The Gulper

Target SDGs

Market Suggested Retail Price

$160.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Household, Community

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

The Gulper can be manufactured globally using locally available materials, and has been implemented by a number of organizations including Engineers Without Borders, Water for People, SEB Engineering, Programme Solidarite Eau, Irish Aid, and Water Aid.

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include The Vacutug.

Manufacturing/Building Method

Product can be manufactured using locally available materials.

Intellectural Property Type

Open-source

User Provision Model

The Gulper can be manufactured by local entrepreneurs using available materials or can be distributed by humanitarian organizations.

Distributions to Date Status

Exact distributions to date are unknown, but the Gulper has been used in a number of countries around the world including Uganda, Cambodia, Tanzania, and Malawi.

Design Specifications

There are three main components of the Gulper, the rising pipe, the plunger, and the bottom valve. The rising pipe is about 2m in length (can be increased to allow for further pit reach). It is constructed from 4 inch plastic drainage pipe (the thickest available) and has a 45° T-junction allowing sludge to be directed out (into a barrel). Footrests are attached using a clamp and a collar halfway down the pipe. The plunger runs up and down the inside of the rising pipe. At the base is a one way valve which works with the bottom valve to allow sludge to flow up in to the rising pipe. Clamped to the top of the rising pipe is a cap with a rubber grommet attached by a cap (stopping sludge from squeezing out as the plunger is raised). The bottom valve (attached by a collar) includes a cage to stop debris from entering the pipe and causing a blockage.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

Users are expected to maintain the product on their own.

Replacement Components

None

Lifecycle

Unknown

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

General performance targets include production locally, can work in confined spaces, lower initial and operation and maintenance costs than other emptying technologies, and effective pumping of semi-solid sludge.

Vetted Performance Status

In the initial pilot by WaterAid in Tanzania only two of the four community-based organizations (CBOs) continued using the Gulper at the end, and lessons learned included adjustments to the formerly solid waste management business models to adapt them to fecal sludge management, and the importance of leadership and decision making in the selection of CBOs. A willingness-to-pay survey conducted in Tanzania found 96% indicated willingness-to-pay of at least TSH 5000 (4.30 USD), and 57% of respondents willing to pay at least TSH 20,000 (17 USD). A modified pedal Gulper in Malawi trailed has a flow rate of 0.00058 m³/s and if the trash content was low, a latrine with a volume of 1-4m³ could be emptied within 1-2 hours. However the success rate was ~17% (5 out 30 sampled lined pit latrines were successfully emptied).

Safety

The operator should not come into contact with the fecal sludge, and must dispose of it according to regulations. Personal protective equipment should at least include a protective suit, face mask, waterproof boots, gloves, and safety googles for the operator. Avoid sparks, such as lighting a cigarette, near the pit.

Complementary Technical Systems

A barrel or other storage item is needed for pumped fecal sludge, and personal protective equipment is needed for the user.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

Regulations are context-specific and potential implementers should explore relevant laws, standards, and practices

Evaluation methods

The product is evaluated for willingness-to-pay, sustainability, and flow rates.

Other Information

A second Gulper model is being piloted in Uganda. The ‘Gulper’ – a manual latrine/drain pit pump