bullpump

A bullpump is a type of mechanical device used to move water or other liquids. It operates on a principle that utilizes the kinetic energy of a moving fluid to lift a portion of that fluid to a higher elevation. The most common design involves a large volume of flowing water, often from a stream or river, which enters a chamber. Within this chamber, a valve system is arranged such that the flow creates a sudden pressure surge. This surge momentarily closes a discharge valve, forcing a small fraction of the incoming water through a smaller, higher-pressure pipe to an elevated reservoir. When the flow stabilizes, the discharge valve reopens, and the cycle repeats.

The bullpump requires a significant flow rate of water at a relatively low head (the vertical distance the water needs to be lifted from its source) to operate effectively. It is characterized by its simplicity, lack of external power sources other than the water's own momentum, and its ability to provide a continuous, albeit modest, supply of water to elevated locations. Historically, bullpumps have been employed for irrigation, draining low-lying areas, and supplying water to remote communities where conventional pumping methods are impractical or uneconomical. Their efficiency is generally low compared to modern electric or engine-driven pumps, but their self-sustaining nature makes them a viable option in specific contexts.