The Wirtz Pump: Solving Pakistan's Water Poverty
A Wirtz pump is a hydraulic device that lifts water without the supply of electricity. The system consists of a coiled pipe that is mounted on a rotating wheel. As the pump rotates in water, the inlet scoops plugs of water; the alteration of the plugs of water with the plugs of air generates a pressure difference which ultimately pumps water to greater heights.
What is the Wirtz pump
A matchstick prototype, illustrating the design for the Wirtz pump that was installed in Ramli Village, Islamabad.
The squared cardboard patches represent the paddles that harness the kinetic flow of the waterbody to drive the continuous rotation of the pump. The matchsticks form the supporting frame on which the pipes of the pump are to be wound. At the centre is the circular cardboard patch which is the axis around which the pump rotates and where water from the stream accumulates before being discharged to elevated heights.
Installation of the Wirtz pump
Ramli Village,
Islamabad
