Years ago I read of a device that produces compressed air. It used falling water, into a funnel, then into chambers that supplied the compressed air. It is called a "trompe" or something like that. There is supposed to be a large one in Ontartio Canada that ventilates an old mine. Does anyone out there have any sources of information on this old device? They went out of favour when fossil fuel came in.

-- Douglas Trim (dtrim@yknet.yk.ca), July 02, 2000

Answers

Doug: I've heard of it before. I think it was invented by Archimedes but don't know much beyond that. I was wondering how it would work for aerating a pond?

-- john leake (natlivent@pcpros.net), July 02, 2000.

TROMPEAn apparatus in which water falling through a perforated pipe entrains air into and down the pipe to produce an air blast for a furnace or forge.

Here's a link that shows a small sketch of one. Not really good enough to put one together I don't think.

http://www.ingersoll-rand.com/compair/history/compre.htm

-- Bob Johnson (backwoods_bob_2000@yahoo.com), July 06, 2000.

If you're trying to build the thing (or something similar), maybe try the folks over at vita.org. I checked their web site but didn't find any compressors. Maybe pose the question to them and see what they would offer.

j

-- j (jw_hsv@yahoo.com), July 06, 2000.

Hi Douglas. I'm relatively new to the forum and just read your post about trompes. If you are still interested and have not found the info yet, there is a good article with plan illustration in Mother Earth News #46, pg78 (Jul/Aug 1977). Or you can E-mail me your address and I will send you a copy. Sandy

-- Sandy in MN (jpevans_56353@yahoo.com), January 07, 2001.

Try this website which has one of the clearer (to me) explanations of this pleasingly simple technology. I'm thinking of converting hydro power turbines etc etc.... http://nxtwave.tripod.com/gaiatech/airliftreferences/trompinfo.html

-- Mark McKenzie (markmckenzie@yahoo.com), June 05, 2001.

What a great machine! I just wish I had the real estate to build one!

-- john hill (john@cnd.co.nz), June 06, 2001.