Double Acting Piston Bellows

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Double Acting Piston Bellows are a type of bellows, used by blacksmiths and smelters, with the property that air is blown out on both strokes of the handle (in contrast to more common bellows that blow air when the stroke is in one direction and refill the bellow in the other direction). These bellows blew a stronger and more constant blast than typical bellows.

A piston is enclosed in a rectangular box with a handle coming out one side. The piston edges are covered with feathers, fur, or soft paper to ensure that it is airtight and lubricated. As the piston is pulled, air from one side enters and flows through the nozzle and as it is pushed air enters from the opposite side and flows through the same nozzle.

[edit] History

The double-acting piston bellows was a contributor to Chinese iron superiority in the early Han period.

[edit] Sources

• Craddock, Paul T. Early Metal Mining and Production. pp. 183-4.
• Temple, Robert. The Genius of China. pp. 44-5.