Product information

Filling a gap

To cater for the growing demand for small and affordable motor pumps, Practica has established contacts with a Chinese producer of simple 2-stroke motor pumps.

Pumps can be delivered through Practica for around €80 - €100 at a local harbour (depending on location). Sales price of the pumps for the user will then be around €120 tot €150, which makes it an interesting alternative to the more expensive 4-stroke pumps, still allowing for fuel consumption as low as 0,5 ltr/hr (indicative, pump used on half power) This enables small farmers to irrigate small plots and to increase their production and income.

Technology
The set comprises a two stroke engine, 1.5hp at 5000 rpm, and a 2-inch pump. The pump characteristics are shown in the curve; they fit most smallholder irrigation requirements. The fuel consumption is 0.5 litres per hour when pumping 3 l/s from 6m depth.
A two stroke engine lasts longer than a four stroke engine because of the absence of valves and a valve operating mechanism. It is also easier to repair while spare parts are cheaper. Experience in Nicaragua has shown that a lifetime in excess of 2000 hours is possible.

In short

Kerosene

Experiments are ungoing to run the pump on kerosene fuel, further reducing the costs for farmers. Positive results have been reached with testing in the Netherlands and further field testing in Madagascar is ongoing. More information will be published as soon as it is available.  

Motorized rope pump

The same motor can be used to power a rope pump, when the centrifugal pump is removed and a small pulley is installed. Positive results have been reached in different countries.
  Source: http://www.practicafoundation.nl/technologies/Chineseirrigationpump.html