Steam pump: AD 1698-1702
Thomas Savery, in 1698 obtains a patent for an engine to raise water by the impel-lent force of fire. It turns out to be the world's first steam engine. Originally designed purely as a pump, it has no piston but relies on the power of a vacuum. A metal cylinder is filled with steam from a boiler. Cold water is then poured over the outside, condensing the steam within and creating a vacuum which sucks water up through a pipe at the base. When the cylinder is full of water, the valve from below is closed. Steam is again introduced, forcing the water out of the cylinder through another valve. With the cylinder again full of steam, the process is repeated. As it turns out, the maximum levels of pressure and vacuum achieved by Savery cannot lift water more than about twelve yards. Instead he finds his main customers among progressive country landowners, who are attracted by being at the cutting edge of technology. They use Savery's pumps to raise water for their houses and gardens.
Thomas Savery, in 1698 obtains a patent for an engine to raise water by the impel-lent force of fire. It turns out to be the world's first steam engine. Originally designed purely as a pump, it has no piston but relies on the power of a vacuum. A metal cylinder is filled with steam from a boiler. Cold water is then poured over the outside, condensing the steam within and creating a vacuum which sucks water up through a pipe at the base. When the cylinder is full of water, the valve from below is closed. Steam is again introduced, forcing the water out of the cylinder through another valve. With the cylinder again full of steam, the process is repeated. As it turns out, the maximum levels of pressure and vacuum achieved by Savery cannot lift water more than about twelve yards. Instead he finds his main customers among progressive country landowners, who are attracted by being at the cutting edge of technology. They use Savery's pumps to raise water for their houses and gardens.
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