aurutõkke

Aurutõke is an Estonian term used to denote a device or mechanism intended to restrict, regulate, or halt the flow of steam within a system. In practice, an aurutõke can refer to any component that acts as a barrier to steam, most commonly valves, gates, or dampers designed to stop steam flow or to isolate sections of a boiler or steam line for maintenance or safety.

In heating, power generation, and industrial processing, aurutõke elements are employed to control pressure, direct steam to different circuits, or prevent backflow. Safety applications include emergency shutdowns where a steam barrier isolates portions of a plant or equipment, reducing the risk of overpressure or steam leaks. The exact device named aurutõke can vary by manufacturer, region, and era, and more specific terms (for example, vent valves, check valves, or steam dampers) may be used in technical documentation.

Etymology: the word is formed from auru 'steam' and tõke 'obstacle, barrier'. In contemporary Estonian technical literature, aurutõke is relatively uncommon and often appears as part of compound descriptions rather than as a fixed, standalone device name. The term tends to be context-dependent and may function as a generic descriptor rather than a standardized device category.

See also: steam valve, steam damper, boiler safety valve, check valve.