Hi, Brian.

I am thinking of building a pump, but it'll have to be a small demonstration
model at present since I don't live anywhere near a stream or other useable
source of water. I find the concept fascinating, though, so I'd really like
to do some small-scale tests to see what I can get it to do. It seems to me
like this idea would be a perfect fit for a lot of remote applications. I'm
co-moderator of a Yahoo group that dicusses do-it-yourself alternatives to
municipal services, and the folks on the list were pretty interested in the
web page describing the pump.

Dan


Brian White writes:
Hi, Daniel,
I have seen figures in engineering
manuals about airlift pumps and I honestly feel that
they are not relevant. Industrial airlift pumps use
powerful air compressors and might have a depth of 200
feet or more and pumping to that height or less.
Plug flow does not occur in those big pumps and they
are powered by electrical or gasoline motors. It is a
totally different situation!
I have done some work with different pipe sizes and I
am afraid that it is not exaustive enough to do more
than offer guidelines to people. I am fairly sure
there are pumps out there at this stage but no
feedback.
When feedback comes, progress in nailing down the best
ratios will come quickly.
If you are thinking of making a pump, I can help with
deciding the best pipe sizes.
Brian White




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Dan Mahoney
dan@...