RUNNING WATER FOR FARM BUILDINGS 441 



When this is the case, the water should be piped from the source 

 to a point within the required distance of the ram location. At 

 this point, an open barrel can be placed and the drive pipe con- 

 nected to it, as shown by Plate 11. This eliminates the friction 

 loss caused by the water flowing through the long drive pipe that 

 would otherwise be necessary. 



The barrel can be connected to the source of supply by ordi- 

 nary drain or soil pipes which should be at least a size larger 

 than the drive pipe leading from the barrel to the ram. 



It is good practice to place the ram in a small house, and bolt 

 or fasten it securely to a timber or masonry foundation which 

 will form a solid support for the ram and relieve the connecting 

 pipes of undue strain. The ram should be elevated above the 

 floor a sufficient distance so that the waste water cannot cover 

 the snifting or air valve. If the drain from the ram is properly 

 made, this height need not be very great, as the water will be 

 carried off as rapidly as it flows out of the impetus valve. 



The inlet of the drive pipe should be placed so that it will 

 always be below the surface of the water. (This does not affect 

 the fall as the fall is measured from the surface of the water, 

 regardless of where the drive pipe enters the supply.) If the inlet 

 is not below the surface sufficiently, the level may drop to a point 

 where air will enter the drive pipe and cause the ram to stop. 



All joints in the drive pipe should be air tight, or air will be 

 drawn into the ram with the same results as when the w^ater level 

 drops below the inlet. 



A strainer should always be placed on the inlet to prevent the 

 pipe or ram from becoming choked with debris. It is a good 

 plan to surround this strainer with a large wire netting to pre- 

 vent it from becoming clogged. If possil)le, turns should be 

 avoided in both the drive and discharge pipes. AVhen this is not 

 possible, the elbows or turns should be as large as possible, so 

 there will be as slight obstruction to the free, easy flow of water 

 as can be obtained. 



Hoiv to start the rmn. — AVhen the ram is installed, all that is 

 necessary to start it in operation is to press down the impetus 

 valve, letting the water discharge, and then allowing it to rise. 

 After repeating this operation a few times, the ram should con- 

 tinue to operate. If it does not, the impetus valve stroke is not 

 properly adjusted. By changing the adjustment and trying 

 again, the adjustment which gives the best operation will readily 

 be obtained. This adjustment is made by adjusting the nuts on 

 the impetus valve. 



