Objects passing from air to water without leaking

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of a system that allows objects to transition from air to water without leaking, focusing on concepts such as valves, pressure differences, and mechanisms like airlocks. The scope includes theoretical considerations and practical applications in engineering and design.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the possibility of a system that allows objects to pass from air to water without leaking, suggesting that the density difference between air and water complicates this.
  • Another participant asserts that such a system exists, referring to the atmosphere as a governing factor, and challenges the initial claim by suggesting a simple experiment involving stepping in and out of water.
  • Concerns are raised about the pressure differences in submarines and how they manage to prevent water from entering while allowing divers to exit.
  • A later reply introduces the concept of an airlock as a potential solution for the transition of objects from air to water.
  • One participant expresses interest in simpler methods for small objects to pass from air to water without needing to adapt pressure, indicating a desire for practical solutions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of transitioning objects from air to water without leakage, with some proposing existing solutions like airlocks while others question the practicality and simplicity of such systems. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various assumptions about pressure equalization and the mechanics of submarines, but these assumptions are not fully explored or resolved within the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to engineers, designers, and individuals exploring fluid dynamics and pressure systems in practical applications.

Boy@n
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Is there a system (e.g. valve) which enables objects (e.g. ball) passing from air to water containers without leaking?

I imagine this is near to impossible since water is nearly 1,000 times denser than air...

To make it work air would have to be compressed so air density in air container is close to that of water density in water container?

I wonder how those openings in submarines work (serving divers to go in/out of water at depths) where water doesn't fill the submarine?
(I doubt air pressure in submarine is equal to water pressure there at great depths, or is it?)
 
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Boy@n said:
Is there a system (e.g. valve) which enables objects (e.g. ball) passing from air to water containers without leaking?

Yes there is a very special valve that governs just this, in engineering terms it's referred to as the Atmosphere.

I imagine this is near to impossible since water is nearly 1,000 times denser than air...

Not true, conduct an experiment: turn on a bath, step into the water, then step out, neglecting the water on your legs and assuming you have a plug in, observe if it leaks. write back with the results, I'm interested to know what they are.

I wonder how those openings in submarines work (serving divers to go in/out of water at depths) where water doesn't fill the submarine?
(I doubt air pressure in submarine is equal to water pressure there at great depths, or is it?)

some special kind of submarines do run the same internal pressure as the outside water pressure, kind of like upside-down boats. The titanic was a great example of this.
 
I see my question is not clear enough.

I'm asking about a way for object to pass into water from air through vertical 'wall' (say via valve in middle of that wall)...
 
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MATLABdude said:
An airlock? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airlock
Thanks! That's pretty close to what I'm seeking...

Airlock: 'The air pressure of the airlock—the space between the doors—is equalized with that of the environment beyond the next door to open.'

Is there a simpler way to make small objects pass from air to water (without the need for adapting pressure)?
 
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