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Differentiation and Identification of Ergonomic Characteristics of Different Manually Operated Pumps

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

KA Haq
Chief Scientific Officer and Head
Agricultural Engineering Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701

SMM Rahman
Scientific Officer,
Agricultural Engineering Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The research project was carried out to determine the preventive and curative ergonomic of manual pump operators. Energy consumption (kcal/min), pulse rate, oral temperature, height, blood pressure etc. were recorded during experiment.

The average energy expenditure were found to be 2.464, 2.524 and 2.616 kcal/min for BRRI Diaphragm and 1.289, 1.277 and 1.266 kcal/min for MCC Rower pump at 3.35 m, 2.15 and 1.25 m operating heads respectively. The average pulse rate of the operators were found to be 98, 96 and 98 beat/min for BRRI Diaphragm and 96, 92, and 97 beat/min for MCC Rower pump at 3.35 m, 2.15 and 1.25 m operating heads respectively. The average oral temperatures of the operators were recorded 35.04, 35.11 and 35.7 °C in BRRI Diaphragm and 34.75, 35.40 and 35.9 °C while operating MCC Rower pump at 3.35 m, 2.15 and 1.25 m operating heads respectively.

The average discharges corresponding to the aforesaid energy expenditure were recorded 2.00, 2.27 and 4.03 l/s for BRRI Diaphragm and 1.289, 1.277 and 1.266 l/s for MCC Rower pump at 3.35 m 2.15 and 1.25 m operating heads respectively.

Based on the results of the study, BRRI Diaphragm pump is more acceptable to the operators at point both of anthropometrically and ergonomic index with respect to the pump performances.

Keywords: Different pumps, energy expenditure, pump discharge, operator

Location: Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur-1701

Start Date: 10-01-1986

End Date: 30-08-1987

Program Area: Farm Mechanization

Commodity: Performance evaluation

Objectives:

To determine the energy expenditure by the operators in operating different manual pumps and indigenous waster lifting devices at different conditions
To investigate and recognize the over-all physical strains on muscles, joints and heart of the operators in operating aforesaid pumps and devices
To analyze the anthropometric and ergonomic characteristics pumps and devices
To classify the work load into light, moderate and heavy as described by the physiologist
To compare the suitability of the pumps

Methodology:

Experimental site was selected at the Deep Water Rice Research Project of BRRI, situated at about 1.5 km east of BRRI headquarters, Joydebpur. The site has the facility of controlled water reservoir where different heads can be created through regulating gate valves.

Four locally developed pumps were taken for this study. These pumps were used lifting surface water only. The names of the pumps are i) BRRI diaphragm pump, ii) MCC Rower pump, iii) RDRS Twin Treadle pump and iv) MLK pump. The names of the water lifting devices are: i) Don and ii) Swing basket.

Selection of operator

Seventeen male operators were selected to perform this experiment. The operators were examined by a physician for their physical fitness. The operators were arranged in three weight groups such as: Group A (42-49.90 kg), Group B (50-54.90 kg), Group C (55-61 kg).

Work schedule

The experiment was conducted at 1.25, 2.15 and 3.35m operating heads taking 3 operators from each weight group. The experiment was started at 8.30 a.m. and continued up to 1:15 p.m. on each working day. Prior to starting experiment their physical conditions were noted. The data were recorded at 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00, 2.25, 2.50, 3.50, 4.50, and 4.75 hours of operation.

Collection of expired air volume

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: Project Report by M A Baqui, Agril. Engineering Division, BRRI, Gazipur, 1987

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The maximum average energy expenditure of an operator was 1.308 kcal for BRRI Diaphragm and 1.289 kcal for MCC Rower pump at 1.25 m and 3.35 m operating heads respectively which can be classified as light work load.

The ratio of specific energy expenditure for MCC Rower pump and BRRI Diaphragm pumps were 1:0.77, 1:0.74 and 1:0.44 at 3.35 m, 2.15 and 1.25 m operating heads respectively.

The energy expenditure and pulse rates sustained by the operators indicate light work load according to the category of Passmore and Durnin (1955).

The discharge and the WHP of BRRI Diaphragm pump were 2.51, 2.67 and 4.64 time greater than that of MCC Rower pump at 3.35, 2.15 and 1.25 m operating heads respectively.

The efficiency of BRRI Diaphragm pump was higher than that of MCC Rower pump at all heads.

The over-all physical strains of the operators were more severe in operating MCC Rower pump than that of BRRI Diaphragm pumps.

BRRI Diaphragm pump is acceptable to the operators anthropometrically and ergonomically and from the point view of pump performances.

Knowledge Management: Report/Proceedings