Benjamin Biram was the steward and general manager for Earl Fitzwilliam of Wentworth Woodhouse, owner of Elsecar colliery and the Wentworth estate. He was a man of great intelligence and invention, developing several devices for improving mining conditions. Benjamin Biram was concerned about miner breathing poor-quality air.
In 1844, he approached John Davis (of Davis of Derby) to discuss an invention. In 1845 he patented the first anemometer to measure the airflow in a mine. This fan, linked to a dial, would show the air currents underground and the level of ventilation. It could also alert officials to the areas of the workings that were not getting the requisite amount of clean air.
This design was the third version of the Biram anemometer produced by Davis Derby.
