Abstract: Ink refill systems are disclosed. In general, an ink source comprising a saturated zone and a tubarc porous microstructure for conducting ink from the saturated zone to an unsaturated zone are provided. The ink can be delivered from the saturated zone to the unsaturated zone through the tubarc porous microstructure, thereby permitting the ink to be harnessed for ink writing and/or printing through the unsaturated hydrodynamic flow of the ink from one zone of saturation or unsaturation to another.

Abstract: Irrigation and drainage systems are disclosed, including a saturated zone and at least one pipe in communication with the saturated zone. The pipe(s) can be configured to comprise a tubarc porous microstructure for conducting water from the saturated zone to an unsaturated zone in order to drain the water from the saturated zone. The water can be delivered from the saturated zone to the unsaturated zone through the tubarc porous microstructure, thereby permitting the water to be harnessed for irrigation or drainage through the hydrodynamic movement of the water from one zone of saturation or unsaturation to another.

Abstract: A method and system for harnessing an unsaturated flow of fluid utilizing a reversible unsaturated siphon conductor of fluid having a tubarc porous microstructure. Fluid is conducted from a zone of higher (+) fluid matric potential to a zone of lower (−) fluid matric potential utilizing a tubarc porous microstructure. The fluid can be reversibly transported from different zones bearing a differential fluid matric potential according to the status of the fluid matric potential in each zone utilizing the tubarc porous microstructure. The tubarc porous microstructure comprises an enhanced geometric porosity. In this manner, the fluid can be harnessed for irrigation, drainage, filtration, fluid recharging and other fluid delivery uses, such as refilling writing and printing instruments.