💧 Ram Pumps Workshop
Move Water MUCH Higher with NO Electrical Energy
Workshop Overview
Discover Joseph-Michel Montgolfier's ingenious 1796 invention that uses water hammer principles to pump water to heights much greater than the source - all without electricity! In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn how hydraulic ram pumps work and explore the physics behind this sustainable water transportation technology.
⏱️ Duration
2-3 hours
👥 Group Size
Up to 15 participants
🎯 Level
Suitable for ages 10+ and adults
📍 Location
GUIDAL Campus, Alella
What You'll Learn
- Water Hammer Physics - Understand the sudden pressure surge when flowing water stops abruptly
- Energy Conservation - Learn how ram pumps trade large volumes at low lift for small volumes at high lift
- System Design - Discover the key components: air chamber, check valve, waste valve, and drive pipe
- Efficiency Testing - Calculate pump efficiency by comparing potential energy input and output
- Failure Modes - Understand what makes a ram pump fail and how to optimize performance
- Real-World Applications - Explore how this 200+ year old technology provides sustainable water solutions today
Workshop Activities
This interactive workshop includes:
- 🔧 Hands-on demonstrations with our working ram pump system
- 📊 Physics experiments to test efficiency and performance
- 🧪 Problem-solving challenges - induce failure modes and troubleshoot
- 💡 Design discussions on optimizing ram pump systems
- 🌍 Sustainability exploration - how this tech can solve water access problems
Ready to Learn About Ram Pumps?
Book this workshop for your group or join an upcoming session
Book WorkshopAvailable on request for groups • Can be included in school visits
Perfect For
🏫 School Groups
Great for physics, engineering, and environmental science classes
🌱 Sustainability Enthusiasts
Learn practical off-grid water solutions
🔧 DIY Makers
Understand the technology to build your own system
👨🏫 Educators
Gain hands-on teaching experience with this classic physics demonstration