Air Lock -

Related resources for this article ... Courtesy of Elgood-Mayo Corp., Lancaster, Pa. Courtesy of Elgood-Mayo Corp., Lancaster, Pa. Britannica Kids

: Historically used in underwater tunnels and bridge foundations (caissons) to transition workers from atmospheric pressure to high-pressure work zones. air lock

An air lock (or vapor lock) occurs when gas becomes trapped in a high point of a liquid-filled pipe system, partially or completely blocking the flow . Related resources for this article