Technology: Terms and Concepts

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Further reading

air lock

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | Copyright

air lock compartment connecting two different environments, usually at different pressures, that enables personnel to transfer from one environment to the other. Space capsules have air locks to enable astronauts to move between the pressurized cabin and the near vacuum of space. A more common example is the air lock between the outer atmosphere and the working chamber of a caisson . By its means access can be gained to the working chamber without loss of pressure. It is also used at the head of tunnel excavations underwater. There is a door at each end. When the outer door of the air lock is opened, men or material may be admitted into the compartment. After the outer door is closed, compressed air is admitted to raise pressure in the air lock to the level of the pressure in the working chamber, and the inner door can be opened. The reverse of this procedure takes place on leaving the working chamber. Great care must be exercised in passing workmen through an air lock, so that the change of atmospheric pressure takes place gradually. Too sudden a change of pressure may cause decompression sickness .

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air lock

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | Copyright

air lock see air lock .

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

"air lock." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"air lock." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-X-lock-air.html

"air lock." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-X-lock-air.html

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

	Air locks.(New Products) Magazine article from: Medical Design Technology; 6/1/2004
	MACBOOK AIR LOCK NEW ANTI-THEFT ACCESSORY LAUNCHED. Newspaper article from: PC Business Products; 3/6/2012
	Cool ceramic eliminates air locks in fuel tank.(COATINGS) Newspaper article from: Advanced Ceramics Report; 3/1/2009