Ilmansulut

Ilmansulut is a Finnish term that translates to "airlock" in English. It refers to a small room or chamber with two doors that are separated from each other by a vacuum or a controlled atmosphere. The purpose of an ilmansulut is to prevent the loss of air or the mixing of different atmospheres between two spaces.

In a scientific or industrial context, an ilmansulut might be used to transition from a normal atmospheric pressure environment to a vacuum chamber, or vice versa. This is crucial for experiments or processes that require precise atmospheric control, such as in space simulation or semiconductor manufacturing. The two doors are interlocked, meaning that the outer door must be closed before the inner door can be opened, and vice versa. This ensures that the atmosphere is not compromised during the transition.

Ilmansulut can also be found in some specialized buildings, like laboratories or cleanrooms, where maintaining a specific air quality or pressure is essential. They act as a buffer zone, preventing contaminants from entering or escaping. The design of an ilmansulut can vary depending on its specific application, but the fundamental principle of a controlled transition between two environments remains the same. The term is primarily used within Finland and in contexts where Finnish terminology is relevant.