A
float chamber is a device for automatically regulating the supply of a liquid to a system. It is most typically found in the carburettor of a normally aspirated
internal combustion engineThe internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine the expansion of the high temperature and pressure gases, which are produced by the combustion, directly applies force to a movable...
, where it automatically meters the fuel supply to the engine. However, this arrangement is found in many automatic liquid systems, for example the
cisternA cistern is a receptacle for holding liquids, usually water. Often cisterns are built to catch and store rainwater...
of a
toiletA toilet is a plumbing fixture and disposal system primarily intended for the disposal of the bodily wastes: urine and fecal matter. Additionally, vomit and menstrual waste are sometimes disposed of in toilets in Western societies. The word toilet describes the fixture and, especially in British...
could be said to be a type of float chamber.
A float chamber works by allowing liquid within the chamber to lift a float which is linked to a
valveA valve is a device that regulates the flow of a fluid by opening, closing, or partially obstructing various passageways. Valves are technically pipe fittings, but are usually discussed as a separate category....
which regulates the liquid intake.
Discussion
Ask a question about 'Float chamber' Start a new discussion about 'Float chamber' Answer questions from other users |
A
float chamber is a device for automatically regulating the supply of a liquid to a system. It is most typically found in the carburettor of a normally aspirated
internal combustion engineThe internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine the expansion of the high temperature and pressure gases, which are produced by the combustion, directly applies force to a movable...
, where it automatically meters the fuel supply to the engine. However, this arrangement is found in many automatic liquid systems, for example the
cisternA cistern is a receptacle for holding liquids, usually water. Often cisterns are built to catch and store rainwater...
of a
toiletA toilet is a plumbing fixture and disposal system primarily intended for the disposal of the bodily wastes: urine and fecal matter. Additionally, vomit and menstrual waste are sometimes disposed of in toilets in Western societies. The word toilet describes the fixture and, especially in British...
could be said to be a type of float chamber.
A float chamber works by allowing liquid within the chamber to lift a float which is linked to a
valveA valve is a device that regulates the flow of a fluid by opening, closing, or partially obstructing various passageways. Valves are technically pipe fittings, but are usually discussed as a separate category....
which regulates the liquid intake. When the level is low, the float drops and opens the valve, allowing in liquid until the float rises sufficiently to close off the valve again. This is identical in principle to the
ballcockA ballcock is a mechanism for filling water tanks, such as those found in flush toilets, while avoiding overflow. It was invented by Thomas Crapper....
valve.
One drawback of the basic type of float chamber described is that it only operates correctly when it is the right way up, so more sophisticated solutions are needed in
aircraftAn aircraft is a vehicle which is able to fly by being supported by the air, or in general, the atmosphere of a planet. An aircraft counters the force of gravity by using either static lift or by using the dynamic lift of an airfoil An aircraft is a vehicle which is able to fly by being supported...
.