Chain pump

A chain pump is a mechanical conveyor ( pumping station ) for liquids, consisting of a revolving chain with discs, blades or Püscheln that the liquid ( water, liquid manure, etc.). Raise in a tube top or with buckets, boxes, cups or other containers is fitted, the bottom hold water and pour above.

In pumps with chain wheels the chain over an upper wheel driven running downward, where it is deflected by another wheel and runs in a pipe back to the top. The discs take in the pipe with the water and push it upward. Instead discs also cushion or padded balls ( Püschel ) can be used.

Other designations are Paternoster works ( because the chain endlessly like a paternoster lift rotates ), Rosary mill chain art, disc art.

Chain pumps are already known from the Chinese Empire (earliest Chinese philosopher Wang Chong mention at around the year 80 in the Han Dynasty). Ma Jun ( 220-265 ) is a designer of a chain pump, even if not called as the first inventor. In the Arab world, among other Al- Jazari chain pump was constructed. In Persia, the "Persian pump " known, a kind of water wheel which is driven by a chain ( see weblink ).

Chain pumps have a low efficiency because of the large friction of the moving parts and the water losses.