Project Hand-Pump

Project Hand-Pump

(NOTE: This project is a successful implementation of conversion of circular motion to linear motion and the most practicable application of mechanical energy in day to day life and was awarded third prize in Inter College 20^th SET exhibition.)

Introduction:

We have been using hand pumps abundantly in water lifting purpose in most corners of the country. It’s one of the most convenient ideas that have influenced day to day life. Considering the fact, we came up with an idea to modify the pump so that it could do double the lifting it does in same time and same amount of energy. Hence the project was kept on action.

Objective:

With a major objective of fulfilling double the task then regular, we designed the pump with two different pumps attached to form one. It was not only objectified to double the efficiency but at the same time the hand lever was converted into the foot peddle that would pump the water by legs instead of hands. The whole machine was constructed to function manually i.e. it would completely avoid the use of electrical energy and help exercise the human body as well. This whole construction wasn’t just targeted to increase human efficiency but at the same time make the environment pollution free.

Manufacturing:

The whole setup was first constructed on a graph so that the error during the constructions could be minimized. The major work was done to convert the linear motion to circular motion. For that the washer was dislocated from its original formation, the axle was then connected to a rink so that instead of being rigid and firm, it could freely move in any desired directions(circular). Now for the smooth inner motion, we replaced the original washer with a self-constructed rubber washer which would without any hindrance, move smoothly inside the pump body. The pump was later fitted into a wooden frame so that it won’t get dislocated in the process of pumping. The two nozzles through which the water is pumped out is left open or connected to a pipe. The two water fetching nozzles are connected to two different pipes in order to pump the water from the source. And the whole structure is a portable one we can place it in a place comfortable to us and pump the water.

 Working:

The axle of both the washers are connected to a single paddle of a bicycle so that once the paddle starts rotating in the circular motion, then the washers also rotate in linear horizontal motion making the water pump. The sliding of washer inside the pump walls is airtight so that water is pumped efficiently. The barring attached to the paddle helps it rotate smoothly on the wooden frame. The pumping can be done up to 30 feet.

                                                    

                              

Limitations:

The hand pump was originally designed to pump water from any desired height and from any place. Due to lack of proper engineering, we couldn’t pump the water more than 30 ft. down. So that limited our pump to normal fetching only. If the construction is carried out using metal frames to fit in the pump then it would be stronger and can pump faster than usual.

Conclusion:

The main goal of the modified hand pump was to maximize the output with limited amount of the effort applied. No doubt, there were electrical water pumps with more efficiency, but the plus point of our project was that it was a manual pump. Due to the fact that it can operate without electricity, it works even during the power shortage. A working prototype of the project was constructed despite the lack of proper budget. The further development on this project is still going on to make it more environment-friendly.

Project Members

Asmita Gautam

Roshni Khatri

Sarita Karki

Suman Shrestha

Suyoj Man Tamrakar

(BSc. CSIT 2014 Batch)

I felt more alive when I feared death.

It has been year after the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that took more than 9000 lives, left thousands injured and homeless. The greatest earthquake of the century that I have experienced is unforgettable.

Recalling that day, it was the time of Lubhoo Jatra (a local festival celebrated for nine days in Lubhoo, the place where I live).It was about 11:55 AM and I was busy playing FIFA. Suddenly there was a rattling sound. My sister screamed that it was earthquake and in a blink of time I was running out of my room for my life. The shock waves were so strong that I was hardly able to stand holding a pillar. As the shaking became more intense, I jumped from a cliff about 10 feet high. All I could remember about that moment is screaming of the people, houses being smashed to the ground, surrounding covered with dust.

The earthquake lasted for a minute. Fortunately none of the people in my locality lost their lives except some poor livestock who were unable to flee as they were tamed in their sheds. Many homes were destroyed and in that chaotic moment people were busy calling their relatives. The phone lines were jammed being unable to handle so many calls at the same time. Even I couldn’t find my mom for a moment and I had to rush to the rubbles to search her but she had gone to the well to fetch water. Despite the destruction caused by the earthquake there was a sort of happiness to see my mom was well. My dad had gone somewhere (usually he never says where he is headed unto) and we were out of contact with him for several hours after the earthquake. There were frequent aftershocks that created more fear among people. At about 3 PM in the evening my dad arrived home.

As most of this generation hadn’t experienced such a massive quake before, it created an immense fear in them. Every aftershock was preceded with a sound similar to the growling of the rocks. So people were scared even with a sound of a motorbike. I felt more alive when I feared death and almost all who faced it, felt it. So be grateful fellas because life has given us all a second chance.

Picture taken several days after earthquake at Lakuri Vanjyang view point.