Struck by the poor durability and performance of hand pumps Michael Carter began the exhaustive development of a completely new design of hand pump that covered the specific needs of humanitarian settings.  The process involved extensive discussions with colleagues, experimentation, and testing, spanning 10 years   

"Increase simplicity, add lightness" : Burt Rutan, aircraft designer 

Design principles were tightly controlled by a number of basic principles. The pump needed to be:

 Durable 

A minimum of 5 years between overhauls under average operating conditions 

Light and Compact 

Bulk and weight are a serious constraint of existing pumps influencing transport and ease of assembly/overhaul. A RM pump capable of pumping from a 20 m depth packs up into a volume of 2 m x 0.5 m x 0.6 m - several of which can be transported in an ambulance-type Land Cruiser. One such unit complete with pump-head weighs less than 50 kg.

Simple

To involve a minimum of parts and of such a design that personnel with rudimentary mechanical knowledge can install and/or overhaul with little difficulty  

Efficient

Output needed to be 20 ltr/min when operated with minimal exertion for  the average person

Moderate cost 

Of such a cost that can compete with other pump brands  

How Was It Done? 

Design parameters required going right back to basics and utilisation of modern synthetic materials 

About Us

Raglan Marine is a family operated mechanical engineering business situated in Raglan New Zealand 

Proprietor/co-inventor Michael Carter spent 5 years in 5 developing countries as a water and habitat engineer with International Committee of Red Cross

Research. and personal experience shows that at any one time less than 60% of hand pumps in developing countries are operational. Working life between overhaul is commonly less than 12 months. With this in mind we set about developing a product with the main emphasis being on durability, simplicity and ease of logistical transport. 

Get in touch

Michael Carter

Raglan Marine

238 Waimaori Rd

RD 2 Raglan

New Zealand

Ph +64 (0) 7 825 7314 

             Four or More

The RM Handpump is specifically designed to be compact and light. Each 20 m lift pump is packaged in a robust 0.6 m x 0.4 m x 1.1 m transportation box. Up to 8 can be comfortably transported in a van-type Land Cruiser. One unit can be a standard feature of relief NGO vehicles to cater for unexpected field pump breakdowns. No more roof racks and unwieldy steel rods.