The document summarizes the history and operation of the Falkirk Wheel, a rotating boat lift that connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal in Scotland. It describes how the two original canals were connected by 11 locks due to elevation changes, and how in 2002 an extraordinary rotating boat transporter was completed that saves time and energy compared to the locks. The wheel has two arms that form huge water-filled tubs, and it uses Archimedes' law of buoyancy to balance the tubs and rotate boats between the upper and lower canals within 15 minutes using only 1.5 kWh of energy.

1. 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