Build a ram pump yourself
The hydraulic ram pump is a so-called ram that is driven by the water and works cyclically. With this mechanism, the pressure surge or dynamic pressure effect is used so that water drives the pump and is raised to a higher level at the same time. Read here how you can build one yourself.
What you need:
- 4 galvanized steel tubes with screw threads
- Couplings
- Rainwater barrel
- Shock and pressure valve
- Air chamber
This is how the Aries Pump works
- Aries pumps are particularly well suited for pumping water near rivers if there is a sufficient gradient.
- This hydraulic ram pump causes a high water column through a surge tank oscillation, which is then lifted above the level of an inflow.
- By repeatedly opening and closing the pump tap, larger amounts of water can be raised.
Do it yourself step by step
You will need four main components to build this Aries pump.
- First you build a reservoir for the water intake. You can easily use a rain barrel for this. Of course, there are no limits to your creativity and imagination. Concrete tubs with a swimming pool paint inside and outside with a natural stone cladding also look particularly pretty. Look for an overflow to allow excess water to drain away.
- Then install the penstock with a terminal shock and pressure valve. Use only a steel pipe. Plastic pipes spring when a ram hits and can tear. Attach the pipe so that it sags slightly and the water can flow through it so easily and no air bubbles form in it. The length depends on the incline to be overcome. The length of the pipe should not be longer than 10 times the height of the slope.
- Now attach the shock valve with a spring system. This should be made of corrosion-resistant bronze. This means that this quick-closing valve is only kept open until the water reaches maximum speed. It has a thumb screw that allows you to adjust the spring tension to the amount of water.
- Now you build the “air chamber”, i.e. the pressure vessel. The upper part of this container - you can buy ready-made kettles in specialist shops - is filled with air. If these are not yet available, you will need to attach a non-return valve to the lower end. And you should also install a ventilation valve underneath.
- The last accessory missing is the riser connected to the pressure vessel. You connect each with a sleeve and socket plug. This transports the water from the air tank to the elevated tank. You can also use a plastic pipe here.
- These above-mentioned components ensure a system that can vibrate. This can continue to oscillate in a self-controlled manner after a single push. However, only as long as sufficient water is added.
Hydraulic ram - what to look out for when buying
If you have an automatic shock pressure pump, also called a hydraulic ram, ...
The system has only two moving parts, a push valve and a pressure valve. So you can build this Aries pump yourself very cheaply. Maintenance is also very easy here. The unit works extremely reliably.
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