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Generally speaking, a siphon is a small, heat dissipation device used to protect pressure instruments from high-temperature media and reduce the possible damaging effects of rapid temperature change. There are different types of siphons, each designed for specific applications, from industrial to everyday use. This article will focus on industrial applications found in power generation, oil and gas, chemical and petrochemical plants and water/wastewater management, to name a few. As part of Ashcroft's Understanding the Basics series, this article will explore the different types of siphons used as heat dissipators in both steam and non-steam applications. Continue reading to learn which siphons are used for these purposes and how they work. You will also see links to additional information on these instruments and resources to enhance your understanding of maintaining instrument safety in challenging environments.

This article was originally published on July 19, 2021, and updated on October 28, 2024. If you work in a refinery, petrochemical plant, or power generation facility, you likely face the challenge of managing high temperatures and pressures associated with steam applications. Under these harsh conditions, pressure gauges and other instruments can become damaged, which can lead to operational failures. A steam siphon is one solution that can provide a simple yet effective way to protect your instruments from these elevated process temperatures. As a product leader in process gauges at Ashcroft, one of the most common questions I’ve heard (and one that our customer service team often receives) is, “What is a steam siphon and how can it protect my pressure gauge?” In this article, you will get the answer as well as details on the two most common types of steam siphons and how they work. You will also get my guidance on selecting the right siphon for your application. From this point on, when I mention the term siphon, I am specifically referring to a steam siphon, as other siphons can also dissipate heat for high process temperatures not related to steam.