The document summarizes the history and operation of the Falkirk Wheel, a rotating boat lift in Scotland. It describes how two canals connecting Glasgow to Edinburgh were originally connected by 11 locks, but in 2002 construction finished on the Falkirk Wheel, which uses a rotating arm to transfer boats between the canals. The Wheel has two arms that act as tubs filled with water, and it takes 15 minutes for the tubs to rotate and transfer boats between the upper and lower canals, saving both time and energy compared to using locks. It is the only rotating boat transporter of its kind in the world.

1. Leider habe ich die Präsentation nur in Englisch bekommen. Sie ist aber so interessant, dass ich sie verteilen wollte… Viele Grüße is At the beginning there were two canals: Canal Forth and Clyde was built in 1777 between harbors Grangemouth and Falkirk connecting Glasgow with west cost of Scotland. Canal Union between Falkirk and Edinburgh was finished in 1822. Because of geographical difficulties, which created a difference of 79ft.in elevation, the two canals were connected by 11 locks.

3. In 1963, after 150 yrs of existence of this water way with 11 locks the construction of a huge water carousel started. This extraordinary idea was finished in 2002 and became a symbol of Scotland. This invention saves not only time but also energy.

6. This is the only rotational boat transporter in the world. It has two arms and each arm forms a kind of huge tub filled with water. Boats enter the tub, then the tub locks up and the huge arm starts rotating .

7. lower canal

8. Entrance to lower canal

9. A Boat is approaching the “tub”

11. There are boats in both “tubs” upper and lower 35 m

12. Rotation is starting

13. Boats in both rotating arms

14. rotation

15. Otáčení...

16. Just before “landing”

19. Closing the gate , regulation of level of water and “tubs” rotation Takes 15 min. only.

21. One “tub” 78ft. Long with water and boat weights about 300 tons.

22. The “tubs” are filled according the Archimedes’ Law. So the weight of “tubs” are balanced. To open the upper and lower lock and turn the whole system by 180◦ they need an engine of 22.5 kW which only use 1.5 kWh