Syphonix Auto, for which a patent has been applied, utilises smaller syphon heads than its portable counterpart, as there is no pump on board. A separate electric vacuum pump evacuates a secondary chamber connected by pipework to a maximum of four syphon heads. A sensor in one or more of the heads detects the presence of water and activates the vacuum for just a matter of seconds. This creates a pressure drop in the secondary vacuum unit and the hoses connecting it to the syphon head. Water then flows from the syphon heads across the roof and simply syphons away. Any water entering the pipe back to the vacuum chambers drains out once the pump switches off.
Click here for a conceptual layout
The sensor continues to monitor water levels, so that it only switches on the vacuum pump when a pre-defined level is reached. Electricity consumption is thus negligible (approximately 0.004KWH, only during wet weather). To add to the positive environmental impact of these units, as drainage is flexible, water can be taken to containers before it reaches the ground and can thus be used in building services.
