Innovative HydramTeam Hydraulic Hitters

Dan Inocencio, David Orozco Gamez, Cameron Sacks, Christian SolorzanoSponsor: Dr Asfaw Beyene

BackgroundThe hydraulic ram pump, alsoknown as hydram, is a water-liftingdevice that does not need the use ofan external power source. It utilizesthe kinetic energy in a movingcolumn of water to raise part of thatwater to a higher elevation. Thephysics is based on the waterhammer theory. The water hammereffect is recognized as a harmful anddisruptive phenomenon. It has thepotential to rupture pipes anddamage surrounding systems whenit occurs. This project will utilize thewater hammer effect as well asother improvements to convert thisdisastrous outcome to analternative method of pumpingwater.

Project GoalCreate a Hydram that incorporates thermal infusion into the Pressure Chamber inorder to increase overall efficiency of the pump. The parameters that will beobserved to check the efficiency are pressure and outlet water flow rate.

Testing/Analysis● During testing, it was found that having

different inlet flow rates impacted thepressure differently.

● At the lower inlet flow rate, the maxpressure was approximately 34 psi.After introducing heat, the pressureincreased by 9 psi.

● In comparison, at the higher inlet flowrate, the max pressure wasapproximately 47 psi. After heat wasintroduced, it only rose about 2 psi.

● Demonstrating that a lower inlet flowrate will increase the influence thattemperature has in the pressurechamber.

Spring 2020

Manufacturing Materials: ● PVC Schedule 40 ● Copper Type L

Connection Type:● PVC Cement● Brazing

Dimensions:● Length: 42”● Height: 29”

The Hydraulic Hitters

PVC Tee for Pressure Chamber

Bottom of Pressure Chamber

Top of Pressure Chamber