gravityfed

Gravity-fed describes a method of moving liquids or gases using only gravity as the driving force. In such systems, a source at a higher elevation feeds a downstream vessel or network, and flow is sustained by the vertical head rather than pumps or compressors. The term is commonly used in water distribution, irrigation, beverage dispensation, and medical contexts.

A gravity-fed arrangement typically includes an elevated storage tank or reservoir, a network of pipes or tubing, and outlets at lower elevations. The outlet pressure is roughly proportional to the head height, with friction losses in the lines reducing the flow. Basic systems may use a float valve or simple regulator to stabilize levels and prevent backflow; materials and components vary to meet safety and compatibility requirements.

Applications include rural or off-grid water supplies that rely on cisterns or hillside tanks, conventional water towers feeding municipal mains, gravity-driven irrigation networks, and certain medical or laboratory setups that require passive flow, such as gravity-fed IV sets, where flow is controlled by a regulator rather than a pump, and some beverage dispensers that rely on gravity to move liquid from a reservoir to a pour point.

Advantages of gravity-fed systems include low energy use, minimal mechanical complexity, reduced maintenance, and resilience to power interruptions. Limitations include less precise pressure control, variable flow with changing demand, dependence on adequate elevation difference, and higher susceptibility to leaks or contamination if the system is not properly protected.

Design considerations focus on establishing sufficient head, minimizing friction losses, ensuring backflow prevention, and selecting compatible materials to meet hygiene and safety standards. The approach is favored when reliability, simplicity, and cost savings outweigh the need for adjustable pressure.