Rope and washer pump with drive pulleys

I designed this pump in Bolivia as an alternative to the usual expensive hand pumps that were available to the people there. The idea is very ancient, going back to Chinese 'water ladders' and afterwards the chain and washer pumps.

The rubber washers on this one are punched from tire sidewalls, threaded on to 1/4" polypropylene rope, and knots tied on either side of the washers. The actual pumping section is at the bottom, and is a 3' length of 1" PVC pipe. There are always at least three washers in the pumping section to minimize leakback (but only three to minimize friction), and always at least three washers being gripped by the pulleys made of tire sidewalls. The pump is quite simple to make and inexpensive.

Notice that it does take some time for the pump to fill the 1.25" riser pipe and finally exit the unit. This pump required an extra set of drive pulleys so the operator could lift water into a raised tank. The drive belt is made from a long spiral piece of rubber cut from a tire sidewall and with the ends wired together. The tires were all free from a local tire shop.

Note that the R & W pump can be used as a water-driven motor if it's used in reverse, i.e. falling water is allowed into the upper pipe and exits at the bottom. Power can then be taken off the pulley shaft.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• rope
• and
• washer
• pump
• simple
• inexpensive
• water
• lifter
• rosary
• bomba
• de
• agua
• soga
• volandas
• rosario
• appropriate
• technology

[MucusFelidae]

Good idea, only that design looks rather wobbly and will not last long.

[approtechie]

@MucusFelidae It actually lasted and worked well for a couple of years before it got taken out by a record-breaking flood.

[marvinsgarden87]

what depth did this reach?

[approtechie]

This was placed about 15 ft. down in the ground. It can go much deeper than that so long as you reduce the pipe/washer size so that it's not so much effort to lift. In Nicaragua and other countries they are going 200' down using 1/2" pipes and washers. You sacrifice volume, of course, but at least you can get the water up.

[marvinsgarden87]

thank you. I am looking into designing one that will reach about 100 ft. how difficult is is to install and maintain the guide pulley at the bottom of the well?

[approtechie]

You shouldn't use a pulley. If you have room you can use pvc elbows. Some people use small glass bottles or smooth formed hardwood blocks, or ceramic pieces to help the rope and washers make the turn at the bottom.

[approtechie]

Also, from that depth you might want to use 3/4" pipe going down to carry and guide the rope and 1/2" coming up for 10' or so, and then 3/4" coming up the rest of the way. At least, if you're going to pump by hand. Larger pipe would be difficult to pump with. Washers in this small size are often made of plastic with a conical shape on the leading edge.

BTW, you didn't say if you're going down a bore hole and what diameter it might be if so. Even 4" boreholes can be used but larger is easier.

[rodapet]

IT is good 

[SurvivalGrounds]

genius. i like it.

[MrGimli2]

"taking video" LOL

[marvinsgarden87]

how do you anchor the pvc elbow or guide device at the bottom? I'm not sure yet what our well/bore hole width is. what is the width of your hole?