Hydraulic Kinetic Pumps

[Koicare]

Hi Everyone

Do any of you use a RAM pump - also known as a Hydraulic Kinetic Pump?
How do they work exactly?
I know the bit about not needing electricity - but has anyone got any details on how far the water has to fall in order to use the kinetic energy to pump up to what height etc?

[Russ W]

Koicare,

I have a 1" ram pump. Used it for a few months and replaced it with a motorized pump.

To answer your question, for each 1 foot fall, you can lift water 10 feet. And for each gallon of supply water into the pump you get 0.2 gallons out.

These are ball park values and there are limits to both.

You can also get a 1-1/2 inch pump, 2 inch pump, and 3 inch pump. All work on same principle, just need more water flow on the inlet to work.

What is your idea of using one?

Russ

[PapaBear]

About the only things I can think of you might use one for in a pond would be to drive a secondary water feature of some sort or to pump makeup water from a flowing stream nearby. As a water feature pump they have drawbacks, primarily due to their intermittent flow characteristics.

[Koicare]

Quote: Originally Posted by Russ W Koicare, I have a 1" ram pump. Used it for a few months and replaced it with a motorized pump. To answer your question, for each 1 foot fall, you can lift water 10 feet. And for each gallon of supply water into the pump you get 0.2 gallons out. These are ball park values and there are limits to both. You can also get a 1-1/2 inch pump, 2 inch pump, and 3 inch pump. All work on same principle, just need more water flow on the inlet to work. What is your idea of using one? Russ

Hey there Russ - I was looking at alternatives to having to rely on electricity.....
We use Generators when we experience power failures - but the cost of the fuel is quiet hectic - so I was looking at any alternatives which do not require electricity - but to run entire filter systems!

These are obviously not the answer!

Very glad to have got your input I certainly will not waste money buying and trying them!

Thanks for saving my pocket!!!!

[PapaBear]

They were developed ages ago to pump water uphill from a flowing stream. If you had naturally flowing water nearby you could use it for utility free makeup water, but for your application it wouldn't be a good fit.

[Koicare]

Thanks Papabear - I will go back to my think tank!