Hydraulic RAM History

It is not commonly known that the inventor of the hot air balloon also invented the self-acting hydraulic ram.  In the mid 1700’s, Joseph Montgolfier is credited with inventing the first basic hydraulic ram.

Let’s assume we have a water reservoir and want to pump water to a place above it. Water won't flow uphill but it can generate energy when it flows downhill. We could run it downhill through a turbine type device to generate power for a pump.

The hydraulic ram is a simple replacement for an expensive turbine. Water flows downhill through a pipe.  As it escapes through a valve in the lower end, it gains enough speed to rapidly trip the valve shut.  Thereafter, the pressure in the pipe undergoes a very sharp increase. This action opens a second valve, and drives water out through it. The process repeats, rhythmically and automatically, making a loud click-clack sound. It's a simple convenient pump that runs on the potential energy of the water in the reservoir.  No mechanical motor is required.

A British inventor had made a primitive hydraulic ram in the late 17th century but its valves had to be manipulated by hand.  During the early 19th century, Matthew Boulton, maker of Boulton-Watt steam engines, took out a British patent on an earlier design.   Many other patents followed and hydraulic rams found wide use during the 19th century.  Later in the century electric motors finally began replacing them.   The type and efficiency of the hydraulic ram has developed and improved significantly over the centuries until the present day.


For further information on Hydraulic RAM History please contact the Mitcham office's of Hydraulic RAM Repairs UK Ltd..