| Poços Bate-estaca:
Brazilian-Style Tube WellsHumberto
Alves Júnior CIMI-PT 48610-000 Gloria, BA Brasil Tel: (075) 856-2132
Abstract Tube wells present a simple well sinking method. A boring iron pipe with a steel plate on a lever sitting on frame is pushed up and down by a few people, opening the well. The use of water in this operation, makes opening the hole easier. In order to take out the soil, the boring pipe is taken out and another similar iron pipe equipped with a valve is inserted to take out the loosened soil. The boring holes have to be covered to avoid the surrounding earth from closing the hole. This technique can be applied in sandstone areas, but not in granite. Tube wells can be sunk to a depth of 90m. Once the well is opened, one can use suction pumps or a pipe with an valve attached to a cord with a pulley, which will be pulled out after filling up. Local workers have carried out these well sinking task and their participation has helped many communities. Tube wells have been a solution not only for the water scarcity but also for lasting sustainable development, improving the quality of life, combining economic efficiency (the wells are cheap) and social justice, without harming the environment. A negative aspect is the duration of the boring, but it is compensated with the cheap costs and a simple technology accessible to all workers. |
