International Journal of Research in Engineering and Applied Sciences
Year : 2014, Volume : 4, Issue : 1
First page : ( 1) Last page : ( 11)
Online ISSN : 2249-3905.

A technical evaluation of the performance of the Zimbabwe treadle pump based on laboratory tests

Nyoni Kosamu

Great Zimbabwe University

Online published on 5 June, 2014.

Abstract

The Zimbabwe treadle pump was brought to the Zimbabwe Irrigation Technology Centre (Z.I.T.C) for a performance test. This is in line with the mandate of the Z.I.T.C which is to control the quality of all equipment that is used in the irrigation industry. The research project sought to evaluate the following attributes of the pump: Its physical characteristics and its technical performance (its discharge rates at different total dynamic heads; its cadence at different total dynamic heads; its feasible maximum total dynamic head and its mechanical advantage. The methodology used was laboratory based following previous tests conducted at Z.I.T.C. Results showed that the pump’s dimensions were generally comparable to those recommended. Pump discharge was inversely related to TDH, and followed a linear relationship of TDH= -2.07Q + 15.40 with an R² value of 0.8824. The pump was shown to have an operating TDH range of 0–15.40m for a corresponding discharge range of 7.44 m³/hr -0 m³/hr. The pump’s cadence was also inversely related to TDH, and followed a linear relationship of TDH= -0.15C + 16.81 with an R² value of 0.72. It also had an operating TDH range of 0–16.81m for a corresponding cadence range of 114.71 strokes/minute- 0 strokes/minute. Its mechanical advantage was 1.53. The pump was found to be quite comparable to other treadle pumps that were subjected to a similar test.

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Keywords

Zimbabwe treadle pump, Pump discharge, Cadence, Mechanical advantage, Ergonomics, Total dynamic head, Appropriate technology.

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