Description
The Rope Pump features a unique design in which small plastic pistons are lined up on a rope. The distance between the pistons is approximately 1 m. Over a crank operated drive wheel the rope is pulled through a plastic rising pipe. The pump stand is of painted mild steel and the drive wheel consists of cut old tires. A ceramic guide box leads the rope with the pistons into the rising pipe. This pump is reasonably corrosion resistant.
Technical data
| Piston Nominal Diameter (inch) | 1” / ¾” / ½” |
| Approx. Discharge at About 75 Watt Input m3/h | |
| at 10m Head | 1.4 |
| at 15m Head | 1.1 |
| at 30m Head | 0.7 |
| Pumping Lift (m) | 0 – 30 |
| Population Served (nos.) | 70 |
| Households (nos.) | 3 – 10 |
| Water Consumption (LPCD) | 15 – 20 |
| Type of Well | Dugwell or Borehole |
Material
| Pump Stand | Painted Steel |
| Crank | Painted Steel Pipe |
| Drive Pulley | Rubber and Mild Steel |
| Pistons | Plastic |
| Guide Box | Ceramic and PVC |
| Rising Pipe | PVC Pipe |
Local manufacturing
The Rope Pump has an excellent potential for local manufacturing and is produced by different companies in Nicaragua as well as elsewhere.
Installation
The installation of the Rope Pump is easy. It can be done by trained area mechanics. No lifting tackle and no special tools are needed.
Maintenance
The rope pump has an excellent “Community Management Potential”. A torn or broken rope can be replaced without any special tools. A village caretaker can perform all maintenance operations.
Remarks
This rope pump is usually installed in dug wells. Even though it is not limited in pumping lifts, the major application range is up 15 m. The Rope pump is not designed for a high daily output, but rather a family or small community pump. Models exist for family use as well as for community use.
