Performance evaluation of hydraulic ram pumping systems for small-scale farmers: a case study of West Pokot county, Kenya

Abstract Hydraulic ram (hydram) pump has been in existence for more than two centuries. However, these pumps have on the verge of extinction since invention motorized pumps, which are powerful and efficient. Unfortunately, expensive to acquire, operate, maintain. Their contribution climate change environmental degradation steered need an alternative pumping technology. Therefore, as world's technology shifts green energy, hydram be re-invented. In late twentieth century, studies revived with aim making them efficient economically competitive. Small-scale farmers West Pokot County, Kenya, embraced technology, but due low technical capacity; installed low-performing that operated under efficiencies less 30%, majority having operational failure inadequate designs. Hence, this study investigated design operation pumps. Thereafter, designed assembled a pump, using locally available materials, supply water domestic small-scale agricultural use. The optimum efficiency achieved by was 54%, delivery flow rate about 13 L/min.