The different types of air lock systems include cascade, bubble, and sink airlocks.
Types of Air Lock Systems
Air lock systems are crucial in environments where maintaining a specific air quality or pressure is essential, such as cleanrooms or laboratories. These systems minimize contamination and pressure loss during transitions between areas with different environmental controls. The three main types, as mentioned in the reference, are:
Cascade Airlock System
- Description: In a cascade airlock system, air flows in a specific direction - from the cleaner area to the less clean area.
- Airflow: Air moves from the corridor into the airlock, and then from the airlock into the primary manufacturing area. This ensures that the cleanest environment is always protected.
- Application: Commonly used in pharmaceutical manufacturing and semiconductor fabrication.
- Benefit: Provides a high level of protection against contamination.
Bubble Airlock System
- Description: The air pressure inside the airlock is higher than both the adjacent rooms.
- Airflow: Air flows from the airlock to both adjacent rooms when the doors are opened.
- Application: Suitable where it is important to prevent cross-contamination between two areas.
- Benefit: Offers balanced protection for both adjacent rooms.
Sink Airlock System
- Description: The air pressure inside the airlock is lower than both the adjacent rooms.
- Airflow: Air flows from both adjacent rooms into the airlock when the doors are opened.
- Application: This type is suitable for containing hazardous materials within a specific area.
- Benefit: Prevents the escape of contaminants from the contained area.
