What does a hydraulic ram use to elevate a quantity of water?

A hydraulic ram utilizes the kinetic energy of a flowing water source to lift a portion of that water to a higher elevation. The device essentially harnesses the movement of water, creating a pressure surge that enables a smaller volume of water to be elevated significantly. When water flows into the ram, it creates a pressure wave that causes a valve to close suddenly, forcing some of the water up a delivery pipe while allowing the rest to continue flowing away.

This mechanism makes the hydraulic ram a highly efficient device that requires no external power source. Instead of relying on external inputs like electricity, air pressure, or gravity to lift water, it takes advantage of the energy from the water flow itself. This process illustrates the fundamental principle of energy conversion, where the energy of moving water is transformed into pressure energy to lift a smaller quantity to a higher elevation.