Airlocks occur when gas becomes trapped within a liquid-filled pipe system or other enclosed system, obstructing the flow of liquid. This happens most commonly in plumbing systems, but the principle applies in other contexts like fermentation and spacecraft.
Causes of Airlocks in Plumbing Systems:
- Trapped Air Pockets: The primary cause is air pockets becoming trapped within the pipework, usually at high points. This is often exacerbated by insufficient water velocity, allowing the air to accumulate rather than being carried along by the flow. (Hanover Supply, Plastic Pipeshop)
- Pressure Differences: Cold water pipes tend to have lower pressure than hot water pipes. This makes hot water pipes more susceptible to airlocks because the lower pressure makes it easier for air to become trapped. ([Source from 07-Feb-2022])
- System Design: Poorly designed plumbing systems with numerous bends or high points can increase the likelihood of air becoming trapped.
Causes of Airlocks in Other Systems:
- Fermentation: In fermentation, an airlock prevents oxygen from entering the fermenting vessel while allowing carbon dioxide to escape. This is essential for maintaining an anaerobic environment, preventing unwanted bacteria and mold growth. (Fermentation Recipes)
- Spacecraft and Submarines: In spacecraft and submarines, airlocks are designed to regulate pressure between two vastly different environments (e.g., vacuum of space and normal atmospheric pressure). A malfunction could lead to a pressure differential issue, although this isn't strictly an "airlock" in the plumbing sense. (Reddit Explain Like I'm Five, Wikipedia)
Understanding the Mechanism:
Airlocks effectively create a blockage. The trapped gas prevents the continuous flow of liquid, resulting in a reduction or complete cessation of flow. The location of the airlock, often at a high point in the system, further contributes to the impediment. (Practical Engineering)
