Performance Evaluation of A Krishak Bandhu Pump Used for Irrigation in Coastal Areas

Abstract

Krishak Bandhu pump is a manually operated treadle pump. As the capacity of the operator to operate the pump varies from person to person, it is difficult to evaluate the mechanical performance of the components in the field condition. Therefore, a laboratory experimental study was carried out to evaluate the performance of the components of a Krishak Bandu (KB) pump at College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, O.U.A.T., Bhubaneswar. The performance evaluation was evaluated by measuring wear and tear of the components. To simulate the field operating condition in the laboratory, a one hp electrical motorized power unit was used to operate the pump after suitably modifying the operating system of the pump. The dimensions of different body parts of the KB pump susceptible to wear and tear were measured at different times of operation. The performance evaluation of the pump was carried out for a total operating duration of 1000 hours. During the test of the pump, the discharge of the pump was about 0.49 lps with suction head varying from 3.92 m to 5.20 m. The volumetric efficiency of the pump was estimated to be 86.5%. The test results revealed that the most vulnerable component of the KB pump to wear and tear was the lever equalizer. If this part is suitably modified, the KB pump can perform better in the coastal areas.