HDT 51c: Pumping water with non-conventional energy
Eng. David Chavez Muñoz, professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, Resident at CEPIS. September 1992
Spanish version: HDT 51c: Bombeo de agua con energias no convencionales
Other equipment: hand pumps
Piston pump
There are numerous types of pumps like this. Research has shown that those with damping chambers, both in the suction as in the discharge have a higher performance (1).
The PUCP model allows to extract four liters per piston stroke. The design of each pump depends on the depth of the well. The approximate cost is US $ 300, without including the suction pipe.
Rope pump
These pumps are used when the suction does not exceed 10 m. Its rotary motion allows water elevation “in tranches”. It is easy to construct and maintain. The approximate cost is US $ 300 and 90% of its parts are made of domestic materials (wood, rubber, rope).
Animal traction pump
Consists of a mechanism designed to convert the circular movement of a draught animal (donkey, ox, horse, etc.), in an alternative movement. In this way a piston pump is driven to achieve the necessary suction. Depending on the depth of the well and the flow required, various animals may be used.
