Design, development and testing of a small electric pump for supplementary irrigation in rainfed areas

Rotor, P.V.B. Jr.; Gonzalo, B.C.; Silva, T.C.; Salazar, G.; Tadeo, B.O.; Stickney, R.E.

Design, development and testing of a small electric pump for supplementary irrigation in rainfed areas

1991

Small electric pumpsets (3.2 to 5.1 cm outlet, made in USA) were installed by BPI and IRRI engineers in three farmers' ricefields in rainfed lowland areas of Iloilo [Philippines]. After the first cropping, an economic feasibility study was made and it showed that the cost of using supplemental irrigation was comparable to that of NIA irrigation system which produced high paddy field of 150 cavans per hectare. Farmers claimed acceptability in utilizing pumpsets for supplemental irrigation and for growing cash crops during dry season. These pumpsets were also demonstrated in Region 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7 and farmers have similarly expressed their acceptance due to their advantages such as easy starting, less hours spent on supervision during operation and about 15% reduction in fuel and oil. From the US-designed pump and a locally manufactured pump, a modified centrifugal pump was derived and from this modified pump, the Wattmiser or DA-IRRI small electric pump was designed and developed. The Wattmiser-pump is a self-priming, 50.8 mm pump directly coupled to an electric motor. The electric motors are rated 1/2 Hp, 3/4 Hp, 1 Hp, and 1 1/2 Hp. The pump has a semi-open type three-vane impeller and has a maximum output of 100.0 to 417.6 liters per minute depending on the pump horsepower rating for a 4-meter suction lift and total head of 15 m and 8 m suction head. The pump has a maximum efficiency of 47.47% and a maximum overall efficiency of 36% for the electric motor and the pump. The potential target area of the DA-IRRI small electric pumps are farms where electric line exist near the fields and where waters may be obtained from shallow tube well or surface sources

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