CN116802400A

CN116802400A - Electronic water hammer pump controller

Info

Publication number: CN116802400A
Application number: CN202180091691.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 托马斯·罗恩
Original assignee: Heidelberg Hammer Co ltd
Current assignee: Heidelberg Hammer Co ltd
Priority date: 2020-12-18
Filing date: 2021-12-17
Publication date: 2023-09-22
Also published as: GB2602108B; US20240052856A1; WO2022129948A1; GB2602108A; EP4264052A1; AU2021402178A1; GB202020100D0

Abstract

The present invention is a wireless electronic control device that is primarily intended to be attached to a pulse valve of a Hydraulic Ram (HRP) so that HRP can be remotely managed automatically and manually. An electronic water hammer pump controller (ERPC) may be used to control HRP by restricting fluid to enter and/or leave the pump. In the form shown, a pulse valve manager (IVM) is attached to the pulse valve and limits the aperture size of the pulse valve to varying degrees. By means of the control mechanism, HRP can be sealed, activated or adjusted; either remotely by the user or automatically by the automated system of the ERPC. The presented version may be enhanced with pulsed cycling valve actuation and sensing. The ERPC may be retrofitted or incorporated into the design of the new HRP.

Description

Electronic water hammer pump controller

Background

Water hammer pumps (hydraulic ram pump, HRP), also commonly referred to as "hammer pumps" or "ram pumps," have been operated for over two hundred years. The theory was first developed by Whitehurst in 1772 and then by Montgolfier in 1797, the water hammer pump and its variants are the subject of many patents. These water hammer pumps and variants thereof include the construction proposed by Frank b.hanson (U.S. patent No. 422936, "hydroaulic Ram", date 1890, 3/11), the construction of Larry a.cox (U.S. patent No. 4,911,613, entitled "hydroaulic Ram-type water pump", date 1990, 3/27), and the recent development of Ronald Whitehouse (U.S. patent No. 20040042907A1, date 2004, 3/4). These pumps are automated (as long as there is a sufficient supply of water), easy to install, and have proven to be an efficient and cost effective method for moving fluids without an external power source.

HRP pumps fluid to a height greater than HRP itself using only kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy in the fluid from the supply. The fluid is typically water, but sewage and other low viscosity fluids may also be pumped in this manner. Typically, prior art HRPs (as in the hydraulic ram: hydraulic ram water supply guide ISBN 9781853391729) consist of seven main parts/components. These units have a pump body or "manifold" to which the pulse valves are mounted, typically on the upper surface of the pump body. The fluid source is also attached to the manifold, connected by a length of rigid tubing, and the tubing is referred to as the drive tubing. The air tank is also attached to the manifold by a one-way flow valve known as a transfer valve.

The air tank is connected to the place of need to which the fluid is to be pumped by a pipe called a transfer pipe. An air (inlet) or "sniffer valve" is also attached to the manifold in order to direct a small amount of air into the air tank. This is to replace any air in the air tank that is dissolved into the fluid. The pulse valve is designed to accelerate the fluid in the drive tube by expelling a portion of the fluid out of the manifold. When the critical discharge rate is reached, the pulse valve is rapidly closed by the force exerted on it by the water.

This closure generates pressure waves (also known as water hammer effects). The pressure wave then equalizes with the air in the air tank, creating a head of water in the air tank. The delivery (flow check) valve closes once the pressure in the air tank is greater than the pressure in the pump manifold. The higher head water in the air tank is then drained and balanced with the demand site.

Pulse valves typically have a mechanism that is capable of modifying the stroke by changing their closing resistance and/or maximum aperture size. The performance and installation size of HRP is limited by the necessity of having enough fluid at the supply site (given the height ratio of the supply site to the demand site) to maintain the pump in circulation.

Although the performance of HRP can be changed by modifying the maximum aperture of the pulse valve (or its closing resistance), this requires the user's involvement to manually change the performance parameters. This is typically accomplished by tensioning a spring, modifying the weight, changing the nut position, or installing rubber valves of different stiffness.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention is defined in the independent claims to which reference will now be made. Advantageous features are set forth in the dependent claims.

The present invention is directed to enhancements and improvements in these existing and future HRP designs. The problem of variable supply Flow rates has previously been solved by including ball valves/taps on the supply reservoir, as in the "determine Flow" (Sure Flow) solution by the hydrodynamic technology company (Water Powered Technologies ltd.). These solutions are binary in operation and do not allow performance adjustments to be made in real time. Furthermore, they involve adding additional moving parts to the fluid system, which may clog and/or plug.

Various additions and modifications to the pulse valve also exist in order to maximize efficiency or change its operation (for dual liquid or alternate use). The invention detailed herein optimizes pumping cycles and installation by achieving variable pumping rates. This eliminates the restriction on pump size based on a fixed fluid supply.

HRP has a variety of configurations and the present invention is designed to be incorporated into its design/manufacture or retrofitted. The present invention may be modified to accommodate the individual HRP and pulse valve configurations.

In the form shown, an electronic water hammer pump controller (electronic ram pump controller, ERPC) is attached to the pulse valve. This enables the user to change the effective aperture (from closed to fully open) remotely or automatically by affecting the opening or stroke length of the pulse valve. The ERPC also enables the pump to restart and (in some configurations) provide a clean "flush" of HRP.

Drawings

Further details of the invention will be explained in more detail below in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows an outline of a pulse manager attached to a modified "Blake" HRP.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an HRP in order to illustrate unimpeded operation of the valve of the HRP.

Fig. 3 shows an orthogonal view of the pulse manager with critical components exposed.

Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a pulse manager attached to an HRP.

Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a "Blake rubber gasket" pulse valve.

Fig. 6 shows a pulse valve manager (impulse valve manager, IVM) configuration for a "Blake rubber gasket" pulse valve.

Fig. 7 shows a simplified flow diagram of firmware from a typical pulse manager.

Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a hydraulic ram electronic controller according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the internal components of the machine housing of fig. 8.

Detailed Description

The present invention is a wireless electronic control device that is primarily intended to be attached to a pulse valve of a Hydraulic Ram (HRP) so that HRP can be remotely managed automatically and manually.

An electronic water hammer pump controller (ERPC) may be used to control HRP by restricting fluid to enter and/or leave the pump. In the form shown, the ERPC is a pulse valve manager (IVM) that attaches to the pulse valve and limits the aperture size of the pulse valve to varying degrees. By means of the control mechanism, HRP can be sealed, activated or adjusted; either remotely by the user or automatically by the automated system of the ERPC. The presented version may be enhanced with pulsed cycling valve actuation and sensing. The ERPC may be retrofitted or incorporated into the design of the new HRP.

According to fig. 1, the preferred embodiment of hrp is based on a Blake water hammer pump with a moving plug (as in the water hammer pump: water hammer pump water supply system guide). Here, the pulse valve 102 is bolted to the pump manifold 100 (the pulse valve is made up of multiple parts as detailed in fig. 2). The bolt 10 and nut 12 are shown holding the respective parts together. The drive tube 104 is attached to the pump manifold. The drive tube connects the manifold to a supply reservoir (not shown). An air intake (or "sniffer") valve 108 is screwed into the manifold 100 for intake of air during each cycle. This replaces the air lost due to adsorption and ensures that a viable air pocket is maintained in the air tank 106. An air tank 106 is also bolted to the manifold. In this example, but not in all embodiments, an inspection plate 114 (shown in FIG. 2) for inspecting and maintaining the transfer valve 124 is incorporated. The delivery tube 112 is screwed into the air tank 106, which connects the pump to a delivery reservoir (not shown). The bleed tap consisting of the bleed tap body 116 and the bleed tap handle 118 enables the air chamber to be bled or filled as desired.

Additional details of the HRP depicted in fig. 1 are given in the cross-sectional view of fig. 2. The pulse valve manager is omitted from this view for simplicity. The pulse valve plate 120 is bolted to the pump manifold 100 above the rubber seal 14 as shown in fig. 2. The valve stem 126 is disposed in the center of the valve plate 120 and is free to move along a vertical axis. The other end of the valve stem has a counterweight 134 attached that can be varied to vary the pump's performance and circulation rate. A delivery check valve 124, rubber gasket, is mounted to the manifold on the air tank 106. When the pressure in the air tank 106 is higher than the pressure in the pump manifold 100, then the valve deforms to form a seal against the bottom edge of the air tank. When the pressure in the pump manifold 100 is high, the valve deforms to introduce water into the air tank and equalize the pressure.

Alternatively, a spring may be installed instead of the weight 134. Such a spring arrangement may be varied by adjusting the stiffness of the spring or by varying its compression.

Furthermore, the entire valve stem 126 and valve plate 102 assembly may be swapped out of the fixed stem and replaced with a flexible rubber valve deformed around the fixed center (as demonstrated in the hydraulic ram: hydraulic ram water supply guidelines and other technical publications of the university of wawete, uk). This alternative arrangement may be referred to as a "Blake valve". This enables the pump cycle and performance to be modified by replacing the rubber with a new valve of different stiffness or limiting the gap that the rubber can open.

There are many variations and modifications to the HRP that may be made in connection with the present invention.

As an alternative to the flexible rubber check valve 124, a solid plate valve or virtually any other check valve may be used in its place.

Alternatively, the manifold 100 may be configured to enable the pulse valve to be installed in a variety of configurations, including between the air tank 106 and the drive tube 104 or on the same axis as the drive tube 104.

In order to install the preferred embodiment of the IVM, the modifications required by the standard HRP are shown in fig. 1 and 2, including:

1. the mounting bolts 136 should be secured to the valve seat 120 or the pump manifold 100 (as shown in fig. 4).

2. The valve stem 126 should be modified or replaced so as to be long enough to enter the pulse valve manager (as shown in fig. 3).

Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an IVM. The IVM is mounted across the mounting bolts 136 to stabilize the manager body 138, which enables the pulse valve manager to be leveled and positioned. The organizer body 138 forms a seal with the cap 140 and valve stem boot 142 (housing) for the internal components of the mechanism to prevent the effects of water and debris. The stem boot (sealing member) is secured to the stem 126 (elongated stem) and the supervisor body 138. The valve stem aligns with the linear bushing 144, which reduces wear on the stem and enables further alignment of the valve stem 126. A stem magnet 146 (retaining element) is secured to the valve stem by a valve stem upper nut 128. The rod magnet acts as a retainer limiting the aperture size that the valve can achieve by contact with the rod socket plate 148 (limiting element). The rod socket plate 148 is capable of vertical movement on a linear bearing 150, as also shown in fig. 3.

During HRP cycling, the valve stem assembly (consisting of 126, 128, 130, 132, 146) moves in a reciprocating motion along the vertical axis. This movement of the rod magnet 146 through the primary coil 152 and the auxiliary coil 154 creates an electrical current in these coils. The coil is mounted such that the current can be used to sense the position and frequency of the HRP cycle. The main coil 152 may also be used to generate power, which is then stored in a battery pack 156 (power storage device). The auxiliary coil 154 may provide an electromagnetic force field that will attract the rod magnet 146 for various purposes including hydraulic ram restart and/or cycle enhancement. The process is performed and controlled by a microcontroller and power management board 158 (control circuitry). Both primary coil 152 and secondary coil 154 are monitored by microcontroller 158 to give the microcontroller additional information about the cycle and performance of the HRP.

Fig. 3 further illustrates the proposed mechanism such that the position of the rod socket plate 148 is limited by a lead screw 160 and a lead nut 162 mounted into the rod socket plate 148. The lead screw is mounted at one end into the pulse manager body 138 and at the other end is connected to a belt 164 and pulley 166 system, which is connected to a stepper motor 168 (drive unit). The stepper motor is controlled by a microcontroller 158 and is powered from the battery 156. The microcontroller may perform automatic tasks and/or receive additional inputs using telemetry uplink and remote control.

This configuration implements a preferred embodiment that allows for automatic or remote control of HRP for use in the following and other processes:

the (a) fully closed-HRP may be closed by moving the stem socket 148 to the top of its travel span, pressing the impulse valve plug 132 against the valve seat 120 to form a seal.

Variable control of (B) -so that the maximum aperture produced by the pulse valve plug 132 during a cycle can be modified to vary performance (flow rate, efficiency, etc.) according to user requirements.

The (C) fire-HRP may be initiated by lowering the lever jack 148 and, if necessary, energizing the auxiliary coil 154 to fully open the pulse valve and fire the HRP cycle.

Cleaning flush-HRP can be "flushed" clean by fully opening the pulse valve (lowering the stem socket plate 148) to its lowest position to clear any obstructions or debris.

These operations and others may be performed by the microcontroller and power panel 158 in conjunction with its sensing of cycling through the primary coil 152 or automatically in a remote control mode where telemetry signals are sent and received by the microcontroller 158. The addition of these operations, remote and automatic control, and the ability to sense and relay the status of the pump provide many of the advantages of the present invention.

Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the "Blake rubber gasket" pulse valve in an open position (manifold and anchor bolts not shown). A rubber gasket 204 is held between the retaining arm 202 and the valve basket 206. The retaining arm 202 has a central threaded shaft that is located within internal threads in the valve basket. The position of the retaining arm is maintained by the valve basket nut 208. The valve basket 206 has a series of slots (or holes) therein that allow fluid to escape when the force exerted by the fluid on the lower surface of the rubber gasket 204 exceeds the gasket stiffness, the gasket deforming to form a seal between its upper surface and the valve basket. The valve bore is set by changing the vertical position of the retaining arm, thereby setting the valve performance.

Fig. 6 details the construction of the present invention designed to work with the "Blake rubber gasket" pulse valve shown in fig. 5. In this configuration, stepper motor 168 is connected to retaining arm 210 by belt 164 and pulley 166. The manager body 138 has been slightly modified as shown in fig. 6. The rotating bushing 210 also serves to seal the unit (instead of the linear bushing 144). When the holding arm 202 is turned by the screw, it can slide vertically along its axis. To achieve this, pulley 212 (a modified version of pulley 166) has a sliding spline connection so that the retaining arm can move vertically within pulley 212 without losing rotational alignment. This allows the microcontroller to open and close the "Blake rubber gasket" valve by rotating the retaining arm. All other parts are marked as in fig. 4.

In fig. 7, a typical semi-autonomous program for use in a microcontroller is presented. Many modifications and substitutions to the semi-autonomous procedure shown in fig. 7 may be made based on the installation of HRP and ERPC. Alternatively, the complete control program may be run at an offsite server, or a series of IVMs may be remotely connected to make a collective determination of performance.

The main program loop contains five decisions that determine the flow of iterations of the loop: (1) is the IVM received a new operation command? (2) is the IVM received new settings? (3) is the pulse valve open or closed? (4) pump performance is within parameters? (5) if the valve is closed, is it re-opened? If the response to (1-3) is no and the response to (4) is yes, the pulse manager will not make a change to the pulse valve. This will be the most common program loop employed so far.

If an external command for operation (A, C or D) has been received, then the operation will be performed and the IVM will proceed to the next cycle. If new performance settings have been received, they are stored in the firmware of the IVM and the loop will go to (3) -this enables (B) remote variable control. If the pulse valve is open at (3), the IVM will read the pump performance, relay this information for control (typically a remote server), and then proceed to decision (4). The IVM will then determine if the pump is operating within its set parameters: if an obstruction is detected, it may perform an HRP flush; if the emissions are too high, they can limit the pore size; if the emissions are too low, they can increase the pore size.

If the answer to decision (1-3) is no, the IVM will check if the closing time has elapsed and the pulse valve is open when it is time, at decision (5) the valve will open and the pump restarted if it is, and the procedure will proceed to the next cycle if it is not.

In this embodiment, by taking current from the main coil and rectifying it, power can be supplied to charge the battery 156.

Fig. 8 shows a hydraulic ram electronic controller according to another embodiment of the invention. In fig. 8, a split housing configuration is detailed in which the mechanical parts are housed in a mechanical housing (casing) 300. The mechanical housing seals directly to the pulse valve plate 302. The pulse valve plate 302 is bolted to the pump manifold 100 with the gasket 14 (bolts and nuts not visible) therebetween. The mechanical lower layer 304 is screwed into the valve plate 302 by means of threaded protrusions. Extending inside and along the axial length of the lower mechanical layer 304 is a bushing 306 (made of a high slip material) that reduces friction and wear on the valve stem 126. The upper machine layer 308 is held in place by four interlayer posts 310. The valve stem assembly (comprised of 126, 128, 130, 132) is normally free to move in the reciprocation described above (in fig. 8, the pulse valve is shown in a fully closed position). The lowest position of the valve stem assembly (consisting of 126, 128, 130, 132) is determined by the threaded cap 314, which extends to its highest position in fig. 8. In other words, the valve cap 314 acts as a limiting element in a similar manner to the stem socket of the previous embodiments. The bonnet threads extend along the upper threaded bosses of the lower machine layer 304. Alternative screw mechanisms are also possible. The valve cover 314 is connected to two armature linear bearings 316 (also shown in fig. 9). As the valve cover 314 rotates, it follows the threads of the lower mechanical deck 304 to freely move the armature linear bearing 316 up and down. The armature linear bearing 316 is fused at an upper end into a stepper armature 318, which in turn is connected to the shaft of the stepper motor 168. When the stepper motor 168 is energized, it rotates the armature assembly (comprised of 316, 318), which in turn rotates the valve cover 314 against the lower machine layer 304. This enables the mechanism to modify and limit the movement of the valve stem assembly (made up of 126, 128, 130, 132). The locking pin 312 serves to maintain rotation of the armature assembly (comprised of 316 and 318) and lateral position of the valve cover 314 therein. When the lock pin 312 is retracted over the stepper armature 318, the armature can freely rotate. When the detent 312 is down, it is secured against the notch edge of the step armature 318 (also shown in fig. 9). The electronics, power supply, sensors and telemetry system necessary for control and organization are housed in an electronics housing 320 shown in fig. 8 with an antenna 322 and umbilical 324. For simplicity, the sensor or power mechanism is not shown in fig. 8, however, a sensor and/or power mechanism may be added.

Fig. 9 shows a view of the same split construction as fig. 8, but with the housing 300 removed. This split construction has the advantage of protecting the electronics from water ingress. Integration of the valve stem assembly (consisting of 126, 128, 130, 132) within the mechanical lower layer 304 also eliminates alignment issues. Due to its height, this configuration is more suitable for larger pumps.

Various modifications may be made to the preferred embodiment:

various other sensors may be included to enhance the pulse valve manager including, but not limited to: a linear position sensor on the valve stem; a linear position sensor on the lever jack; an accelerometer mounted on the valve stem; a pressure sensor mounted in the manifold or plenum.

A braking or latching mechanism may be added to the lead screw, stepper motor or linear bearing to ensure that the magnet receptacle remains stationary.

The split construction (shown in fig. 8) can also be used with a "Blake" pulse valve (shown in fig. 5), using the same modifications as the embodiment of fig. 6.

The main coil may be divided into various sub-coils in order to obtain higher resolution sensing.

The auxiliary coil may be mounted to the cover 140 and configured to repel the rod magnet 146. Alternatively, the auxiliary coil may be omitted, or may be used in combination with or replaced entirely by a spring supported on the cover 140. When the valve is opened from the closed position, the spring will provide an initial force as the auxiliary coil. The spring will be designed to break the initial inertia due to the water pressure on the valve.

In high stress applications, a brace plate may be added below the rod magnets to reduce wear and tear on the magnets.

The stepper motor may be mounted in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, directly to the lead screw through the lower surface of the manager body.

Alternative motors or devices other than stepper motors may be used.

Pneumatic or hydraulic mechanisms (rotary or linear) may alternatively be used to modify the valve aperture by replacing the stepper motor assembly shown in the exemplary embodiment. Hydraulic or pneumatic power may be drawn directly from the pressure in the HRP.

The rod boot may be replaced with a sealed linear bearing.

The brake may be used to fix the position of the stepper motor (drive unit).

The ERPC may be designed as an integral part of the HRP, rather than as a retrofit version as shown herein in the preferred embodiment.

Various power sources may be used in place of or to enhance the generation of power from the primary coil. This includes external power sources, solar power generation, local micro hydro power generation, internal turbines, etc.

The invention can be modified in design in numerous ways. Possible installation options include, but are not limited to: fitting the mechanism inside a manifold of the valve seat; integrating the mechanism into the manifold; or it may be fitted into the valve itself.

Alternatively, the mechanism may be fitted to a delivery valve (check valve) instead of, or in addition to, a pulse valve (blow-down valve) to provide further control or compound control of the HRP.

The features of the embodiments outlined above may be combined in different ways where appropriate. Various modifications to the above-described embodiments are possible and will be appreciated by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electronic controller for a water hammer pump, comprising:

a housing for connection to a water hammer pump;

an elongate rod for coupling to a valve in the water hammer pump to control a maximum aperture of the valve when the valve is opened and closed by fluid in the water hammer pump, the elongate rod having a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end, the first end of the elongate rod being coupled to the valve, and the elongate rod being mounted relative to the housing to move freely bi-directionally along the longitudinal axis under the influence of pressure variations in the fluid;

a limiting element for limiting movement of the elongate rod along the longitudinal axis in a direction toward the first end;

a drive unit for adjusting the position of the restriction element relative to the housing, wherein a restriction provided by the restriction element to movement of the elongate stem sets the maximum aperture of the valve; and

a control circuit connected to the drive unit, the control circuit configured to instruct the drive unit to adjust the position of the restriction element based on a desired maximum valve aperture.

2. The electronic water hammer pump controller of claim 1, comprising:

a valve aperture sensor for determining a current degree of opening/closing of the valve and/or a current maximum aperture setting of the valve and providing a signal indicative of the current degree of opening/closing and/or the current maximum aperture to the control circuit;

wherein the valve aperture sensor is one or more of a pressure sensor, a linear position sensor, an accelerometer, or a linear position sensor, wherein the pressure sensor is arranged to detect the pressure change inside the pump, the linear position sensor is on the elongate rod for measuring the position of the elongate rod relative to the housing, the accelerometer is mounted on the elongate rod, the linear position sensor is on the restriction element for measuring the position of the restriction element relative to the housing.

3. The electronic water hammer pump controller according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

a retaining element on the elongate rod positioned toward the second end, the retaining element engaging the limiting element to limit the movement of the elongate rod in a direction toward the first end.

4. The electronic controller for a water hammer pump according to claim 3, wherein,

the retaining element on the elongate rod is a magnet; and is also provided with

The limiting element includes a first coil electrically coupled to the control circuit.

5. The electronic water hammer pump controller of claim 4, wherein movement of the magnet relative to the first coil induces a signal in the first coil that enables the control circuit to sense the position and movement of the elongate rod and/or determine a current maximum aperture setting of the valve.

6. The electronic controller of claim 4 or 5, further comprising a power storage device coupled to the first coil and to the control circuit and/or drive unit;

wherein the current induced in the first coil due to the movement of the magnet relative to the first coil is used to generate electric power, which is stored in the electric power storage device and used to power the control circuit and/or the drive unit.

7. The electronic controller according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein,

the electronic controller further includes a second coil electrically coupled to the control circuit; and is also provided with

The control circuit is configured to send a signal to the second coil to generate an electromagnetic force on the magnet that moves the elongate rod in a direction toward the first end to open the valve and/or accelerate/decelerate the elongate rod.

8. The electronic controller of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a spring member configured to generate a force on the elongate rod in a direction toward the first end of the elongate rod.

9. The electronic controller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the restraining element is configured to be movable parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate rod.

10. An electronic controller according to any preceding claim wherein the housing comprises a base plate to which the restriction element is mounted.

11. An electronic controller according to any preceding claim wherein the housing comprises mounting elements which allow retrofitting of the electronic controller to the water hammer pump.

12. The electronic controller according to any of the preceding claims, wherein,

the electronic controller further comprises a power storage device configured to supply power to the control circuit and/or drive unit; and is also provided with

The power storage device is configured to receive power from at least one of an external power source, a solar cell, a micro hydro-generator, or an internal turbine in the water hammer pump.

13. The electronic controller according to any of the preceding claims, wherein,

the drive unit comprises a screw connected to a stepper motor controlled by the control circuit, and rotation of the screw moves the restriction element parallel to the axis of the elongate rod; or alternatively

The drive unit comprises a pneumatic or hydraulic element controlled by the control circuit and configured to move the restriction element parallel to the axis of the elongated rod.

14. The electronic controller according to any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein,

the limiting element is a socket; and is also provided with

The elongated rod passes through the socket such that the retaining element engages the socket to limit the movement of the elongated rod in a direction toward the first end.

15. The electronic controller according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the limiting element is mounted on a threaded protrusion.

16. The electronic controller of claim 15, wherein the drive unit rotates the limiting element about the threaded protrusion to adjust the position of the limiting element relative to the housing.

17. The electronic controller of claim 15 or 16, wherein the elongate rod extends through a hollow center of the threaded protrusion.

18. The electronic controller according to any one of claims 15-17, wherein the drive unit, the elongate rod and the restraining element are collinear along the longitudinal axis of the elongate rod.

19. The electronic controller according to any of the preceding claims, wherein,

the shell is a sealing unit for sealing the electronic controller;

the housing includes an outlet for the first end of the elongated rod; and is also provided with

The outlet in the housing includes a sealing member configured to facilitate movement of the elongate rod.

20. The electronic controller according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein,

the housing is a first housing enclosing the elongated rod, the restraining element and the drive unit; and is also provided with

The electronic controller also includes a second housing enclosing the control circuit.

21. An electronic controller according to claim 20 when dependent on claim 12 wherein the power storage device is enclosed within the second housing.

22. The electronic controller of claim 20 or 21, wherein the first housing is a sealing unit comprising an outlet for the first end of the elongated rod.

23. The electronic controller according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the second housing is a sealing unit.

24. The electronic controller according to any of the preceding claims, wherein,

the control circuit includes a memory configured to store previous instructions sent to the drive unit; and

the control circuit is configured to determine the position of the restriction element relative to the housing based on stored previous instructions.

25. The electronic controller of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control circuitry is configured to send and/or receive telemetry signals to/from a remote operator, the remote operator being able to remotely control the electronic controller.

26. The electronic controller according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end of the elongated rod is adapted to be coupled to a pulse valve or a delivery valve of the water hammer pump.

27. A pump system comprising a hydraulic ram and an electronic controller according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

28. A method for controlling a water hammer pump having a valve and an electronic controller having: a housing connected to the water hammer pump; an elongate rod for coupling to a valve in the water hammer pump to control a maximum aperture of the valve when the valve is opened and closed by fluid in the water hammer pump, the elongate rod having a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end, the first end of the elongate rod being coupled to the valve, and the elongate rod being mounted relative to the housing to move freely bi-directionally along the longitudinal axis under the influence of pressure variations in the fluid; a limiting element for limiting movement of the elongate rod along the longitudinal axis in a direction toward the first end; and a drive unit for adjusting the position of the restriction element relative to the housing, wherein restriction of movement of the elongate rod provided by the restriction element sets the maximum aperture of the valve;

wherein the method comprises the following steps:

receiving, at the electronic controller, a control signal including one or more commands and/or one or more setting parameters from a remote operator;

the position of the restriction element is adjusted by the drive unit of the electronic controller based on the received control signal in order to set the maximum valve aperture to a desired value.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising:

determining one or more operating parameters indicative of performance of the water hammer pump; and

a signal is sent to the remote operator indicating the determined one or more operating parameters.

30. The method of any of claims 28 to 29, further comprising:

positioning the limiting element at an end of its travel span in a direction toward the first end of the elongated rod to fully open the valve in the water hammer pump to activate the pump or perform a clean flush of the valve; and/or

The limiting element is positioned at the end of its travel span in a direction towards the second end of the elongated rod to completely close the valve in the water hammer pump and to close the pump.

31. The method of any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the electronic controller includes a retaining element that is a magnet on the elongate rod positioned toward the second end of the elongate rod, and the restraining element includes a first coil, the method further comprising:

a signal induced in the first coil by movement of the magnet relative to the first coil is detected, the induced signal being indicative of the movement of the elongate rod and/or a current maximum aperture setting of the valve.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the electronic controller further comprises a second coil, the method further comprising:

a signal is sent to the second coil, which generates an electromagnetic force on the magnet that moves the elongated rod in a direction towards the first end in order to open the valve and/or accelerate the elongated rod.

33. An electronic controller for a water hammer pump, comprising:

a housing for connection to a water hammer pump;

a drive unit coupled to a retaining arm in a valve in the water hammer pump, wherein the retaining arm controls a maximum aperture of the valve when the valve is opened and closed by fluid in the water hammer pump, the drive unit configured to adjust a position of the retaining arm relative to the housing; and

a control circuit connected to the drive unit, the control circuit configured to instruct the drive unit to adjust the position of the retaining arm based on a desired maximum valve aperture.

34. The electronic water hammer pump controller of claim 33, wherein the adjustment of the position of the retaining arm includes rotating the retaining arm.

35. The electronic water hammer pump controller of claim 34, wherein the retaining arm rotates via an elongated rod coupled between the retaining arm and the drive unit.