Steam engines powered the Industrial Revolution and remained the dominant source of power until the early 20th century, when electric motors and internal combustion engines gradually replaced them
British Steam Locomotives. Part 2.
Thomas Savery was an English military engineer and inventor who in 1698, patented the first crude steam engine, based on Denis Papin's Digester or pressure cooker of 1679.
Thomas Savery had been working on solving the problem of pumping water out of coal mines, his machine consisted of a closed vessel filled with water into which steam under pressure was introduced. This forced the water upwards and out of the mine shaft. Then a cold water sprinkler was used to condense the steam. This created a vacuum which sucked more water out of the mine shaft through a bottom valve (video of a glass model).
Thomas Savery later worked with Thomas Newcomen on the atmospheric steam engine. Among Savery's other inventions was an odometer for ships, a device that measured distance traveled.
- Thomas Savery - Biography of Thomas Savery and a description the introduction of his engine to the public
- An Engine To Raise Water By Fire - By Thomas Savery Drawing of Thomas Savery
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