Siphon

A siphon is a curved tube used to move liquid upwards, over an obstacle, and then down to a lower level without pumps, relying on atmospheric pressure. The liquid flows due to the difference in hydrostatic pressure, with gravity being the driving force. It's essential that the exit of the tube is lower than the liquid's surface in the source container, and the tube must initially be filled to create a vacuum and initiate the flow. Common uses include draining aquariums or gasoline tanks.

Siphon meaning with examples

• The old man used a garden hose as a siphon to empty the flooded basement, carefully positioning one end in the water and the other outside. He gently sucked on the hose until the water flowed freely, relying on the difference in pressure and gravity to do the work. He monitored the water level carefully, stopping the siphon before the water level became too low.
• The mechanic employed a specialized siphon to remove gasoline from a car's fuel tank. He inserted the tube, created the initial vacuum with a hand pump, and watched as the fuel flowed into a designated container. The siphon provided a controlled and relatively safe method to drain the tank.
• The marine biologist utilized a small siphon to gently transfer water from a quarantine tank to a new habitat. The siphon helped avoid disturbing the delicate aquatic life, carefully managing the water level and maintaining water quality. This method was especially useful for delicate coral.
• During the homebrew process, the brewer used a sanitized siphon to move the fermented beer from the primary fermentation vessel to the secondary. This action carefully separated the beer from the sediment and yeast accumulated at the bottom, ensuring a clearer finished product and better taste.