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All About Hydraulic Ram Pumps
How and Where They Work
(ISBN 0-9631526-2-9)
The ram pump will pump water from a flowing source of water to a point above that source with no other power required. A full description of how to build and install one is contained in this book
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WHAT IS A RAM PUMP?
The hydraulic ram pump is a reliable, old-time water pump that works just as well today as ever. Ongoing research indicates the Great Pyramid may actually have been a gigantic ram pump..built to pump drinking water to public water fountains in the cities above the Nile flood plain!
(Pyramid Pump) Often called a water ram, one of these simple devices can pump water from a flowing source of water (spring, creek, river, etc.) to any point above the source, and this without any power requirement except the force of water moving downhill, contained inside a ‘drive pipe‘. This rugged and dependable device is typically installed today at remote home sites and cabins that are off the power grid and would otherwise be without a water supply. Sometimes a ram is used as a backup water system, or for watering livestock, gardens, decorative lily ponds, water wheels or fountains. Simply because a ram uses no power opens up a world of possibilities for using water that would otherwise flow on downstream,wasted. All that is really required is the surface water source. The water has to be moving...not much, but some. The creek need not be large either - 4 gallons per minute is the minimum.
TYPICAL RAM PUMP SETUP
(A) Water source; can be a river, stream, spring, or pond.
(B) Supply pipe. Goes from the source to the collection barrel downstream (below the source).
(C) Collection barrel or intake barrel. The water is collected here. Water level stays at the level of the source.
(D) Drive pipe. About 100 ft. long; brings the water to the pump and provides the power to the pump, somewhat like a battering ram. Probably the least understood and most important part of the ram pump system. Typically black plastic pipe, 1" to 2" dia., generally matched to the size of the clack valve on the pump.
(E) Ram Pump. Starts and stops the movement of the water column in the drive pipe through the clack valve (gold colored). Also redirects a portion of the water (10%-15%) to the pressure tank through the internal check valve or one-way valve. This portion leaves the pump and rises to the end use area through the...
(F) Delivery pipe which goes to the storage tank, garden, house...wherever the water is needed. Typically of 1/2" or 3/4" black plastic pipe.
ATLAS RAM PUMP CUTAWAY
ABOUT THE ATLAS RAM PUMP
The Atlas Ram Pump is the simplest and most efficient low flow / fall ram pump available today. Designed to be simple to build-- with NO drilling, tapping or welding involved in its construction; the materials and fittings are readily available at most hardware stores. (LEFT) The Atlas Ram Pump...water enters from the right through the drive pipe, delivery out the left. 'Waste' water out the clack valve (brass). (RIGHT) The Atlas Ram is compact, rugged and easily carried.
(LEFT) The 'air dome' or 'pressure tank' removes easily to access the 'sealed air volume'. The air dome is of heavy-duty 220 psi PVC well-casing.
(RIGHT) The sealed air volume, in this case a 12" scooter inner tube, eliminates the possibility of an air-logged or water-logged condition inside the air dome. This promotes the overall reliability and efficiency of the Atlas ram pump.
(LEFT) The tank-mount 'tee' fitting removes easily to access the check valve. This is rarely if ever needed, unless to remove debris if the intake screen is breached.
(RIGHT) The clack valve removes easily for checking or maintenence, very rarely needed also.
Click here for more on Atlas Ram Pump Construction
ABOUT THE BOOK
42 pages with illustrations and photos.
This book explains in simple terms and with illustrations how and where the ram pump works, how it can be set up, and how to keep it working year after year with a minimum of time and energy.
The second section of the book gives step-by-step plans for building a fully operational Atlas Ram Pump from readily available plumbing fittings, with NO welding, drilling, tapping or special tools needed. The design has evolved to a point where low maintenence and long term reliable service is almost certain, even by a novice.
The final chapter shows how to build an inexpensive ferro-cement water storage tank up to 15,000 gallon capacity.
FROM THE AUTHOR & PUBLISHER...
Years ago, when I moved to a remote cabin in The Smokies, there was no electricity available. There was a spring nearby, to get water from, but it had to be carried to the cabin. I knew this had to change, so I began to research some alternatives. Eventually I found some info about 'ram pumps' which looked promising.
That was many years ago and the ram I built then has gone through many changes. Feeling that there must be others with similar needs (there are!) I began to compile and draw and write. The book 'All About HYDRAULIC RAM PUMPS How and Where They Work' is the result. It contains plans for a design that has evolved through trial and error. The Atlas Ram is now simpler and cheaper to build, more reliable and efficient than ever. Any new developments and user experiences are added to each reprint of the book. It just keeps getting better! A great resource for self-reliant types, homesteaders, alternative energy users or anyone curious about this 'old-tech' device that has been around for so long and works so well.
Read below what some people have said about this book...
"Don, This is a picture of the ram I made from your book.
Made it for my daughter and son-in-laws place at Scaly Mountain, N.C.
Haven't installed it yet, but I'll be moving up there soon and we will get it going then. I'll let you know how it works.
Thanks for a real fun project."
Walt LeRoy, Darien, GA.
As can be seen from the picture to the right, Walt has mounted his ram on an anchoring base of steel. The corner spikes are meant to be driven into the creek bed, anchoring the unit quite nicely. An excellent innovation, which also makes the concrete base unneccessary.
Mr. LeRoy is in his 80's.
"Great little book! I have built and bought hydraulic ram pumps. I have bought the books from England, called ram builders all over the US, and searched the net. Don Wilson's book has the clearest directions I have seen."
Reviewer: jtgookin@nols.edu from Lander, WY
"I received your book today and immediately read it from cover to cover. As a manufacturing engineer for over 30 years, I have been keenly interested in finding information on the Hydraulic Ram Pump. I would like to thank you for your very informative book. It is well written, very well illustrated..and the best investment I have made in years!" Reviewer :Jim Martin, Williamson, NY
"We really enjoy the ram you helped us build. Thanks for just knowing we could call if we got snagged.
We've been enjoying our water without having to lug it uphill...for well over a year, with just our rigged improvisations of your instructions.
I had heard rams were noisy, but the steady thud reminds me of a quiet heartbeat and it beats with about the same cadence. I'd hardly call THAT noise. Thanks again for your book and help."
Reviewer: Sue Story, Millers Creek, NC
Home
Hydraulic Ram Pumps
Atlas Ram Parts
Crayfish Farming
Red Claw Crayfish Farming
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send check or MO for $10.95 per book (Canada go to amazon.com) to:
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Atlas Publications
P.O. Box 265
Murphy, N.C. 28906
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©2001 Atlas Publications
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