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Human Energy Expenditure in Lifting Ground Water by Manual Pump

SMM Rahman
Senior Scientific Officer
FMPHT Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701

MA Baqui
Senior Scientific Officer
FMPHT Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701

MM Haq
Senior Scientific Officer
FMPHT Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701

MA Zami
Senior Scientific Officer
FMPHT Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701

MT Islam
Senior Scientific Officer
FMPHT Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Three manual pumps were evaluated for ground water pumping and their ergonomic characteristics at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute. Energy spent (kcal/min) varied from 3.06 to 4.19 for Treadle, 3.04 to 5.23 for Rower and 2.88 to 3.98 for (No. 6) hand pump at 5.5 to 7.5 m heads. Discharge (1/min) varied from 28 to 41 for Treadle, 22 to 26 for Rower and 15 to 23 for hand pumps. The energy expenditure indicated that operation of the pumps exerts a medium work load for a standard operator. The average pulse rate (107-124 beat/min) of the operator obtained during the study confirmed the range of the above mentioned work load. Thus the overall physical strains on the operator’s body were within normal endurance limit. Based on the results of the study, the Twin-treadle pump was found to be ergonomically best among the pumps.

Keywords: Manual pumps, Ground water, Pump efficiency, Operator

Location: Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701

Start Date: 10-01-1987

End Date: 30-12-1989

Program Area: Farm Mechanization

Commodity: Performance evaluation

Objectives:

To determine the energy expenditure of the operators in operating those manual pumps under different working conditions
To identify overall physical strains on muscles, joints and heart of the operators
To classify the work load into light, moderate and heavy as described by the physiologist
To assess the suitability of the pumps.

Methodology:

Selection of operator : Nine male operators were selected to conduct this experiment. The operators were trained and examined clinically prior to start of the actual experiment. The operators were arranged in three weight groups such as: Group A (40-50 kg), Group B (61-55 kg) and Group C (56-61 kg). The range of resting emerge of the said groups were 0.26-0.34, 0.34-0.48 and 0.24 –0.33 kcal/min where as the range of pulse rate were 68 -71, 66-76 and 70-82 beat/min respectively. Wok schedule: The experiment was conducted at 5.5, 6.5 and 7.5 m operating heads taking 3 operators form each weight group. The experiment was started at 8.30 a.m. and continued up to 1:30 p.m. on each working day. The data were recorded at 0.00, 0.25, 2.50, 3.50, 4.75 and 5.00 hours of operation. Data Collection: The following data were collected: i) energy expenditure (kcal/min) pulse rate (beat/min) and expired air volume (l/min); ii) air temperature (°C), relative humidity (%), and solar radiation as a weather parameter and iii) speed (stroke/min), discharge (l/min) and operating head (m) for the pump. A portable open circuit respiration apparatus was tightly fitted on the face of the operator with the help of a gas mask to collect and to record expired air volume. A fraction of the expired air was collected into a polyethylene bag from the operator through the gas meter for analysis to determine the percentage of 0₂ or CO₂ content in the expired air.

Source of Information: Bangladesh Rice Journal, Vol. 3(1&2), P(98-106), 1992

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Energy expenditure

The highest energy expenditure rate (kcal/min) was found 3.06, 4.11 and 4.19 for Treadle, 3.04, 3.99 and 5.23 for Rower and 2.88, 3.80 and 3.98 for No. 6 pump at 5.5, 6.5 and 7.5 heads respectively. The overall energy expenditure did not exceed the tolerance limit of 6 kcal/min.

Pulse rate

The average pulse rate was 107-124 beat/min. According to the classification made by Passmore and Durmin (1955), the work load falls under medium work load (100-125 beat/min).

Pump discharge

The maximum discharge (l/min) were 41, 39 and 28 for Treadle; 6, 22 and 23 for Rower and 23, 19 and 15 for No. 6 pumps at 5.5, 6.5 and 7.5m heads respectively. The discharge increased at lower operating heads which agrees with the pump laws.

Pump speed

The speed of the Treadle pump were almost double than that of other two pumps due to its twin chamber.

Pump efficiency

The efficiencies of the pumps were higher at lower operating heads. The inter-section of energy and efficiency curves indicates optimum operating point.

Stress on operators physiological condition

On the basis of the performance and ergonomics of pumps, the Treadle pump was found to be the most suitable of all the pumps under study.

Knowledge Management: Journal