Technology transfer
The technology of the Nicaraguan hand Rope pump is being transferred to most countries in Central America and several countries in Africa and Asia. Of the wind Rope pump, demonstration models have been installed in 5 countries.
Experiences Although the Rope pump technology seems (and is) simple, there are still many details in production, installation and use that can go wrong. There have been discouraging experiences with "just sending" drawings. Design changes were made, details in production and installation were not clear, etc. An example of this is the "Salvador case". A Nicaraguan hand Rope pump was taken to El Salvador to be copied there. Without quality control 200 pumps were locally produced and installed. Because of an error in the guide box, most pumps broke down after a few months. Repairing these pumps and "repairing" the bad publicity of "another new technology that does not work", was much more expensive than a proper training in production etc. would have been. (This does not mean that it is impossible to make the hand Rope pump, from written information but it proves to be cheaper if, from the beginning, proven and good quality Rope pumps are installed.) Training For a larger scale introduction, it is essential that local staff is trained on feasibility, preparation, production, installation and maintenance aspects. It is also needed to give long term "follow up" on aspects of use, quality control, marketing etc. Critical mass Experience is that installing one or two demonstration pumps does not "automatically" start further dissemination. In order to interest future users, a certain critical mass of 5 to 10% of working examples in real field conditions is necessary and rather 10 pumps in one village than 1 pump in 10 villages. Regarding the production of Rope pumps, a certain "mass" production is necessary before it is cost efficient for a workshop or factory. The involvement of the private sector in production, installation and service has proven to be essential for a successful and large scale dissemination. Phased introduction The introduction of the Rope pump technology should be phased depending on the model to be introduced. (For instance the wind Rope pump takes more time than the hand Rope pump) Phase 1: Information/ basic study of the feasibility of the Rope pump. First introduction and installation of 2 or more demonstration models. The complicated parts (washers, guide block) of the pump are transported from Nicaragua and the pumps will be mounted in a local workshop. * Phase 2: If first experiences are positive, determine economic and social feasibility. Training on production of a larger series using jigs / moulds, further training on installation and maintenance and quality control. For a successful introduction the publicity and marketing is an essential part. Training centers In Tanzania: SHIPO Smart Centre. www.shipo-tz.org/services/training-centre In Malawi: Mzuzu Smart Centre. www.mzuzusmartcentre.com * The transfer of the hand Rope pump can be started with a "Suitcase package" including essential pump parts and a hand press to make the PE washers. Depending on situation the first training in pump production of 2 to 5 pumps including installation can be done in a 10 days "hands on" training course. For more information feel free to Contact us. |