Windmills to pump water - Trapani

The windmills near the Trapani and Marsala salt pans serve as essential tools in the process of salt extraction.

They are traditionally used to pump seawater from one compartment of the salt pan to another and to promote the evaporation of the water.

Phase 1: pumping water: The wind turbines are used to pump seawater from the sea and into the first compartment of the salt pan. This is the starting point of the salt extraction process. The absorbed seawater is transported to the salt pans via water pipes or canals . These pipes can be made of wood, stone or other materials.

Stage 2: Evaporation: After the seawater has been pumped into the first compartment, it is exposed to the natural elements, especially the sun and the wind . The windmills are used to create a constant flow of air , which causes the seawater to evaporate faster and increases the concentration of salt crystals.

Phase 3: Transfer of Water: After evaporation, the concentrated saltwater is transferred to successive compartments of the salt pan. This is often done by a system of wooden or concrete channels , reusing the windmills to move water from one compartment to another.

Phase 4: salt extraction: As the water evaporates further, the salt crystals remain behind. These can then be harvested by hand.

Today, the traditional windmills have largely become historical landmarks and tourist attractions , but some are still used in salt mining.

Willem Vandenameele