Siphon

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Syphon)

Siphon is a tube in an inverted 'U' shape, which causes a liquid to flow uphill, above the surface of the reservoir, without pumps, powered by the fall of the liquid as it flows down the tube under the pull of gravity, and discharged at a level lower than the surface of the reservoir it came from.

Principle[edit | edit source]

The siphon works because of the difference in pressure. At the upper reservoir's surface, the pressure is atmospheric pressure minus the liquid's weight above the entry point of the siphon. At the exit of the siphon, the liquid is at atmospheric pressure, because it is open to the air. The lower pressure at the top allows atmospheric pressure on the liquid at the lower reservoir to push the liquid up the tube into the lower pressure zone at the top, and then the greater weight of liquid in the longer leg pushes the liquid up and out the shorter leg to the lower reservoir.

Applications[edit | edit source]

Siphons are used in a wide variety of applications, from agriculture to the nuclear industry. They are used in irrigation and agriculture for transferring water over a hill. In the nuclear industry, they are used in fuel storage ponds to keep the fuel under water, but allow the water to be drained off in case of a leak.

History[edit | edit source]

The siphon has been used since ancient times. It was described by Hero of Alexandria in the 1st century AD, and was also used in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Great Pyramid of Giza.

See also[edit | edit source]

Siphon Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD