What type of fluoride saturator operates based on gravity?

The type of fluoride saturator that operates based on gravity is a downflow saturator. This system utilizes gravity to direct the flow of water through the fluoride solution, allowing for a controlled and consistent dissolution of fluoride as water moves down through the packed media. The design takes advantage of gravity to facilitate the release of fluoride ions into the water as it passes through, ensuring uniform mixing and saturation.

In downflow systems, the water enters from the top and flows downward, which allows for efficient contact between the water and the fluoride medium. This process is crucial for producing a consistent concentration of fluoride in the treated water, helping to effectively manage the levels required for water fluoridation.

In contrast, volumetric and gravimetric saturators often depend on mechanical or volumetric control systems to measure and dispense the fluoride solution, rather than relying solely on gravity. Upflow saturators, on the other hand, operate in the opposite manner, where water flows upward through the medium, which can lead to different operational dynamics than those seen in a traditional downflow setup.