54
edits
Changes
Added RWSN diagrams
[[Image:RopePumpBicycle.jpg|thumb|right|150px|[[Rope pump| Rope pump]], bicycle model, produced and used in Nicaragua]]
[[Image:RopePumpMotor.png|thumb|right|150px|[[Rope pump| Motorized rope pump]], powered by a diesel motor, used for irrigation. Pumping from a 25m well.]]
[[Image:Rope pump cross section.jpg|thumb|right|150px|[[Rope pump| Rope pump]] Cross section diagram of a rope pump on a capped well]]
[[Image:Rope_pump_action_diagram.jpg|thumb|right|150px|[[Rope pump| Rope pump]], An illustration of the pumping action of a rope pump]]
A Rope Pump consist of a PVC pipe with a rope though it, to which washers are attached which fit in the tube with a small clearance. A wheel above ground pulls the rope with the washers through the pipe. The water is held between the washers in the pipe, and is pulled to the surface. Rope pumps are very simple, and can be easily repaired. They are used for domestic water supply, irrigation and cattle watering. For wells down to 35 m, rope pumps are often five times cheaper and more sustainable than piston pumps. Rope pumps can be powered by hand, bicycle, motor, horse, or wind power.