1. Siphonic Roof Drainage
Introduction
Siphonic Action
Gravity vs. Siphonic Drainage
Siphonic Drains
Tailpipes
Pipework
LEED™ - Green Building Design
Applications
Why Siphonic?
Siphonix® Software

2. Introduction
Invented and patented 1968 by Olavi Ebeling

3. Introduction Invented and patented 1968 by Olavi Ebeling
A fully engineered system based on hydraulic principles

4. Introduction Invented and patented 1968 by Olavi Ebeling
A fully engineered system based on hydraulic principles
Highly efficient

5. Introduction Invented and patented 1968 by Olavi Ebeling
A fully engineered system based on hydraulic principles
Highly efficient
Use spread from Scandinavia, through Europe, Asia & Oceania

6. Introduction Invented and patented 1968 by Olavi Ebeling
A fully engineered system based on hydraulic principles
Highly efficient
Use spread from Scandinavia, through Europe, Asia & Oceania
System design simplified by current generation of software

7. Introduction Invented and patented 1968 by Olavi Ebeling
A fully engineered system based on hydraulic principles
Highly efficient
Use spread from Scandinavia, through Europe, Asia & Oceania
System design simplified by current generation of software
Gaining ground in USA

8. Siphonic Action
First use documented in ancient Egypt

9. Siphonic Action
Created by a pipe completely filled with fluid with one end lower than the other

10. Siphonic Action
Created by a pipe completely filled with fluid with one end lower than the other
Gravity will cause the fluid to drain through the lower end

11. Siphonic Action
Created by a pipe completely filled with fluid with one end lower than the other
Gravity will cause the fluid to drain through the lower end
Cohesive forces between water molecules ensures the pipe remains full

12. Siphonic Action
The point of ingress must be higher than the exit point

13. Siphonic Action
The point of ingress must be higher than the exit point
The greater the height difference, the greater the capacity h

14. Siphonic Action
The point of ingress must be higher than the exit point
The greater the height difference, the greater the capacity
The pipe must be completely full h

15. Siphonic Action
The point of ingress must be higher than the exit point
The greater the height difference, the greater the capacity
The pipe must be completely full
Friction has a big impact h

16. Gravity vs. Siphonic Systems
Air
Water
In gravity systems, water adheres to the wall
of the pipe
Typically only 30% of the pipework is filled
with water – 70% is air

17. Gravity vs. Siphonic Systems
Air
Water
In gravity systems, water adheres to the wall
of the pipe
Typically only 30% of the pipework is filled
with water – 70% is air
Water
In a primed & working siphonic system,
100% of the pipe is filled with water
Pipework can therefore be significantly smaller

18. Gravity vs. Siphonic Systems
Deeper water
above outlet
Clashes with
other services
Pipe with
gradient
Bigger pipe size

19. Gravity vs. Siphonic Systems
Deeper water
above outlet
Clashes with
other services
Pipe with
gradient
Bigger pipe size
Lower waterdepth
above outlet
Smaller pipe size
Pipe runs level
Easy coordination
with other services

20. Gravity vs. Siphonic Systems
Number of downpipes
Significant underground work
Intrusive piping

21. Gravity vs. Siphonic Systems
Number of downpipes
Significant underground work
Intrusive piping
Siphonic
Fewer downpipes
Minimised underground work
High level pipes
Horizontal pipes 21

22. Siphonic Drains Outlet: it’s just a controlled hole in the roof!
Air baffle
Roof drain (Outlet )

23. Siphonic Drains Outlet: it’s just a controlled hole in the roof!
Siphonic action only occurs when the air baffle is completely submerged
Air baffle
Roof drain (Outlet ) 23

24. Siphonic Drains Dome strainers
Air Baffle
Air Baffle
Air Baffle
Outlet (various diameters for each manufacturer. No hub and threaded available)

25. Siphonic Drains
Design & testing performed with CRM Drainage Consultants

26. Siphonic Drains
Design & testing performed with CRM Drainage Consultants
Full siphonic test rig

27. Siphonic Drains
Design & testing performed with CRM Drainage Consultants
Full siphonic test rig
Conforms to ASME Standard A

28. Siphonic Drains
Conventional Roof Drain

29. Siphonic Drains
Siphonic Roof Drain

30. Siphonic Drains This is TESTING ONLY
Pipes are NOT secured as they should be

31. Siphonic Drains
Pipe System Priming

32. Tailpipes
Connects the roof drain to the horizontal collector

33. Tailpipes Connects the roof drain to the horizontal collector
Pipes must be vertical and horizontal – not inclined

34. Tailpipes Connects the roof drain to the horizontal collector
Pipes must be vertical and horizontal – not inclined

35. Tailpipes Connects the roof drain to the horizontal collector
Pipes must be vertical and horizontal – not inclined
Expansion in the
vertical plane should
be avoided

36. Pipework Most materials are suitable Check ASPE Guide for details
Cast Iron
Ductile Iron
Stainless Steel
Galvanised steel
Copper
ABS
HDPE
PVC
Check ASPE Guide for details
Remember pressure is negative!

37. Pipework
Pipes are installed horizontal & vertical

38. Pipework Pipes are installed horizontal & vertical
Eccentric fittings should be used – where possible

39. Pipework Pipes are installed horizontal & vertical
Eccentric fittings should be used – where possible
Expansion in the downpipe should be avoided

40. Pipework Pipes are installed horizontal & vertical
Eccentric fittings should be used – where possible
Expansion in the downpipe should be avoided
Branches are joined in the horizontal plane

41. Pipework Pipes are installed horizontal & vertical
Eccentric fittings should be used – where possible
Expansion in the downpipe should be avoided
Branches are joined in the horizontal plane
Underground pipes must be considered

42. On the roof

43. On the roof High water mark – midpoint between drains
Secondary / Overflow
Primary

44. LEED™ - Green Building Design
“Encourages and accelerates the adoption of sustainable green building & development practices”

45. LEED™ - Green Building Design
“Encourages and accelerates the adoption of sustainable green building & development practices”
Conserving water

46. LEED™ - Green Building Design
“Encourages and accelerates the adoption of sustainable green building & development practices”
Conserving water
Reducing energy consumption

47. LEED™ - Green Building Design
“Encourages and accelerates the adoption of sustainable green building & development practices”
Conserving water
Reducing energy consumption
Reducing the depletion of natural resources and materials

48. LEED™ - Green Building Design
“Encourages and accelerates the adoption of sustainable green building & development practices”
Conserving water
Reducing energy consumption
Reducing the depletion of natural resources and materials
Creating a sustainable site

49. LEED™ - Green Building Design
“Encourages and accelerates the adoption of sustainable green building & development practices”
Conserving water
Reducing energy consumption
Reducing the depletion of natural resources and materials
Creating a sustainable site
Use of innovative design

50. LEED™ - Green Building Design
“Encourages and accelerates the adoption of sustainable green building & development practices”
Conserving water
Reducing energy consumption
Reducing the depletion of natural resources and materials
Creating a sustainable site
Use of innovative design
Improving indoor environmental quality

51. Siphonic Roof Drainage can gain points
LEED™ - Green Building Design
Siphonic Roof Drainage can gain points

52. Siphonic Roof Drainage can gain points
LEED™ - Green Building Design
Siphonic Roof Drainage can gain points
Reduced site disturbance (SS Credit 5.1)

53. Siphonic Roof Drainage can gain points
LEED™ - Green Building Design
Siphonic Roof Drainage can gain points
Reduced site disturbance (SS Credit 5.1)
Controlled flow roof drainage (SS Credit 6.1)

54. Siphonic Roof Drainage can gain points
LEED™ - Green Building Design
Siphonic Roof Drainage can gain points
Reduced site disturbance (SS Credit 5.1)
Controlled flow roof drainage (SS Credit 6.1)
Rainwater harvesting (WE Credit 3.1/3.2)

55. Siphonic Roof Drainage can gain points
LEED™ - Green Building Design
Siphonic Roof Drainage can gain points
Reduced site disturbance (SS Credit 5.1)
Controlled flow roof drainage (SS Credit 6.1)
Rainwater harvesting (WE Credit 3.1/3.2)
Innovation in design (ID Credit 1.1)

56. Applications Large footprint buildings! Warehouses Distribution Units
Airports
Sports Stadia
Shopping Malls
Factories

57. Why Siphonic? Greater efficiency Smaller pipes Fewer outlets
Easier maintenance

58. Why Siphonic? Greater efficiency Lower groundwork costs Smaller pipes
Fewer outlets
Easier maintenance
Lower groundwork costs
Less underground pipework

59. Why Siphonic? Greater efficiency Lower groundwork costs
Smaller pipes
Fewer outlets
Easier maintenance
Lower groundwork costs
Less underground pipework
Reduced installation time
Easier to install

60. Why Siphonic? Greater efficiency Lower groundwork costs
Smaller pipes
Fewer outlets
Easier maintenance
Lower groundwork costs
Less underground pipework
Reduced installation time
Easier to install
Greater architectural freedom
Fewer downpipes
Level installation of pipework

61. Siphonix® Software

62. Siphonix® Software

63. Siphonix® Software

64. Siphonix® Software 64

65. Siphonix® Software