Sketch of the PuPu pumping and key technical specifications

The PuPu pump is a combination of a compressor unit and a pump unit connected by air hoses.
The air from the compressor drives the suction and pressure movements of the pump. 

A petrol engine drives the compressor.

The pump has a small reservoir which makes it possible to reach a high vacuum in a short time to draw up the sludge.

A manual control handle is used to shift between filling the pump and emptying towards the delivery hose.

Inside the pump are duck bill valves, which are unique in that they can handle debris and thick sludge while still functioning.

A rigid hose is used on the suction side.

A lay-flat hose is used for delivering towards a storage/vehicle parked at a distance. The hose diameter is 4 inches (100 mm).

How does it work?

  • Park the vehicle with a storage tank as close to a customer as possible

  • Bring the PuPu pump and compressor unit near the pit

  • Connect air hoses and start with mixing and fluidising if needed

  • Connect the sludge hoses and start pumping

  • Once the pit is empty or your storage tank almost full the job is almost finished

  • Clean inside of the sludge hoses, by driving a sponge ball (pig) through the hoses by air.

  • Clean, all done, pack-up and go to the dumping site or next pit

Handling of sludge

Debris, such as sanitary napkins, small bottles, condoms and rags, can be pumped if it is part of pumpable sludge. The PuPu is equipped with a system to mix the layers of sludge and make it easier to pump. The PuPu pump is not for pumping garbage or solid dry sludge.

Transport

During emptying, the PuPu can pump the sludge over long distances towards a tank of any size on a vehicle of choice. Some examples are three-wheelers, old water tankers, light trucks or tractors with a trailer. A vacuum tank is therefore not needed. This way, sludge transportation for safe disposal and treatment becomes very simple.

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Technical specifications

Specifications
Weight pump + compressor 50 Kg + 50 Kg
Pumping distance lay flat 0-100 meters depending on viscosity
Max suction depth 8 meters
Total head 20 meters
Diameter suction & delivery hoses 100 mm (4")
Length delivery hose Delivered with 30 meters
Yield 1-7m3/h depending on viscosity
Operating pressure -0,8 to 2,5 bar
Warranty 1 year
PuPu emptying latrines in a city with on a long distance

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a complete set (pump + compressor) to start pit emptying. It includes 30 meters of delivery hose and 6 meters of suction hose with couplings. A set of spares, tools and a manual for operation and installation is included. Additional lengths of hose can be ordered for more specific needs.

Sets can be ordered assembled, for example, for NGOs and humanitarian organizations. Distributors receive them in parts for easy shipping. Assembling them is relatively easy a manual will guide you. 

When you have received training, you will be capable of troubleshooting and solving most problems by yourself or with the help of a local mechanic. Most parts can be repaired or replaced locally. Otherwise, your local distributor or the PuPu team in the Netherlands is there to help.

The PuPu pump has a 1-year warranty on the workmanship and materials.

In theory, yes, but in many countries, this is complicated, more expensive and generally of lower quality.  Alternatively, sets can be delivered in parts so they can be assembled locally, and some components can be locally sourced, like an engine or hoses.

We recommend combining the equipment with training to help you get started in both emptying and transport configuration. The PuPu team can provide hands-on and distance training and support. Send us an email to inquire.

The PuPu is a new product, so it’s not being sold around the corner yet. This is being established. Check the contact page to see if there is a distributor near you. Otherwise, you can order at our office in the Netherlands, and we will get you started. Send us an email to inquire.

No, this is not included in the complete set. Many solutions are possible. They vary from place to place. Contact us on how to get started and learn what others are using.

We do not know the limits yet, but it has run at 80 meters. More than >150 meters is very likely to be possible, depending on the sludge's thickness.

No, no pump can do that. The PuPu pump was designed to handle thicker sludge and some level of debris using flexible valves, a high vacuum, 4-inch (100 mm)  hoses and intermittent pumping. But sludge needs to be pumpable. It cannot pump garbage.

Resources

Assembly manual

Operational manual

PuPu Infosheet

Newspaper article

Reformatorisch Dagblad, Dec 2023

Case study