Optimizing Hydraulic Ram Pump Performance: Experimental Insights on Waste Valve Height and Uncertainty Analysis

Abstract

Objectives: This study examines how influencing characteristics, particularly waste valve height, affect hydraulic ram pump (HRP) performance. The goal is to find the best parameter configuration for the HRP to optimise the efficiency. It operates based on the principle of the water hammer effect. This effect generates its operational energy by pumping water from a lower elevation to a higher elevation. A system has been built to study how changing the height of the waste valve affects the flow rate of the ram pump, using different parts and assemblies. Method: The L/D ratio should range from 150 to 1000 for optimal operation of the ram pump. In this study, laminar flow has been assumed for the entirety of the investigation. Each cycle is often divided into three phases: acceleration, delivery and recoil. The water hammer effect, originating in the water itself, results in a loss of input water due to spillage. The delivery pipe dispenses a minimal quantity of water at the outlet. This research examines the effectiveness of an HRP by altering its most significant parameter—the height of the waste valve. Findings: The efficiencies recorded for five distinct experimental sets, corresponding to Waste Valve Heights (WVH) of 17 cm, 14 cm, 13 cm, 12 cm, and 11 cm, are 59.21%, 59.56%, 60.79%, 68.61%, and 55%, respectively. Novelty: This study determined that the parametric influence of waste valve height on the performance and efficiency enhancement of the Hydraulic Ram Pump is a significant factor. The study illustrates that Waste Valve Heights (WVH) considerably affect HRP performance and also boost performance in the newly built model. Keywords: Hydram, Pressure Chamber, Waste valve, Water Hammer, Influencing Parameter, D’Aubuisson’s Efficiency