Pablo Nistal Individual Contribution Page
Fall 2014 Contributions - Ram Pump Team
Joined the Ram Pump team and started making a task list for the semester. We are planning to create a second model for the ram pump, larger in scale (pipe size, air chamber capacity...) in order to obtain a higher output flow rate, while trying to connect each element closer for a more compact design. I am taking care of the air chamber sizing and the new supporting system.
The different systems are already built, now we have various air chambers in order to accommodate the pressure variations due to the outlet flow, two distinct waste valves in order to see if the size matters in the amount of water delivered, two drive pipes so as to see the influence of length in the performance of the pump and several 50g weights for a better adjustment of cycle periods.
We are performing tests for different arrangements of the pieces in order to look for the best solution.
Now that we are facing the last part of the course our team work has suffered a revolutionary change. Due to the poor improvement obtained with all the experimentation around the previous model we are trying to create a new one. The drive pipe is going to be removed so that we don't have any extra losses and we are trying an inverted waste valve powered by a spring. We are also redesigning the check valve and the air chamber in order to fit in this new design (much more compact) but testing is going to take place during next semester.
Spring 2015 Contributions - Ram Pump Team
Joined one semester more the ram pump team. This time, we are working on a completly new design, starting from very basic sketches and focusing on the field work.