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An airlock is a space used as a cushion or shock absorber in closed systems, such as hydraulic systems or plumbing. It allows for pressure changes, prevents loud noises, and can have an emergency valve for safety. Installation requires careful sealing and testing.
An airlock is an air-filled space, commonly used as a cushion or shock absorber for a closed system. The chamber can be designed directly into the system or added later to solve a problem. A common example of a system including an inner tube is a hydraulic system such as that used in hydraulic doors and brake systems. In both cases, the bladders play an important role, although free air in the system is not desirable.
A common use for an airlock is to create a buffer in a closed system where fluids or gases move through the system and pressure changes accordingly. Without an air chamber, the system could be noisy or could be at risk of bursting under pressure. In a simple example, home plumbing can develop a phenomenon known as “water hammer” when pressure changes abruptly, such as when people turn faucets on and off. This creates a loud knocking sound that many people find unpleasant. An air chamber will allow for expansion and compression within the system without loud noises, making the plumbing system quieter.
In a hydraulic system, air chambers allow for pressure changes so that the system can operate. Too much pressure can create unreasonable resistance, making it difficult for humans to use the system, as anyone who has driven a car with very stiff hydraulic brakes can attest. Insufficient pressure will make the system less functional; a hydraulic door, for example, may not stay closed if there is no pressure within the system to keep it closed. The air chamber creates space for pressure fluctuations.
Bladders may have an emergency valve to vent the air if the pressure builds too much, allowing the system to release pressure before it explodes. This can be an important safety feature, as systems with no pressure outlet can become dangerous, even under normal operating conditions. Air can be admitted back into the tube as needed through the same valve. The chamber also provides a method of purging air from the system, allowing it to rise to the chamber where it can be released.
If an inner tube needs to be replaced or installed, the system will need to be shut down for people to work on it. Fittings must be installed carefully to ensure the system is still sealed. Once this is done, the system will be allowed to reload, then powered back on and tested. If problems develop, they are fixed upon installation.
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