Rope pumps compared to piston pumps

Advantages of Rope pumps compared to piston pumps
Technical advantages
  • Absence of dynamic forces (rotating movement).
  • Pump tubes can be made of light weight, cheap PVC tubing (pressure = distance between 2 pistons).
  • Small diameter PVC tubing because of high water velocity.
  • A high total efficiency, 80 - 85% if well made.
  • Technology without "black box" (easy to understand, produce and maintain).
Social, economic and gender aspects
  • The Rope pump requires regular maintenance but because of its simplicity and low cost the users can do the repairs themselves. No need for extensive training or manuals.
  • Produced with local skills and materials.
  • Supply of spare parts guaranteed (local production).
  • Stimulates local industry generating work /income for small-scale enterprises. *
  • Attractive as a household pump, because of its low cost.
  • As a household/garden pump it generates income of US$ 220 per annum. **
  • A household pump improves situation of women and children.
  • Safes work. Income generated by a pump benefits the women and is invested in utensils, children education etc. Men often have "different priorities".
  • Facilitates activities such as hygiene education, water conservation, reforestation etc. Since the Rope pump is useful / generates income, its introduction can be combined with above mentioned activities.
  • Self respect/ educational. People feel proud that they can manage and repair the pump which sometimes is the "most technical" product in the house.
Disadvantages of Rope pumps compared to piston pumps
  • The Rope pump is not a "pressure pump" The maximum lift is determined by the height of the wheel axle, normally some 60 cm above the well cover. For higher lifts, an additional wheel is needed.
  • Especially from deep wells, it takes some time before the Rope pump starts pumping. (When not in use, the water level in the pump falls back to the water level in the well).
For more information read the article bases on the book 'The Rope pump'
* The Rope pump is mentioned in the publication "Poverty alleviation as a bussines" by U. Heilerli, P Polak. The Rope pump is one of the 6 examples of innovative and affordable products that get poor families out of the poverty trap. For the success of this and other products such as the Treadle pump in Asia, the role of the local private sector has been, and is essential. With initial aid in product improvement, skill training and marketing they now produce and sell the products. See also www.intercoop.ch. The complete report can be ordered at Sabine.brueschweiler[at]deza.admin.ch**Conclusions of a Survey in Nicaragua. CESADE, ICCO-PSO / J. van de Zee.