siphon break for auto top off

[gawf4fun]

Stupid question but I'm stumped.

I have just set up an auto top off from a reservoir that sits above my sump. The float valve turns the pump on but after it's level is raised, a siphon is created which keeps the water flowing.

How can I set up a siphon break to stop the flow? I've searched all over the place without success. Could one of you experts in fluids, mechanics, etc., give me the 411 on this application?

Thanks,


mark

 

[HippieSmell]

You can attach a 't' fitting to the feed line, attach a tube and run it up above the water line of the resevoir (like a snorkel). That should work as a siphon break. Just make sure the 'snorkel' is high enough so it doesn't allow water out when the pump is on, which depends on how strong the pump is or how large the diameter of the feed line is (you don't want a small diameter line with a big pump or else you'll shoot water out of the snorkel/siphon break). HTH

 

[gawf4fun]

Thanks Hippie (hip?),

I'll give that a try. I appreciate your help.

Mark

 

[Trey3]

Two options that I have seen used in your situation are:

1. Use a spring loaded check valve in the discharge of the make-up pump. If the check valve has adeqaute spring closure, it should stop the flow when the pump is off and allow flow when the pump is on.

2. A simpler solution is to drill a siphon break hole in the tubing inside but near the top of the make-up water bucket. Test the system thoroughly before you walk away to ensure that the hole is large enough to break the siphon. Also, drill the hole such that is will direct the excess water downward in the bucket.

Good Luck,
Trey

 

[Sk8r]

Helps to have a lid on the bucket. It still sprays a bit.

 

[Ixthys]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7402271#post7402271 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Trey3


2. A simpler solution is to drill a siphon break hole in the tubing inside but near the top of the make-up water bucket. Test the system thoroughly before you walk away to ensure that the hole is large enough to break the siphon. Also, drill the hole such that is will direct the excess water downward in the bucket.

Good Luck,
Trey

I did this about 1.5 years ago and it has worked flawlessly since. Definitely need a lid on the bucket, though! Also, the water is pure ro/di. I'm not sure if the holes would eventually get clogged up it it had Kalk in the water. My kalk reactor is a separate container "downstream" from the make-up tank. If you're interested in how that is set up, I can explain...

 

[Trey3]

Thanks for pointing this out. I should have included the whole "top on the bucket" disclaimer. When the make-up pump is on you will get a small recirculation in the bucket, but a properly sized and directed flow should not limit your ability to effect an automatic top-off.

Later,
Trey