Pumping

This is the technique by which a pump absorbs mechanical energy and transfers hydraulic energy to move the water. It is used when, due to the difference in height between the initial and final points, transport cannot be carried out by gravity. This can be either because the difference in elevation between the starting and end points is very low, producing small flows, or because the end point of the section is at a higher elevation than the starting point.

The most common way of raising the water is by means of hydraulic pumps. These operate in two stages [1]:  

• Aspiration: Elevation of the water from its level to the body of the pump. It consists of generating a vacuum in the pipe, so that the water can rise through it driven by atmospheric pressure.
• Impulsion: Conduction of water from the pump to its destination. It consists of creating the necessary pressure for the water to move along the impulsion pipe.