The document summarizes the history and operation of the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland. It describes how the Falkirk Wheel was constructed in 2002 to reconnect the Forth and Clyde Canal after 150 years and overcome a 24 meter height difference. The unique rotating mechanism uses two giant water-filled containers to simultaneously transfer boats between the upper and lower levels, with the entire process taking about 15 minutes. The Falkirk Wheel has become a modern symbol of Scotland and transformed river travel between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

1. Scotland, UK

2. A Scottish Story
Between the ports of Grangemouth
and Falkirk the Forth & Clyde canal,
was excavated in 1777 connecting
the east coast of Scotland.
Later, in 1822, the channel was
completed connecting Falkirk and
Edinburgh.

4. The relief of the region required the use
of 11 locks to secure the traffic between
Glasgow and Edinburgh.
They had to overcome an unevenessThey had to overcome an uneveness
of 24 meters in heightof 24 meters in height..

5. In 1963, after 150 years of operation,
construction started of a work of exceptional
craftsmanship
The rotation exchange was named
"Falkirk Wheel"
This fantastic device, completed in 2002,
has become the symbol of modern
Scotland, allowing savings of travel time
and energy

6. The SiteThe Site

8. This is the only mechanism in the world to
transfer a vessel through rotation.
A set of two containers filled with water, one
above and one below, each with a capacity
for one or more vessels, allows to
simultaneously transfer from the upper level
to the bottom level which is higher.

9. The lower channel access is through a lockThe lower channel access is through a lock

10. The upper channel ……

11. ... Access is through a viaduct

12. A vessel enters the upper level viaductA vessel enters the upper level viaduct

13. The vessel in the upper level is readyThe vessel in the upper level is ready

14. Upper LevelUpper Level
Lower levelLower level
115 ft.115 ft.

15. During rotation each vessel is kept horizontal by a set ofDuring rotation each vessel is kept horizontal by a set of
gearsgears

16. Both vessels remain horizontalBoth vessels remain horizontal

17. Ongoing rotationOngoing rotation

19. rotation near its endrotation near its end

20. When rotation is completed the boats vessels can leave theWhen rotation is completed the boats vessels can leave the
trays. The photo below is the lower level accesstrays. The photo below is the lower level access

21. Entry of a vessel to the lower trough

22. The closure of the bulkheads, the
balance of water levels and the
rotation of the vessel require
around 15 minutes

23. Ready to begin again with other boats.Ready to begin again with other boats.

24. The weight of the container, 25 feet long, filled with waterThe weight of the container, 25 feet long, filled with water
and a loaded vessel reaches 300 tonsand a loaded vessel reaches 300 tons

25. Since both receptacles must weigh the same,
together with the water fill corresponding to the
volume of the vessel, it is necessary to balance
the weight by regulating water levels.
To close the upstream and downstream bulkheads
and complete a rotation of 180 degrees,
energy consumption of the engines is 22.5 Kwh

26. This rotating work has completely transformed the river
journey between Glasgow and Edinburgh making it very
interesting from the tourism point of view

27. The End