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Appropriate Technology, 2006 |
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It's 2004 in central Burma and you have some money to invest. Your government has declared that development of the agricultural sector is its top priority, particularly those parts with export potential. The natural decision, then, is to build a new rice mill:
And now just over a year later it will soon be commissioned.
But what's that phallic shape in the back of the picture above? And what is written on it?
It's a chimney of course and Burma's newest rice mill is going to be steam powered. Why gamble on the future cost of electricity when you can fix your energy costs by buying a new boiler and a reconditioned stationary steam engine for a sensible price and then burning your own waste product?
This is Tangye Birmingham 11947, probably the best part of 100 years old, just waiting for a few parts to be fitted, connected up and run
You know it makes sense..... Appropriate technology in every way. There is more like this in: Temples of Steam 2007 - An update to our 2005 and 2006 reports Portable Paradise (2007) - Travels in the far north.... Another Luxury Irrawaddy River Cruise (2007) - Dancing the Masochism Tango The Pinbaw Wizard (2007) - More masochism.... Heretic's Corner (2007) - Historic Diseasels.... Chinese Takeaway (2007) - Yuehong's new baby... Irrawaddy Steamers (2007) - Worthy successors to the historic ships Burmese Hens' Teeth (2007) - A handful of one-offs An Empirical History of Tangye Horizontal Engines (2007) - Probably more questions than answers Temples of Steam 2005 - Introduction Temples of Steam 2006 - An update to our 2005 report Temples of Steam (2005) - Mon State Kawkapun Rice Mill (2005) - Appropriate technology taken to its limits. The account includes a mill diagram / flow chart of the milling process. Dakhondaing Rice Mill (2005) - A classic mill, unspoiled by progress. The account includes a description of the basic milling process as well as gratuitous insults to armchair enthusiasts.... Return to Dakhondaing (2006) - More than just nostalgia.... Temples of Steam (2006) - Sagaing Division A Day in the Life (2006) - Stationary Steam Engine gricing in the west of Bago Division Luxury Irrawaddy River Cruise (2006) |
