| Author |
Message |
    
Timothy Trower
Member
Username: tjtrower
Post Number: 255
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, May 20, 2007 - 2:37 pm: | 
|
Pumping Ships by Force of Wind.
In 1862, in reviewing the nautical models at the International Exhibition, we noticed a plan for giving motion to cranks of pumps by the medium of a screw, dragging in the water, turning a long rod, and by bevel gearing working pumps in-board. We stated at the time, that the wind that drove the ship to gain this motion would also turn the sails of an improvised windmill, which would answer the purpose sought to be attained in a more simple manner.
The master of the "Providence" caught at our suggestion, rigged two wings, and fixed them to a deck pump. It succeeded admirably. Captain Kerr, of the "White Star," it is stated in the "Shipping and Mercantile Gazette" of Monday last, kept his pumps going from shortly alter leaving Melbourne to his arrival in the Channel, and by this contrivance the leak of upwards of one foot per hour was kept under. A leak of this description would have worn out his crew, whereas the sails of the windmill would actually help to propel the ship.—"Mitchell’s Journal."
Taken from "Scientific American." / New Series, Volume 14, Issue 20 : pp. 315-334, May 12, 1866
Tim Trower
www.titanicbranson.com
|
