Hydraulic ram pumps and Sling Pumps

1.3 Fog harvestingIn Chile, the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF), the Catholic University ofthe North, and the Catholic University of Chile are implementing the technology inseveral regions, including El Toro, Los Nidos, Cerro Moreno, Travesía, San Jorge,and Pan de Azúcar. The results of the several experiments conducted in thenorthern coastal mountain region indicate the feasibility and applicability of thistechnology for supplying good-quality water for a variety of purposes, includingpotable water and water for commercial, industrial, agricultural, and environmentaluses. These experiments were conducted between 1967 and 1988 at altitudesranging from 530 m to 948 m using different types of fog water collectors. Thedifferent types of neblinometers and fog collectors resulted in different wateryields under the same climatic conditions and geographic location. A neblinometeror fog collector with a screen containing a double Raschel (30%) mesh was themost successful and the one that is currently recommended.In Peru, the National Meteorological and Hydrological Service (SENAMHI) hasbeen cooperating with the Estratus Company since the 1960s in implementing thetechnology in the following areas: Lachay, Pasamayo, Cerro Campana, Atiquipa,Cerro Orara (Ventinilla-Ancón), Cerro Colorado (Villa María de Triunfo), andCahuide Recreational Park (Ate-Vitarte), and in southern Ecuador the Center forAlternative Social Research (CISA) is beginning to work in the National Park ofMachalilla on Cerro La Gotera using the Chilean installations as models.Operation and MaintenanceOperating this technology is very simple after once the fog collection system andassociated facilities are properly installed. Training of personnel to operate thesystem might not be necessary if the users participate in the development andinstallation of the required equipment. A very important factor in the successfuluse of this technology is the establishment of a routine quality control program.This program should address both the fog collection system and the possiblecontamination of the harvested water, and include the following tasks:• Inspection of cable tensions. Loss of proper cable tension can resultin water loss by failing to capture the harvested water in the receivingsystem. It can also cause structural damage to the collector panels.• Inspection of cable fasteners. Loose fasteners in the collectionstructure can cause the system to collapse and/or be destroyed.• Inspection of horizontal mesh net tensions. Loose nets will lead to aloss of harvesting efficiency and can also break easily.• Maintenance of mesh nets. After prolonged use, the nets may tear.http://www.oas.org/usde/publications/unit/oea59e/ch12.htm (3 of 16) [1/13/2005 12:49:10 PM]