Photo collection by Th.Schiöler River and wind powered Dragon-bone chains

Dragon-bone chain; powered by wind

Dragon-bone pump in Sri Lanka This mill was erected as an attempt to replace a diesel-pump. The mill was a success but the project was unsuccessful aid to a developing country. The engine man had some small earnings from selling a few litres of fuel. He at once found out that it is impossible to sell wind. After just a few days success, the mill tumbled over. We never found out the reason for this failure. [68]		A Thai mill south of Bangkok This photo was taken near Pattaya. Here a great many saltpans are situated 10 to 20 centimetres above sea level. A windwheel transmits its power to a dragon's backbone device, which irrigates the saltpan. [69]		A Thai windwheel without its canvas The windwheel transmits its power to a chain pump by means of an endless chain. The dragon's backbone also has an endless chain, but the chain is made of wood and every chain link has a board, which works like a piston. The piston pushes an amount of water in front of the board. The chain of pistons runs in a wooden shute. See [73]. [70]
Another wind-powered dragon's backbone device A propeller is the power source for this dragon's backbone pump. On the top of the telephone post there is the propeller together with a chain drive. From here a chain transmits the power to a big chain drive below. Seawater is lifted about 20 centimetres. [71]		The propeller can be turned nearly 360º round the post In many parts of the tropics the wind direction does not alternate during the year, so there is no need for a windvane. [72]		Close up of a dragon's backbone chain drive In Chinatown in Bangkok, a chain pump can be bought ready for use. They are made in different sizes. [73]
Another close-up of a dragon's backbone chain The chain drive turns clockwise; then the upper part of the chain goes down and the lower part pushes the water up along a wooden shute. [74]