Ilmankäyttölukko

Ilmankäyttölukko, often translated as airlock, is a device or system designed to manage airflow between two different environments, typically with different air pressures or compositions. Its primary function is to prevent the uncontrolled mixing of these environments. Airlocks are commonly used in situations where maintaining a pressure differential or isolating atmospheres is crucial.

One of the most well-known applications of airlocks is in spacecraft. Before astronauts can exit or enter a spacecraft in the vacuum of space, they must pass through an airlock. This chamber is depressurized or repressurized gradually, allowing for a safe transition without exposing the occupants or the spacecraft's internal atmosphere to the extreme conditions outside. Similarly, airlocks are used in submarines to allow divers to enter or exit the vessel while it remains submerged.

In industrial settings, airlocks can be employed in cleanrooms to prevent contamination from the outside environment. By creating a buffer zone where air pressure and filtration can be controlled, airlocks ensure that sensitive processes or materials are not exposed to unwanted particles or microorganisms. They can also be used in hazardous environments, such as chemical plants or mines, to protect workers by creating a barrier against dangerous gases or dust. The design of an airlock typically involves two doors that cannot be opened simultaneously, ensuring that a seal is maintained between the two compartments.