Gravity Flow

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-012520",
  "term": "Gravity Flow",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "The movement of fluids in reaction to the force of gravity on the fluid. All open channels as well as most storm sewers, sanitary sewers, and combined sewers in which the pipes are less than completely full operate based on gravity flow and are thus considered gravity systems. However, segments of a sewer system may at times flow under surcharged conditions whereby the water level is above the crown of the pipe causing pressurized flow in these segments. In addition to sewer systems flowing under surcharged conditions, those systems or portions of systems that utilize pumps to increase fluid pressures and induce flow are not gravity systems.",
  "subject": "Science and research",
  "references": [
    "Urban Watershed Management Research Terminology; Urban Watershed Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/gravity-flow/"
}