Bamford Industries, Australia - Bamford Hi-Ram Pump

Bamford Hi-Ram Pump

Australian Patent No. 741896

The Bamford "Hi-Ram Pump ®"

The idea of a water pump powered by water is not new, but is very relevant in a world where energy conservation is increasingly important. The hydraulic ram pump, invented more than 200 years ago, is one such pump. Although the principle of operation of the Bamford "Hi-Ram Pump ®" is similar to that of a traditional hydraulic ram pump, the new pump is considerably different in its construction and operating characteristics.

The Bamford Hi-Ram Pump uses an inlet flow of water at low pressure to pump some of that water to a higher pressure or height. The pump has a self-sustaining cycle of operation about one second long. A typical installation is where water diverted from a stream drives the pump, with some of the water going up hill to a greater height, and the remaining water going to waste back to the stream.

The basis of the pump is a new waste valve mechanism with two moving parts, both of which can be very easily removed for maintenance or to adjust the pump.

Some of the different characteristics of the Bamford Hi-Ram Pump are as follows:

Its performance can be quickly adjusted for different pumping conditions, by using alternative moving parts in the valve mechanism.

Although the basic pump is very simple, additional components can be used to improve its performance in particular roles.

It will work against both high and low output heads, thereby covering a much wider range of operating conditions.

The pump will operate when totally underwater (although the inlet flow of water to operate the pump must come from another source above the surface of the water).

The water going to waste need not spill out around the pump, but can be piped away for further use.

Depending on the operating conditions, the pump can be constructed wholly or partly from metal, plastics or other materials.

When constructed of non-metallic materials, the pump emits little noise. The pump can be arranged to supply compressed air (but needs an air inlet pipe if underwater).

The pump can be arranged to supply compressed air (but needs an air inlet pipe if underwater).

The pump can be arranged to provide a direct mechanical output to drive other devices.

The capability of the pump to "suck in" air can also be used to draw in water so that the pump acts as a suction pump for small suction heads.

Availability of Pumps

The first production pumps are constructed as a basic water pump of the type shown above. Additional parts for the additional roles referred to above are normally not provided. Provision of pumps for any such applications needs to be the subject of special consideration.

Pumps are available for export worldwide. Queries from potential manufacturers or licensees are welcome.

For More Information

The above is a brief introduction to the pump. Comprehensive information is available at the internet site reference given below.

Bamford Industries, Post Office Box 11, HALL ACT 2618, AUSTRALIA
Phone +(61 2) 6227 5532 Fax +(61 2) 6227 5995
Pump Enquiries

Internet Site http://www.bamford.com.au/rampump