LifePump

Target SDGs

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Community

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Design Outreach partners with other organizations such as World Vision and Water for Good to implement LifePumps. Other partners that have contributed to the development of the LifePump include: The Water Project, SEEPEX, and others. Design Outreach also works with Rotary clubs, such as Rotary Clubs of Delaware, New Albany, Tri-Village, Pataskala, and Sunbury-Galena in a project to make clean water more accessible in Haiti.

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include SOVEMA Universelle Extra Deep Hand Pump, Afridev Hand Pump, India Mark II Handpump, BluePump, Vergnet-Hydro 60-2000 Pump, and iDE Rope Pump.

Regions

Africa

Countries

Ethiopia, Haiti, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Zambia

Manufacturing/Building Method

LifePump’s PC pumping elements are supplied by EEPEX, a German-based pump manufacturer based in Ohio, USA.

Intellectural Property Type

Trademark

User Provision Model

Each LifePump is funded by the support of donors. Companies, organizations or individuals can bring clean water to a village in Africa by sponsoring a pump campaign by contacting doutreach.org.

Distributions to Date Status

As of 2017, Design Outreach has installed more than 50 pumps in 9 countries including Malawi, Zambia, Kenya and Ethiopia and plans to reach 2.5 million people by 2030.

Design Specifications

The LifePump consists of a stainless steel single helix metallic rotor that turns inside a double-helix elastomeric stator, located underneath at the bottom of the borehole. Both of these combined is called a progressive cavity pump (PCP).

When LifePump users turn the handles (in a clockwise rotary motion) mounted on a right-angle bevel gearbox, this rotates drive rods that are connected to the helix-shaped rotor. When the rotor turns relative to the stator, it creates progressing pockets of water that are pushed to the surface. This mechanism allows PCPs to pump from extreme depths, where piston or diaphragm-style pumps are unable to operate.

LifePump depth in comparison to other hand powered pumps

LifePump is designed to wear slowly over time by minimizing wear on parts to ensure that the pump lasts for years before needing maintenance; this prevents catastrophic failure that would leave users suddenly without water. This is accomplished in part by using heavy-duty components fabricated from stainless steel or, in some cases, high-strength steel that is coated or plated for optimal corrosion resistance.

LifePump's handle length, required handle torque, and height of the pump above ground are features engineered to be ergonomically ideal for women and children.

Technical Support

Local Design Outreach partners drill the wells, install the pumps, and provide proper maintenance and training to ensure LifePump lasts as long as possible before needing service. All of this is done in partnership with the local communities where LifePumps are installed.

Replacement Components

LifePump requires only preventive maintenance.

Lifecycle

LifePump is designed to last years in operation before needing maintenance. Its parts are designed to wear off slowly over time. LifePump can survive for at least 5 years.  Its pilot program started in 2013 and improvements were incorporated in 2015, therefore its lifetime is currently being monitored in the field.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

The LifePump is designed to reach deeper ground, last longer than standard hand pumps available today, and provide a steady flow of water year-round. Designer specified performance targets include: durable, sustainable and appropriate technology for the communities it serves.

Vetted Performance Status

Design Outreach piloted its LifePump in five African countries, beginning in November 2013. Researchers at Messiah College independently evaluated the LifePump pilot in order to study its field and laboratory performance, to verify the effectiveness of the LifePump from technological and cultural standpoints.The study found that community members preferred the LifePump to standard hand pumps, because of its high durability, reduced maintenance, and ease of use. Independent analysis of LifePump components,  showed no measurable signs of wear on critical components after 30 months of daily usage. The pilot program showed promising community acceptance, durability and cost effectiveness—helping to lead to improved sustainability.

Safety

Unknown

Complementary Technical Systems

The LifePump can be outfitted with remote monitors that mounts on the side of the pump the same way the spout would. This device tells how much water is pumped and provides timely and valuable feedback which can help water organizations become more effective in fulfilling their mission of delivering clean water to those in need.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

Unknown

Evaluation methods

The LifePump was evaluated for efficiency (number of handle rotations with the amount of water collected), the ability to maintain the prime (measured by counting the number of handle rotations until water exits the spout) and usability, ergonomics and sustainability (measured through interviews and observations of end users to verify acceptance) by Messiah College researchers.

Other Information

Design Outreach’s Facebook page

Design Outreach twitter page

An article about how LifePump works to provide water to those in poverty.