"Why didn't anyone think of this before?" is one of the greatest things you can say about a new invention.  That a device that could have been made with literally ancient technology (it would make perfect sense to Archimedes, I think) is a significant improvement in today's world is genuinely remarkable.  That it could save lives (by reducing flammable dust dispersion) even more so.  Good on ya', Peter Olds!,(reply>), @Viral_Suppressor  It's also extremely likely that many, many more very simple and amazing ideas have just never been thought of,(reply>), ​@Harsten Stahl Source?<br>Im gonna need a source on that.<br>You cant say something without a source you know.<br>What do you mean its just speculation?<br>I. NEED. A. SOURCE.,(reply>), @Breakneck Unfortunately, neither this type of elevator nor the classic rotating auger in a fixed duct will raise water.  For that you need the genuinely ancient Archimedes Screw -- effectively a pipe wrapped around an inclined shaft.  The whole assembly rotates and water in the lower part of each turn travels up the Screw.  Key to the Archimedes Screw is the tilt, that makes each coil of the pipe a sort of bucket that in effect moves up the shaft as the whole assembly turns.,(reply>), When you need to transport water uphill, screw it!,(reply>), I suspect the "why didn't anyone think of this before" question is down to screw conveyors/elevators already existing and already working reasonably well. It's kind of like how you'll make do with a blunt kitchen knife for months before you finally replace it and wonder why you didn't replace it sooner because of how much easier it makes things.