Dhone

Water passing through the dhone to an irrigation canal. Photo: Practical Action

The dhone consists of a trough made from a wooden log or iron sheet; closed at one end and open at the other. The trough is mounted on a suspended pivoted lever to produce a see-sawing gutter or dhone which operates at relatively low lifts of up to 1.5 m.

The trough is lowered into the water by exerting pressure using a rope or the foot of the operator until the closed end is submerged in water. Upon releasing pressure the trough comes to its original position and the water is delivered to the irrigation channel. Typical yields of 80-160 l/min can be obtained from the dhone between 0.3-1.0 m.

Suitable conditions

The Dhone is used in Bangladesh.

Advantages	Disadvantages
- A relatively inexpensive traditional technology which can be locally made and maintained - Easy to operate - Water yields of approximately 160 l/min for lifts of less than 1 m	- Limited to lifts of less than 1.5 m - Low to medium efficiency (20-50%)

Acknowledgements

• Jane Olley, HUMAN & ANIMAL POWERED WATER-LIFTING DEVICES FOR IRRIGATION. Practical Action, November 2008.