Guatemala: Development of a Ram Pump

Author(s)

• Gordon Schweitzer, University of Dayton

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

8-26-2008

Abstract

Purpose: The report highlights the research, development, installation of a ram pump water system within a coffee cooperative named Palmera Xolhuitz between May 14th, 2008 and July 23rd, 2008 through the nongovernmental organization Appropriate Infrastructure Development Group (AIDG). Scope: This test installation provides water for nearly two hundred residents who financed the project using community contracts. Furthermore, this installation was the first ram pump installation of AIDG. Findings: Test methods, ram pump installation techniques, and troubleshooting techniques created new information within the ram pump field. Conclusions: Through analyzing and developing construction techniques, efficiency test rubrics, and design improvements, the ram pump system performed at high efficiency and delivered water through nearly five hundred meters of pipeline to distribute to the community. Many tribulations surfaced through the installation process causing the ram pump system to fluctuate between operation and failure. Recommendations: Even though the journey to commission a fully functional ram pump system is difficult, the process was analyzed to heighten success for future installations by utilizing specific experimental techniques and efficiency testing.

eCommons Citation

Schweitzer, Gordon, "Guatemala: Development of a Ram Pump" (2008). ETHOS Technical Reports. 23.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/ethos_reports/23