Modification of Rope and Washer Pump to Engine Operated for Irrigation in South Western Oromia, Ethiopia

Suitable methods of water lifting and distribution are the most important aspects that determine the efficiency and success of an irrigation system. The rope and washer pump, a water-lifting device made with appropriate technology, has been effectively used in a number of developing nations all over the world. Engine operated rope pumps are one application of the “rope and washer” pumping principle, driven or powered by an electrical, petrol or small diesel motor. The aim of this study was to modify the rope and washer pump to engine operated for small-scale irrigation applications in southwestern Oromia, Ethiopia. The modification of the rope and washer water pump was undertaken with the intention of solving the suction head problem that rural people are facing during the dry season for crops and vegetable farming at the group or household level. Engine-operated rope and washer pump efficiency is mainly affected by engine horsepower for the used head and pipe diameter. The performance of the modified rope and washer pump was conducted using two different diameters of PVC pipe (2" and 4 “), as well as two discharge heads (6 m and 8 m). Using a 5 hp engine, the maximum head and pipe diameters achieved for this study were 8 m and 4 inches, respectively. The maximum efficiency of the pump was 2.532 l/sec and 12.178 l/sec using 2 and 4 inch pipe diameters, respectively, at an 8 m head.