What the Project Is
The SPIRAL PUMP COMPOSTER is an inventive solution that makes it easy to use kitchen and garden waste to water plants and feed soil at the same time. At its heart is the HiRiser® – the only pump that can instantly deliver liquid fertiliser and produce biosolid compost in less than 7 days. This clever device pumps air and water simultaneously, using patented technology to recycle kitchen scraps, garden waste, and even cardboard packaging into reusable products. It achieves this with an energy consumption of less than 36 Watts, operating 5 times per day for 20 minutes each session. There’s something almost magical about turning everyday waste into a rich, nutrient-filled compost, and it unfolds as naturally as a conversation on a sunny afternoon…
Main Benefit
The main advantage of this technology is its efficient, eco-friendly conversion of waste into valuable organic materials. A list of key figures and facts helps paint the picture:
- 36 Watts of power used per session
- Operates 5 times a day for 20 minutes each time
- Liquid fertiliser is produced instantly as waste is added
- Biosolid compost is ready within 7 days of operation
- Capable of raising water up to a height of 7 meters, ideal for rainwater harvesting applications such as flushing toilets, laundry, car washing, and patio cleaning
Innovative Recycling Approach
This project takes recycling to the next level. Using patented technology, a process has been set-up whereby kitchen scraps, garden waste and cardboard packaging are all converted into either liquid fertiliser or biosolid compost. The approach is both simple and robust, turning waste into an active organic material that is capable of enhancing soil health and promoting vigorous plant growth. It is an eco-friendly method that reduces food waste and recycles nutrients with minimal energy input – almost as if it were a lively conversation with nature itself…
How It Functions
The spiral pump, a brilliantly designed hand pump, is nothing short of ingenious. It simultaneously pumps air and water, setting off a chain reaction that recycles waste into valuable compost. The process is odorless and requires no additional electricity from conventional sources when using the liquid composter. In fact, it harnesses the natural rhythm of waste breakdown and nutrient recycling with the help of beneficial aerobic microbes and carbon-rich materials. The result is a simple yet effective mechanism that effortlessly turns everyday scraps into a potent source of soil enrichment.
Development and Vision
Peter Ryan, a Scotsman with extensive experience in electrical engineering, founded Rainsurfer Ltd. in 2018 in Dublin. After observing the underutilised potential in rain barrel systems, especially after his son’s school project on water saving in 2016, he experimented with water pumps and discovered that many buildings saved water but only used a small amount – mostly to water plants. The solution was found in the spiral pump. Over several years, with assistance from Enterprise Ireland and TUDublin, prototypes were developed, tested, and a patent was applied for. The HiRiser® unit, which operates on just 36 Watts of power from a 22Ahr battery and is powered by a single 50 Watt solar panel or 240V mains electricity, emerged as a robust, mains/solar-operated prototype. This project is not just each day’s work; it is an evolving journey of innovation available to anyone looking to contribute to a more sustainable future.
Other Applications and Versatility
The HiRiser® isn’t limited to just compost production. This versatile pump can also be used as a low power rainwater/greywater recycling system. By aerating and cleaning waste water and pumping it back to roof level, the device supports various rainwater harvesting applications such as flushing toilets, doing laundry, washing cars, and cleaning patios. It is important to note, however, that rainwater collected in this manner is not suitable for drinking without proper filtration and purification equipment. Moreover, the robust design of the HiRiser® hand pump makes it well-suited for companies and individuals initiating their rainwater harvesting journey, providing a practical solution for diverse water conservation challenges…
Project Impact
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – by enhancing soil fertility and promoting active organic matter production
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – through effective rainwater and greywater recycling methods
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – achieved with minimal energy consumption at just 36 Watts
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – by turning waste into valuable, reusable products
- SDG 13: Climate Action – through reduction in food waste and improved environmental sustainability
Future Perspectives
The vision for the future is expansive. With successful field tests already underway in diverse regions – notably with one tester involved in overseas aid projects in Ireland, and several hand pumps on the way to Nepal – there is a strong ambition to distribute low-cost water pumps to water-scarce regions around the world. This charity-oriented approach aims to expand the reach of the technology, offering practical solutions to areas in need of reliable water recycling and composting methods. This dynamic project reflects a convergence of engineering ingenuity and ecological responsibility, opening up new ways to sustainably re-use everyday materials and ensure that even the simplest acts contribute to a healthier planet…
