5 ft 42.75 3.23 2 1.15 1.19 0.89 0.90 0.91 0.93 0.94
10 ft 45 3.40 3 0.88 0.91 0.92 0.93 0.94 0.96 0.97
10.5 ft 47.25 3.57 3 0.91 0.94 0.95 0.96 0.98 0.99 1.00
11 ft 49.5 3.74 3 0.94 0.97 0.98 0.99 1.01 1.02 1.04
11.5 ft 51.75 3.91 3 0.97 1.00 1.01 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.07
12 ft 54 4.08 3 1.00 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.10
12.5 ft 56.25 4.25 3 1.04 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.13
13 ft 58.5 4.42 3 1.07 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.15 1.16
13.5 ft 60.75 4.59 3 1.10 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.18 1.19
14 ft 63 4.76 3 1.13 1.16 1.17 1.18 0.96 0.97 0.98
14.5 ft 65.25 4.93 3 1.16 1.19 0.96 0.97 0.98 0.99 1.00
15 ft 67.5 5.10 3 1.19 0.98 0.99 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03
Page 6 of 10
This Document contains Proprietary Information of KTM SOLUTIONS, INC. Disclosure to others, use or copying without express written authorization of KTM
Solutions, Inc is strictly prohibited.
5) After assembling everything shown in the picture above, place the pump
in the water attach the input piping and fill it with water.
6) Attach the output hose to 11.
7) Set the input end of the input pipe at the top of the drop and the Ram
pump at the bottom. The pump should immediately start cycling. If it
doesn’t manually cycle the inlet valve and decrease stroke by readjusting
the two nuts making the stroke shorter. This will decrease the flow but
build pressure. Also ensure that all air is out of the inlet. If the spring can
not overcome the water pressure and close the system tighten the spring.
8) After it begins to cycle increase the stroke until full pressure and flow is
developed.
Input pipe 5 ft
above the Ram
pump.
Page 7 of 10
Spring, when
stroke is fully set,
should be snug.
Nuts
Centering
Slider
Stroke = Spring Compression
Nuts
Stopper
Washers
Page 8 of 10
Special notes
Although the inflow (Assembly Number 2) is shown manufactured from PVC pipe, the
preferred configuration uses steel components. The alternate material list is as
follows (all galvanized steel parts):
Material List includes stock numbers from Lowes Home and Garden
Another modification from the basic material list to improve efficiency is to change
the inlet valve setup. The inlet check valve performance is greatly improved if a
centering device is installed just above the stopper (see schematic on previous
page). The centering device can be made from any material that provided it allows
water to pass and maintains a slip fit with the inside of the tubing.
Page 9 of 10
The user should also note that ram pump efficiency is dependent on the elevation
difference between point 2 and 3 compared to the drop from point 1 to 3 (see
schematic drawing). By nature of the design, ram pumps are not efficient. Water
flowing through the pump is what drives the pump. The harder the pump work, the
“by pass” water consumption increases. Therefore, a larger water source is required
to make the ram pump work. Either a reservoir or stream is ideal. The pump will
need a continual flow to operate. The user should not expect high volumes of water
flow from the ram pump. The following chart is attached as a reference for
efficiency expectation.
Reading the chart:

If z1 = 6 feet and z2 = 60 feet, expect and output 4.4 gallons of water for every 100
gallons of water that flows through the pump, when set up at peak efficiency. Actual
results will most likely be less than shown in the table.
Page 10 of 10

Setting Up and Using A RAM Pump

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Setting Up and Using A RAM Pump

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KTM SOLUTIONS, INC.

Formal Report D06991A00000

Set up and using a RAM Pump

KTM Solutions, Inc., on behalf of Hydromissions International, used technical

Original Signature on File

Original Signature on File

Operational Ram Pump – Reedy River, Greenville, South Carolina

Ram System Schematic

Assembling the Pump

Stroke = Spring Compression

Reading the chart:

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