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This is a still representation
and possibly also a low-resolution image of a fully animated pump.
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The Ctesibian pump is over two thousand years old. Firefighters used Ctesibians
for centuries. It is a type of force pump. |
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It is operated by two, four or six men -- sometimes more -- standing on
either end of the "walking beam" to which the piston rods are attached. |
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The cylinders are made of copper or brass, the pistons often of wood. There
are two valves for each cylinder and the base of the pump sits in the water
source. |
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An air chamber below the nozzle acts as a hydraulic accumulator to maintain
an even flow of water out the nozzle. |
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The water source might be supplied by a bucket brigade of people. The purpose
of the pump is to create a stream of water for putting out the fire. |
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