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After looking at the previous question on liquid airlocks, I noted that the main problem with technology is that the force of gravity is far too weak on any body that an airlock would be a useful piece of equipment for the liquid airlock to work effectively.

So, lets replace gravity with the magnetic force, and the liquid with a ferroliquid, and see what happens.

The obvious advantages of such an airlock would be that it could be used in a continuous manner, perhaps for mining operations (for moving large machinery and for moving a conveyor belt of minerals).

Would this work in a vacuum?

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    $\begingroup$ If it is magnetically controlled does that mean electronics have to be heavily shielded to pass through? Also, most machinery is made out of metal so that could be a problem for magnetic fields. Or is the idea to have the magnetic field turned off when passing through? Add a figure to clarify things a bit. $\endgroup$
    – Brian Lynch
    Commented Nov 10, 2015 at 11:59
  • $\begingroup$ If you lose power does that mean you lose your atmosphere? $\endgroup$
    – GdD
    Commented Nov 10, 2015 at 12:34
  • $\begingroup$ @BrianLynch: This wouldn't restrict all metals, only strong ferromagnetics (like steel) - which isn't all that common in space use anyway (usually replaced with titanium). The picture would be the same as in the linked question, just the "Floor slab" segment under the airlock would be replaced with a strong electromagnet. $\endgroup$
    – SF.
    Commented Nov 10, 2015 at 12:36
  • $\begingroup$ @BrianLynch No. Its not magnetically controlled. Its completely passive. As for a diagram, look at the link, and replace the liquid with a ferroliquid, and replace gravity with a magnetic field. $\endgroup$
    – Aron
    Commented Nov 10, 2015 at 12:36
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    $\begingroup$ @SF. Or a really really cold super conducting electromagnet. If only we could find some way to keep things cold in space... $\endgroup$
    – Aron
    Commented Nov 10, 2015 at 12:38

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