Development And Evaluation Of A Motorized Diaphragm Pump Using Locally Available Material

ABSTRACT

In this project, a study was undertaken to develop and evaluate a motorized diaphragm pump using locally available material. For this purpose, locally available materials were used. The• pump is made up of a single cylinder. (4 litres plastic bucket) the extension levers that comprises of the crank mechanisms, push rod, pulleys, belt drive (v-belt), the diaphragm material (flexible tyre tube) and the manifold system which comprises of the PVC pipes, reducers, valves, (nonreturn valves) which help in suction and delivery of water. The experimental data indicated that the diaphragrri pump cannot pull water from any source more than 3.4m (table 4.1) below the pump. Results showed an inverse relationship between discharge and delivery head as in table 4.4, with discharge varying from 18.6L/min to 14.9L/min for 3.2m to 3.9m delivery head respectively. The maximum overall efficiency of the diaphragm pump with single cylinder was found to be 48% at a static suction head of O.46m. The diaphragm pump is suitable, ergonomic and economical for supplying water for drinking and small-scale-irrigation like vegetables and seed beds with less physical effort. It can also be used to drain water logged areas.