Hydraulic Ram – Pumping Using Water Hammer Vocational Training Equipment Didactic Hydrodynamics Laboratory Equipment

AFF020 Hydraulic Ram – Pumping Using Water Hammer Vocational Training Equipment Didactic Hydrodynamics Laboratory Equipment
Description
 formation and effect of water hammer
 principle of a ram
 transparent tank and visible check valve for optimal observation of the function

Abruptly interrupting the water flow can cause water hammer in the pipeline.
This generally undesired effect is used specifically in special equipment (hydraulic ram) to raise water to a higher level.
Above a certain water velocity the waste valve in the ram closes automatically,due to the flow forces. This happens suddenly, so that the kinetic energy of the water in the pipe is converted into potential pressure energy. The pressure opens a check valve and the water flows into an air vessel. The air cushion in the air vessel dampens the water hammer and ensures a uniform lift into the elevated tank. After the water hammer has subsided, the waste valve opens due to the dead weight, the water in the pipe starts to flow again and the process repeats itself.
The operation of the waste valve as a function of the weight load, the valve lift and the flow rate is studied. Furthermore, it is possible to shown how the volume of air in the air vessel affects the lift.

Learning objectives/experiments
 demonstrate formation and effect of water hammer
 principle of a ram
 function of an air vessel
 effect of air volume in the air vessel and the flow velocity on the pump behaviour
 efficiency analysis