German Technology

No Running Costs
Very Quiet Operation
Steady Spare Part Supply
Appropriate Technology
Easy to Install
Minimal Service Required
Email: [email protected]
Web page: www.meribah-ram-pump.com
MERIBAH

RAM PUMP
Installation & User Manual
Models: MRP

/ MSFRP

/ MPFRP

Meribah Ram Pump
Pumping Water
without common
power sources
like electricity
or gasoline
Meribah Ram Pump
Meribah Ram Pump

Page 2
Contents
Page 2 Contents
Page 3 How A Ram Pump Work
Page 4 Abbreviation & Explanation
Page 5 Introduction
Page 6 Required Data Of Sizing The Pump Site
Page 7 / 8 Methods Of Measurement
Page 9 Site Survey And Measurement Details
Page 10 Site Survey Data
Page 11 Pipe Length Chart
Page 12 Liters Per Day Chart
Page 13 Site Survey
Page 14 Water Source
Page 15 Ram Pump Selection Chart
Page 16 / 17 Additional Parts For The Installation
Page 18 Collection Tank
Page 19 Foundation For The MRP

Page 20 Drive Pipe (PL)
Page 21 Delivery Pipe (DPL)
Page 22 Valve Combination
Page 23 Start & Restart the MRP

Page 24 Power & Efficiency Adjustment
Page 25 Snifting Valve
Page 26 FAQ
Page 27 To Do Manual & Cleaning
Page 28 / 29 Maintenance (Waste Valve)
Page 30 Maintenance (Check Valve)
Page 31 / 32 Our Products (MRP

/ MPFRP

/ MSFRP

)
Page 33 Our Products (MBSF

/ MPC

)
Page 34 Contact
How a Ram Pump Work

The energy required to make a ram pump lift water
to a higher elevation comes from water falling
downhill due to gravity, as in all other water
powered devices. But unlike a water wheel or
turbine, a ram uses the inertia of moving water
rather than water pressure, and operates in a cycle.

When the waste valve is opened, water flows
from the source (collection tank), through the
water inlet pipe (drive pipe), and out of the waste valve.
After a short time, the velocity of the flow is high enough to
force the waste valve closed. The water, due to its inertia,
wants to continue moving past the valve. The pressure inside
the ram pump will rapidly increase enough to force the check
valve open. This forces some water into the pressure vessel,
compressing the vessels air bubble. The pressurized bubble
forces that water through the delivery pipe to the point of use.
For example a ram pump pumping 20 liters per minute
(29.000 liters a day), and cycling 60 times per minute, each
cycle pumps about 330 ml. The compressed air in the
pressure vessel helps smooth out the flow on the delivery
pipe of the ram pump, so the flow tends to be more
continuous, rather than a small spurt during each cycle of the
ram pump
Soon after the check valve has opened, the pressure surge
(generated by the waste valve closing) is spent. Flow will try
to start backwards, but the check valve will close, preventing
this from happening.
At about this time, the pressure in the drive pipe will be low
enough so that the waste valve can open again, allowing
water to start flowing from the source (collecting tank) to the
ram pump, beginning a new cycle. The cycle that the ram
pump goes through can occur 30 to 120 times per minute,
depending upon conditions such as head, flow, and the size
of the ram pump.
Page 3
The first Ram
in History
Montgolfiers
Water Ram
Abbreviation & Explanation


Shortcuts:

MRP

Meribah Ram Pump

(2)
MSFRP

Meribah Steel Fitting Ram Pump

(1 & 2)
MPFRP

Meribah PVC Fitting Ram Pump

(1)
MPC

Meribah Pipe Clips

(1/2, 1 & 2)
Water source source of water redirected into the supply
pipe
Supply Pipe pipe between the water source and the
collection tank
Collection Tank reservoir filled from the supply pipe and
flow off into the drive pipe
Consuming Tank tank for the delivered water
PL Drive Pipe / Drive Pipe Length (Propelling
Length)
pipe between collection tank and pump
H Head / Drive Pipe High
high distance between the collection tank
and the pump
DPL Delivery Pipe / Delivery Pipe Length
pipe between the pump and the
consuming tank
DH Delivery High
high distance between the pump and the
consuming tank
Gate Valve security valve to close the drive pipe (see
page 17)
Stop Valve a useful valve to stop the pump for
adjustment or in case of need (see also
page 16)
Delivery Water the amount of water you get for the
consumption
Waste Water is needed for the drive of the pump and
could be ascribe back into a stream or
something
Page 4
Introduction

For proper operation, the Meribah Ram Pump

(MRP

) and the
drive pipe (PL) must operate as one unit. The drive pipe (PL) and
associated pipes form half of the MRP

. Successful operation
depends upon you constructing a suitable drive pipe (PL) and
correctly installing it.

The drive pipe (PL) determines the size of the water hammer
effect to allow the best operation of the MRP

(water is
uncompressible, like hydraulic oil; the interplay of forces like
water and air made it possible to get a high pressure for the
operation of the ram pump). The use of steel pipes is
recommended wherever possible.

The MRP

comes fully assembled and with an Installation CD for

all your needs. For the drive pipe (PL) connection we have a 30
degree angle and a flange. The default adjustment of the delivery
pipe (DPL) is 45 degrees upwards. The waste valve bolt position
is adjusted at around 10 mm opening distance. Inclusive is the
basement fixation, spare parts and an in case of need package.

Ideally you are handy about working with concrete, pipes and
fittings. We recommend for the MRP

installation an embank-
ment with a supply pipe to feed the collection tank. After that you
feed the MRP

with the drive pipe (PL) and deliver the water into
an consuming tank with the delivery pipe (DPL).

MRPs

are easy to install when instructions are followed closely.

There are many different ways ram pumps can be installed, de-
pending mainly on the lay and character of the ground and other
local conditions. If your conditions are different from those
described here or elsewhere in this Installation Manual,
please write/phone to us and giving full details and pictures
of your conditions. We will advise you in the proper method of
installing the MRP

.
Page 5
Required Data of Sizing the
Pump Site

1. Witch kind of water source are available, especially in
dry seasons.
2. Amount of the water source in liter per minute ?
3. What is the difference of altitude between the water
source and the collection tank ?
4. How far is the distance between the water source to
the collection tank ?
5. What fall (H-head) do you get from the collection tank to
the place for the pump ?
6. What is the difference of altitude from the pump to the
consuming tank (DH-delivery high) ?
7. How far is the distance between the pump and the
consuming tank (DPL-delivery pipe length) ?

For the right understanding and dispose of the
parameter use the graphic and the explanation shown
on page 4 / 5 and page 9 / 10 / 13!
Page 6
Methods Of Measurement
Without Special Equipment

Water-filled tube method

Use a clear hose, fill it complete with water.
Take one end to the water source and the other end to the
place you want to measure out.
Use a measure stick or tape and level out the hose without
overflowing.
Mark the water level on your stick and you get the exact
high difference between the water source and the place for
the pump or collection tank.
Repeat this method for longer distances.

Plank (or string) and spirit level method

For this method you need also measure tape or stick, a
plank or string and a spirit level.
Take the end of the plank on the position of the water
source.
Put the spirit level on top of the plank and level out a
straight line to the measure stick.
Then you have also a exact value of the high difference.
If you have a long distance, mark every point you measure
out and repeat the steps till you get the whole distance.

Sum the measurements to obtain

At least count the values together you measured out.
You get the complete available Head (H) or the Delivery
High (DH) for operating the pump.
This is an easy and cheap way for a exact site survey.
Now measure out the length for the Drive Pipe (PL) and the
Delivery Pip Length (DPL).
Also required is the flow available at the water source.
Page 7
Water-filled tube method

















Plank (or string) and spirit level method

















Sum the measurements to obtain
Page 8
Site Survey & Measurement
Details

The first step to do is a site survey to know if your pump site is
qualified for the operation of our MRP. Step two is to choose
which Meribah Ram Pump is required for your needs to get
the best results.

Most important on the pump site you choose there must
be a slope from the water source to the ram pump.
After that, check the amount of water from the source
(check the flow rate in liters per minute
The high difference between water source and the place of
the pump (this should be precisely in meters).
The length from the water source to the pump (also in me-
ters). How high is the point of your storage tank you want to
pump up
the water?
How far is the distance to the storage tank?
Also important is the amount of water you want to get for
your collection tank.
Page 9
Site Survey Data
Page 10

check list

data we need for the right pump
and site calculation

water available for the MRP
operation


in liters per minute

high difference be-
tween the water source
and the pump (H)


in meters

length between water
source and the pump (PL)


in meters

high difference between the
pump and the storage tank
(DPL)


in meters

length between the pump
and the storage tank (DH)


in meters

amount of water you need


in liters per minute
Page 11

For the delivery pipe
connection at the MRP we
estimate an
angle of 30
for choosing the pipe length.
DH
Delivery
High
DPL Delivery
Pipe Length
20 m 40 m
30 m 60 m
40 m 80 m
50 m 100 m
60 m 120 m
70 m 140 m
80 m 160 m
90 m 180 m
100 m 200 m
125 m 250 m
150 m 300 m
175 m 350 m
200 m 400 m
300 m 600 m
400 m 800 m

The drive pipe connection
at the MRP has an angle
with 30 for choosing the
pipe length.
H
Head
PL
Propelling Length
1 m 2 m
2 m 4 m
3 m 6 m
4 m 8 m
5 m 10 m
6 m 12 m
7 m 14 m
8 m 16 m
9 m 18 m
10 m 20 m
11 m 22 m
12 m 24 m
13 m 26 m
14 m 28 m
15 m 30 m
16 m 32 m
17 m 34 m
18 m 36 m
19 m 38 m
20 m 40 m
Pipe Length Chart
Liters Per Day Chart
Page 12

LPM
liters per minute

LPD
liters per day
1 1440
2 2880
3 4320
4 5760
5 7200
6 8640
7 10080
8 11520
9 12960
10 14400
11 15840
12 17280
13 18720
14 20160
15 21600
20 28800
30 43200
40 57600
Page 13
Site Survey

The most important step in deciding if a MRP

is for you, is a site

survey. Normally you have done this step before you get our
MRP

. This will ensure that you have the flow and head required
to operate a MRP

. Once this has been determined, build the

MRP

to supply the water. With our MRP

theres no reason not

to use one, if you have a location that meets the requirements.
Water Source

Usually the water source is a stream or a river. The water from a
stream can be diverted into a supply pipe (see first picture below)
or a channel, or a supply pipe can be placed in the stream.
Ideally you built a small embankment (see second & third
picture below) to force water into the pipe. The supply pipe is
used to get water to a suitable height above the pump, for
example following around the bank above the stream. Supply
pipes must be large enough to carry sufficient water with little
loss of high, for example for the 1 inch models use a PVC supply
pipe not smaller than 2 inch, for the 2 inch MRP

use a PVC
supply pipe not smaller than 4 inch. It is also recommended to
use a strainer (see fourth picture below) at the source end to
keep out refuse from the supply pipe.
Page 14
Page 15
Ram Pump Selection Chart
Additional Parts for the
Installation

These listing should give you some support for your MRP

installation but it is roughly calculate because of the several
requirements and the different environments everywhere.
Embankment:
If you built an embankment, you will need some concrete, sand,
stones, steel for reinforced concrete and some planks for the
shuttering framework. Also dont miss to fix your required supply
pipe connection into the embankment. A 2 PVC pipe for the 1
ram pumps and a 4 PVC pipe for the 2 MRP

.
Supply pipe:
Your supply pipe could be PVC (or any pipe which is cheap and
supply sufficient water) and you just need some glue, a saw and
a spirit level to get a little incline before you reach the collection
tank.
Collection tank:
You will need some concrete, sand, stones, steel for reinforced
concrete and some planks for the shuttering framework for the
basement of the collection tank. And also a minimum of 2 cement
rings (see Page 12) with a diameter of about 1.20 meters (47
inch) and a high of about 0.50 meters (20 inch) to be fixed on top
of the basement.
Foundation for the pump:
The foundation for the MRP

should be made also of steel

reinforced concrete. Screw the delivered stand onto the pump
and fix the PL with the MRP

. After that you have a good control

of the correct position of the basement. Use a spirit level to align
the pump even on the ground. Now build the framework and fill
it up with concrete until the bottom of the MRP

.
Page 16
Drive Pipe (PL):
Up to your site and to the store you buy the PL (1 steel pipes for
the 1 inch ram pumps & 2 steel pipes for the 2 inch MRP

) you
will need the full length from the collection tank to the pump.
Think about the fittings for the pipes and the valves (gate valve &
drain valve). To fix the pipes we recommend the Meribah Pipe
Clips

(MPC

) and you will also need some concrete, sand, steel

and practically some planks for the framework.
Delivery pipe (DPL):
For the DPL we will start from the MRP

. It is recommended to
install the Valve Combination (see page 16). After that up to your
pump site a 45 degree bow, a double nipple and for about the
first 20 percent (up to your DH) of the complete DPL steel pipes
(1/2 pipes for the 1 inch ram pumps & 1 pipes for the 2 inch
MRP

). Then you normally could use PVC pipes and you need
additional a steel fitting and a PVC fitting with male thread to con-
nect the steel pipe with the PVC pipe. Hereafter just the remain-
ing length to the consuming tank 1/2 / 1 PVC pipes (up to
your MRP

), the right amount of fittings and some glue. And like

before we recommend the MPC

some concrete, sand and so on

to fix the pipes.
Consuming tank:
For the consuming tank we havent any special advices except
for protecting against dirt, leaves and so on.
One thing more to do is to fix the DPL on top of your consum-
ing tank for a better performance of the MRP

.

Helpful tools you may need:
Page 17
Teflon
PVC glue
Pipe claws (1 & 2)
Open-end wrenches SW 27
Parts for mixing concrete
Spirit level
Hammer
Nails
Wooden planks
A shovel
Page 18
Collection Tank

The easiest way is building a basement of concrete (see first
pictures below). After drying use at least 2 standard cement rings
with a diameter of about 1.20 meters (47 inch) and a high of
about 0.50 meters (20 inch) each (see second picture below). A
drain valve hole on the ground for drain the tank is also needed
as well as a hole for the PL (see third picture below) and
additional one hole for the overflow (see fourth picture below).
Be sure all is leak proof done. At least cover the collection tank to
protect against leafs and dirt.
Page 19
Foundation for the MRP


A concrete basement (see first and second picture below) or a
large flat rock provides a good solid foundation on which to set
the MRP

. The best procedure is to put in a concrete slab as a

foundation, slightly sloping towards the rear where the unused
water will be carried away. It is very important to get the right
position of the MRP

in line with the PL. Provide that the

standard accessory stand (see third picture below) is aligned
correct (see fourth picture below) before fixing the foundation
completely with concrete.
Page 20
Drive Pipe (PL)

We recommend for the PL steel pipes, (usually steam pipe). The
pipe should be encased in concrete with our MPCs

every 2
meters (see first and third picture below), especially directly be-
hind the MRP (see second picture below) and in front of the
collection tank (see fourth picture below). In some cases people
have successfully used well-anchored PVC pipes. However, for
trouble-free operation we recommend that the PL should be
steam pipes. It should be straight as possible without elbows,
and normally the same pipe size as the intake of the MRP

. The
PL itself must be of the correct length and nearly a 30 angle to
the MRP

. Use the following guideline for the PL : - 2 times the

length of the vertical fall (H) of the PL. It should be watertight and
rigidly anchored. A gate valve on the PL (see fourth picture be-
low) will also facilitate the cleaning that is required on the collec-
tion tank itself.

Page 21
Delivery Pipe (DPL)

The correct sized DPL should match the dimension given for
each particular size of MRP. Do not install a DPL smaller or
larger than that is specified. By doing so you increase the
amount of friction lost, consequently reducing the amount of
water delivered. Avoid right-angled elbows wherever possible.
This will minimize friction loss. Do not fill the dam until the MRP

is started and in operation. That way, leaks can be easily located
and stopped before water covers the DPL. Up to your
parameters mostly we use for about the first 20% of the DPL gal-
vanized steel (1/2 for the 1 inch ram pumps & 1 for the 2 inch
MRP

), after that use PVC pipes (see third and fourth picture be-
low). It is recommended to encase the pipe also with our MPC

and concrete the first 20% every 4 meters and then every 10 to
15 meters (see first and second picture below) to prevent move-
ment and provide damages.
Page 22
Valve Combination

The installation of a valve and union combination (see picture
below) after the pressure vessel from the MRP

, for the DPL, is a

great convenience for cutting off the water when it is necessary
to adjust the efficiency or stop the pump for cleaning the
tanks.
Parts for the Valve Combination
(included with the 2 MRP)
1 inch MRP

2 inch MRP

Amount
1/2 inch bow 45 1 inch bow 45 1
1/2 double nipple 1 inch double nipple 4
1/2 t-junction 1 inch t-junction 1
1/2 ball valve 1 inch ball valve 2
1/2 union 1 inch union 1
1/2 fitting 1 inch fitting 1

For the MSFRP

you need one more double nipple in the

size of the delivery pipe. In case of the MPFRP

all could
be PVC and additional a 1/2 fitting with male thread.
Page 23
Start & Restart the MRP



Start / Restart:

1. Close the stop valve (see picture page 22)
2. Open the delivery valve (see picture page 22)
3. Open the gate valve (see picture No.1)
4. Kick-start the bolt down and hold it (waste
valve) until all air is flushed out (see picture
No.2)
5. If necessary repeat kick-start several times
till the pump is working

If you stop the pump:

1. Close the gate valve (see picture No. 1)
2. Open the stop valve (see picture page 22)
3. Close the delivery valve (see picture page 22)
















No. 1 No. 2
Page 24
Power & Efficiency Adjustment

The MRP

is assembled with the medium adjustment to pump water

on top of your mountain or at a far distance. If you have to adjust the
pump follow the steps below.

This adjustment is NOT designed for MSFRP

/ MPFRP

.

How to do:

Count the strokes with the initial adjustment per minute (the
pump is pre-adjusted with around 10 mm opening distance)
Stop the MRP and close the gate valve (see page 23)
Kick start the MRP once more till all water is out of the PL
To increase (see picture No.1) the delivery volume (and delivery
height) open the nuts on top of the bolt with the delivered screw
wrenches and turn them upwards to increase the opening dis-
tance inside the valve tighten the nuts properly
To decrease (see picture No.2) the waste water volume, open
the nuts on top of the bolt and turn them downwards to decrease
the opening distance inside the valve, tighten the nuts properly
The final distance (adjustment) could be measured by counting
the strokes per minute or measure the distance from the
nut to the bolt guide in mm.
Now you can start the MRP again (see page 23) and measure
the delivery and waste water for the efficiency calculation.













No. 1 No. 2
Snifting Valve

The pressure vessel is really important for improving the
efficiency of the process by allowing delivery water flow to
continue after the delivery valve has closed, it is also essential to
cushion the shocks of the water hammer (over pressure).

If the air chamber fills with water completely the efficiency
decrease but what is even more dangerous, the ram pump body,
the drive pipe or the pressure vessel itself can be damaged by
the resulting water hammer. Since water can dissolve air,
especially under pressure, there is a tendency for the air in the
pressure vessel to be depleted by being carried away with the
delivery flow.

Different ram pump designs overcome this problem in different
ways. The simplest solution requires the user to stop the ram
pump occasionally and drain the pressure vessel by opening two
taps, one to admit air and the other to release water.

To avoiding such damages and to make it more simple is, to
include a so-called snifting valve which automatically allows air to
be drawn into the base of the pressure vessel when the water
pressure momentarily drops below atmospheric pressure. Its
position is usually on the side of the t-junction towards the
pressure vessel. It is important to make an occasional check to
see that the snifting valve has not become clogged with dirt and
is working properly.
Page 25
Page 26
FAQ

The MRP

stops after a few hours / days : Check if the

supply water is sufficient enough for the MRP

operation.

You didnt get enough supply water after installing the
MRP

: You should adjust the waste valve bolt with the nuts
of the MRP

(see page 24).

The MRP

works only a few strokes: Check if enough wa-

ter is supplied in the supply tank, all valves are in the right
position and all connections are waterproofed tightened.

You have sufficient water, but the waste valve will not
close : check if the gate valve is complete opened. And
maybe there are some leaves or dirt in the drive pipe (PL)
and the MRP

. Try to flush out the MRP

(see page 23).

Air bubbles in the delivery pipe (DPL) : In case the DPL
goes over the top of a hill and down into a valley on its way
from the MRP

to the consuming tank, a small Air Release

Valve or Pet Cock should be installed in the DPL at the
highest point to release accumulations of air from time to
time. Otherwise, accumulated air will restrict the free flow of
the water.

The delivery water is less then it used to be : investigate
the H, the DH and DPL and compare it with the details on our
webpage. Also check about elbows in the DPL.

If the MRP

just dont work after you check the instruc-

tions above : investigate the correct construction in this
Manual of the MRP

.
To Do Manual & Cleaning

One of the most important things to do to guarantee a trouble
free operating of the pump is keep the piping system clean and in
proper conditions.

Especially after heavy rain there is a checkup recommended.
Otherwise the regular check up should be done once a week.

TO DO :

Check if the basin of the dam is free of stones, branches,
leaves and other dirt. If not clean it up and ensure that the
water could flow unobstructed through the supply pipe to the
tank. Keep the basin deep enough to provide the flow.

The collection tank should be covered with a fine net to protect it
from leaves and other stuff. Open the drain pipe or drain valve on
the bottom of the tank. If mud is coming out you should stop the
pump, close the gate valve and open the cover. Clean the tank
from the sediments through the drain pipe. After that close the
valve and the cover. Then start the pump (see on page 23 start
& restart)

After starting the pump again have a look at the delivery pipe and
its connections. If there is any leak in the system, if so, stop the
pump again, fix the leaks and ensure also that the fixation is right
in place. Start the pump and check if all your work was well done.

The last step to do is control where the delivery pipe is
connected with your consuming tank. The pipe should be on
top of the tank to provide a free flow. Also the fixation must be in
a position that nobody could accidently break it.

If there are any further questions or anything else we can
do, please contact us and let us know.
Page 27
Maintenance (Waste Valve)


WASTE VALVE


Open all 8 bolts
and nuts from the
waste valve
Remove the waste
valve from the
pump










Open the 2 nuts on the
top
Take of the plastic dis-
tance and check it for
wear and tear (if
necessary replace it)
Now remove the
assembled valve bolt
downwards from the
waste valve
Page 28
Page 29
Maintenance (Waste Valve)


Remove the splint below
the 2 nuts from the valve
plate fixation
Unlock the 2 nuts
Remove the steel cone
Check the plastic valve
plate for wear and tear and
if necessary replace it
Now reassemble the valve
bolt
First with the plastic plate,
then the steel cone, the 2
nuts which has to be fixed
properly and then secure it
with the splint
Put the valve bolt back in
place
Dont forget the plastic
distance on top
Then adjust the valve to
the old adjustment
Put the whole waste valve
back to the pump
Lock the 8 bolts and nuts properly
Maintenance (Check Valve)

CHECK VALVE



Open all 8 bolts and
nut from the check
valve
Remove the
pressure vessel from
the valve plate



On top of the
chrome hole plate
flange you will see
the plastic valve
plate
Check the plastic
valve plate for wear
and tear and if
necessary replace it


After the plastic
plate is back in
place put the
pressure vessel
on top
Be sure the
o-ring is in
place and the
plastic plate is
in the middle
Page 30
Our Products




2 MRP


2 inch Meribah Ram Pump

with a 2 drive pipe

and a 1 delivery pipe







Page 31

Our Products


1 MPFRP

1 inch Meribah PVC Fitting Ram
Pump with a 1 drive pipe and a 1/2
delivery pipe





1 MSFRP

1 inch Meribah Steel Fitting Ram
Pump with a 1 drive pipe and a
1/2 delivery pipe





2 MSFRP


2 inch Meribah Steel Fitting Ram
Pump with a 2 drive pipe and a 1
delivery pipe


Page 32
Our Products


MBSF

The Meribah Bio Sand Filter for daily use and up to
80 liters drinking water. Easy to use, self contained
maintenance and developed over 20 years. The
lifetime is at least 10 years.


Filters are available with your own logo of your
company, club or any individual.
Page 33
Your partner for appropriate
water pumping solutions !
Email: [email protected]
Web page: www.meribah-ram-pump.com