Rope and washer pump with drive pulleys

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.

For more info go to:

http://www.youtube.com/user/approtechie