Elevação de água com base apenas na energia do próprio escoamento

Abstract

This study came from the need to provide potable water to the population of small villages in remote areas of Timor Lorosa'e. Hydraulic rams are the most suitable devices for such purposes since they can elevate water hundreds of meters using only the energy of the flow, by inducing the water hammer phenomena. They don't need any other source of external energy and are very simple to build and maintain. In this study, an experimental unit was built and the conditions of operation were tested in the Hydraulics Laboratory of the Hydraulics, Water Resources and Environment Division of FEUP. An in-situ installation for a small village in Timor Lorosa'e was also sized. The functioning of the hydraulic ram has been shown, as well as the complexity of the phenomenon that makes it work. It was concluded that the amount of elevated water depends on several factors related to the assembling and characteristics of the device as well as the definition of its working conditions. Hydraulic rams have a wide range of applications, and the potential to replace many of the traditional pumping systems. This is a theme of great practical interest.