Wasser für die Dritte Welt
Water for the Third World

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Operation of the Pedal Pump (PEP)

The Pedal Pump (PEP) is a water pump powered by physical strength. Water is sucked through a pipe from a source to the pump with the help of two pistons in a very simple construction. The pistons are fitted with a seal made from a ring spacing -shaped garden hose. This seals during the upward movement of the piston and lets the water move into the cylinder chamber during the downward movement. There are two valves inside the pump consisting of a floating piece of rubber matting which enable the incoming water to move on when the piston moves upwards and stops return of the water into the sucking pipe during the piston’s downwards movement. The brevity of this description is an indication of the simplicity of the pump, which is absolutely crucial for a successful deployment !

VIDEO:

Left hand cylinder::
The piston moves downwards.
The piston valve opens. Water flows into the upper half of the cylinder during downward movement.
The valve closes. Water can no longer flow into the suction pipe when the piston moves downwards.
 

Right hand cylinder:
The piston moves upwards.
The piston valve closes. The water flows into the field during lifting of the piston out of the cylinder. While lifting the piston, “new” water is being sucked into the lower half of the cylinder.