Using 3D Printing to Create a Robust and Compact Peristaltic Field Pump: An Update to the Montana Drill Pump

Abstract

AbstractThe collection of water samples from springs, streams, and wells is a critical component of field hydrogeological studies. Fieldwork, especially in mountainous terrain, often involves hiking to remote springs and streams. It is logistically and physically difficult to carry bulky, heavy sampling equipment such as large peristaltic pumps with built‐in batteries in these areas. To address this problem, researchers at the University of Montana designed the Montana Drill Pump (MDP) roughly 30 years ago to provide a compact, low‐cost and portable option for sampling with a peristaltic pump in the backcountry (Woessner ). Although the MDP is popular, with the advent of 3D printing techniques, a more robust and precise fitting pump design can be inexpensively created that can be quickly assembled in the lab or field. This new pump design was tested on multiple backpacking sampling campaigns in the Panamint Mountains of southern California, Mount Hood in Oregon, and Glacier National Park in northern Montana during the summer of 2017. The design was proven to be easy to use and durable in the field and offers a rugged, updated, more precisely fitting option to the MDP.