Grantee Research Project Results
Design of a Low Cost, Self Operating Hydraulic Ram Pump for Water Retention and Lifting in Developing Countries: Bringing Clean Water to Haiti
EPA Grant Number: SU835077Title: Design of a Low Cost, Self Operating Hydraulic Ram Pump for Water Retention and Lifting in Developing Countries: Bringing Clean Water to Haiti
Investigators: Engel, Bernard A. , Ahiablame, Laurent
Current Investigators: Engel, Bernard A. , Ahiablame, Laurent , Kujur, Birendra , Deak, Brian , Poppe, Brooke , Garner, Leah , DeNardo, Nick
Institution: Purdue University
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Phase: I
Project Period: August 15, 2011 through August 14, 2012
Project Amount: $15,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2011) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Challenge Area - Sustainable and Healthy Communities , P3 Challenge Area - Safe and Sustainable Water Resources , Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , P3 Awards , Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Objective:
The overall goal of this project is to help alleviate clean water problems in Haiti. The specific objectives are to: (1) design low cost hydraulic ram pumps based on available prototypes; (2) conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for the product installation; and (3) implement the proposed design in communities in Haiti.
Approach:
The project will be completed within existing Purdue undergraduate programs of Engineering Projects In Community Service (EPICS, https://engineering.purdue.edu/EPICS/ Exit ) and Global Engineering Design Teams (https://engineering.purdue.edu/GEP/Programs/GDT Exit ). Partnership was developed with the North Haiti Christian Mission to determine project implementation sites, availability of materials for product assembly, development of a stepwise procedure for product assembly that is manageable for locals, and an economic and financial evaluation of the project including an assessment of the impact on the water usage habits. During this phase I, a group of students from the team will travel to Haiti, during December-January, to meet the project partners to install hydraulic ram pump prototypes and conduct an in-country feasibility analysis. This analysis will enable the student team to improve the design, build improved prototypes, and install these during a subsequent visit. At the end of this project, documentation will be developed based on the lessons learned to encourage transfer of this low cost technology anywhere in the developing world.
Expected Results:
Based on the report from the first student visit to Haiti, educational materials will be developed and the prototype pump improved. A manual will also be developed based on the lessons learned to encourage transfer of this low cost technology anywhere in the developing world. The project will result in improved water availability and quality for one or more villages in Haiti as a result of installation of hydraulic ram pumps developed in this project. The hydraulic ram pump design will also provide opportunities for continued work. It is our plan to assure continuation of this project with non-seniors on the team and recruitment of new members. The completion of this project will also be a significant step in improving public health in Haiti. Improvement in public health builds the foundation for emancipation and prosperity. Furthermore, the hydraulic ram pump that is designed will have potential for use in many locations globally and could potentially result in a commercial product.
Supplemental Keywords:
clean water, earthquake, capacity building project, vegetable cropsRelevant Websites:
Engineering Projects In Community Service (EPICS) https://engineering.purdue.edu/EPICS/ Exit
Global Engineering Design Teams https://engineering.purdue.edu/GEP/Programs/GDT Exit
Progress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.