Solar pumps demonstrated at Adams State Solar Expo (04-10-07)
Two solar pumps for agricultural use will be demonstrated by Natural Power at the Adams State College Solar Expo, Saturday, April 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free event will be held in the Adams State Student Union Building (First and Stadium.) A wide variety of hands-on displays for the entire family will be presented.
Natural Power's solar-powered Sling Pump will be demonstrated at the ASC Solar Expo.
The Solar Expo is co-sponsored by Adams State College Community Partnerships, USDA RC&D (Resource Conservation & Development), and SLV-DRG (Development Resources Group).
Natural Power will demonstrate two water pumps that use no electricity or fuel. The Pasture Pump uses animal power to pump the water they desire. It is suitable for cattle, horses, bison, and elk and can handle 30 large animals. According to Chuck Reel, owner of Natural Power, "this pump avoids damage to stream banks or ditch edges and keeps animal wastes from polluting water sources. It can pump from streams, canals, ponds, springs and shallow wells. It takes from one minute to a couple of hours for an animal to figure out how to work the pump. There is always water there waiting to attract them and to get at it; they have to move the lever out of the way which pumps more water."
The Sling Pump simply floats in a stream or canal and uses a propeller to pump water 24 hours a day. It works by slowly spinning in the water via a propeller and as it spins, it takes a gulp of water and then a gulp of air in a coiled poly hose inside the pump. The pump is held in place by mooring or a stake in the stream and the water is forced out through a special swiveling coupling at the head of the pump. It needs no attendance and is virtually maintenance free.
Both the Sling Pump and the Pasture Pump will be on display at Natural Power's booth at Solar Expo along with many solar items. Many other exhibitors will have a variety of solar devices to show or demonstrate at the event.
For more information on the Solar Expo, please call Adams State Community Partnerships, 587-7372, or visit their web site
By Julie Waechter
