A jiggle syphon (or siphon) is the combination of a
syphon
A siphon (from grc, σίφων, síphōn, "pipe, tube", also spelled nonetymologically syphon) is any of a wide variety of devices that involve the flow of liquids through tubes. In a narrower sense, the word refers particularly to a tube in a ...
pipe and a simple priming
pump
A pump is a device that moves fluids (liquids or gases), or sometimes slurries, by mechanical action, typically converted from electrical energy into hydraulic energy. Pumps can be classified into three major groups according to the method they u ...
that uses mechanical shaking action to pump enough liquid up the pipe to reach the highest point, and thus start the syphoning action.
Principle of operation
The jiggle pump consists of a chamber, in line with the end of the pipe that sits in the liquid to be moved. The chamber is somewhat wider than the pipe, and narrows to approximately the pipe diameter at both ends. One end attaches to the pipe, the other end is open to the liquid. Within the chamber is a sphere, denser than the liquid to be pumped, small enough to move freely within the chamber but large enough to not be able to leave the chamber.
Instructions for building a jiggle syphon
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To begin with, gravity holds the sphere at the bottom, open, end of the chamber, although hydrostatic pressure will force the liquid up and around the sphere upon immersion. When the pipe is vigorously shaken up and down, the sphere moves upwards, lifting some liquid in the pipe; then when it falls down again, the increased hydrostatic pressure within the pipe (which now has a higher head
A head is the part of an organism which usually includes the ears, brain, forehead, cheeks, chin, eyes, nose, and mouth, each of which aid in various sensory functions such as sight, hearing, smell, and taste. Some very simple animals may ...
of fluid in it than the surrounding container) pushes the sphere down and prevents the liquid flowing back. Repeated "jigglings" lift the fluid up the pipe until it reaches the highest point in the pipe, whereupon gravity causes it to start to flow down the other side, and the syphon action will "suck" the liquid through the system. This causes the pressure in the pipe to drop below the hydrostatic pressure in the container, so the sphere is lifted upwards, allowing the liquid to flow.
History
See also
* Syphon
A siphon (from grc, σίφων, síphōn, "pipe, tube", also spelled nonetymologically syphon) is any of a wide variety of devices that involve the flow of liquids through tubes. In a narrower sense, the word refers particularly to a tube in a ...
for the principles and practice of syphoning.
References
Fluid dynamics