A siphon is a tube that allows liquid to travel upward, above the surface level of the reservoir & then downwards to a lower level without using a pump. When a certain amount of water moves over the bend by sucking, gravity pulls it down on the longer leg. As pressure reduces below atmospheric pressure at the uppermost side, the flow gets continuous till the liquid level goes down below pipe immersion.

Example:

For transferring water from a plastic can to a bottle, Vacuum is created inside the pipe by simply sucking. Water flows to the bottle due to the siphon effect. 

By the Siphon effect water can be flown from the reservoir/ pipe without using a pump. This is applicable for small flow. 

Practical use of siphonic effect for arresting leakage without stopping flow through live sewage pipe

We observed leakages in the live sewer drain network of the residential tower at three places. We have to repair the joint to stop leakages without stopping flow through the pipe. Flow cannot be stopped as few flat customers have been residing. It was a very difficult task for us to repair the joint to stop the leak.

After a lot of thought, we planned to divert the flow of water from the live sewage pipe at night time (when the flow is minimal) by adopting the siphoning effect.

We opened a clean-out flange of the live sewer pipe at the location before the leaking joint & put a stopper in half of the pipe to stop the water flow. As the water flow was continuous, we inserted one flexible pipe from the clean outpoint area inside the pipe & by using a siphon effect flow of water was diverted & drained outside. By doing this exercise level of water is controlled below the stopper and we have easily repaired the faulty joint as there are no water molecules immersed around the joint now.

Future Outlook of Siphon Effect

The siphonic drainage system future is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing need for efficient drainage systems in the commercial, industrial, and residential sectors. The rising instances of heavy rainfall, urbanization, and infrastructure projects are driving the demand for siphonic drainage systems globally. Additionally, the benefits offered by these systems, such as cost-effectiveness, low maintenance, and durability, are further fueling market growth.

The market is highly competitive, with several players offering siphonic drainage system products and solutions. Key market players are focused on product innovation, technological advancements, and strategic collaborations to gain a competitive edge.

One of the latest trends in the siphonic drainage system market is the integration of smart technological knowledge. Companies are incorporating sensors, IoT devices, and data analytics to monitor and manage drainage systems efficiently. This enables real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and improved system performance. Moreover, there is a growing demand for sustainable drainage solutions, leading to the development of eco-friendly and energy-efficient siphonic drainage systems.

Overall, the siphonic drainage system market is poised for growth, driven by factors such as urbanization, infrastructure development, and the need for efficient and sustainable drainage solutions. The integration of smart technologies and focus on environmental sustainability will continue to shape the market in the coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can the siphon effect work in multiple industries/sectors?

Yes! The Siphon effect will work wherever the transfer of fluid is involved.

2. Can the siphoning effect be used for large-scale applications?

Yes! Wherever below mentioned applications.

• Fill containers with liquid from a larger reservoir.
• Maintaining a constant level of liquid in a system, such as a humidifier.
• Removing excess water from flooded areas or basements using a sump pump with a siphon hose.
• Diverting or transferring liquids from live pipes, containers, tanks, etc.
• Emptying water from a swimming pool, aquarium, or other large vessels.

3. Are there safety considerations when using the siphon effect?

Humans should not suck fluid from the mouth other than drinking water.

4. How high can a siphon work?

The maximum height of a siphon is generally assumed to be dependent on barometric pressure—about 10 m at sea level.