What are the Three Types of Airlocks?
The three common types of airlocks are cascade, bubble, and sink airlocks. These are frequently used in various applications, including cleanrooms and industrial processes, to maintain controlled environments.
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Cascade Airlock: This type is very common and utilizes a higher differential pressure on one side compared to the other. For example, a cleanroom might have a higher pressure inside than the corridor outside, preventing contaminants from entering.
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Bubble Airlock: This airlock type is characterized by its method of operation. It generally refers to airlocks which allow for the visualization of air movement or pressure changes via the bubbling of liquid.
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Sink Airlock: This is another common type of airlock, though specifics on its operational characteristics are less readily available than Cascade and Bubble types. Further research may be needed for detailed operational descriptions.
While some sources mention "three-piece" and "S-shape" airlocks in the context of homebrewing, these are design variations within the broader categories above and do not represent distinct types in industrial or cleanroom applications. The primary distinction lies in the pressure differential and operational mechanism across the airlock, rather than the physical design of the device itself.
