Analysis of two hydraulic ram pumps in parallel operating with single-vertical supply

Abstract

Experimental information of the behavior of two hydraulic rams connected in parallel, as well as a single ram operating with an installation using a vertical-radial supply was obtained and compared. In both connections, the height of the supply flow rate was varied and the pressures in the supply pipe, impulse valves, air chambers, and delivery pipe with and without return pipe (vertical descending section) were measured. Thus, the proper operation of the proposed supply line was verified, and it was observed that the connection with two hydraulic rams pumped more water than when operating with a single ram. However, the delivery flow rate is lesser than the sum of the flows pumped by each ram when operating independently. This behavior was found to be similar to that of radial pumps connected in parallel. Also, the vertical return-pipe increases the delivery flow rate by a factor more than three times. This proposed configuration provides an alternative to develop cheap, small, and environment-friendly technologies.