An airlock door - also known as sas, airlock, mantrap or interlock door - is an access system designed to ensure absolute control of the passage between two spaces. Its operation is based on a fundamental premise: two or more doors can never be open at the same time. This creates an intermediate enclosure that ensures physical separation between zones and prevents unwanted simultaneous access.
In practical terms, an airlock consists of two doors electronically controlled by a logic that allows one to open only when the other is fully closed and verified. This mechanism ensures that the system maintains airtightness, safety or environmental separation, depending on the application.
How does an airlock door work?
Operation is simple but highly effective:
- If door A is open, door B remains locked.
- Once door A is closed and its status is verified, door B can be opened.
- Sensors, electronic locks and control modules ensure that the sequence is completed without error.
- In addition, these airlocks can be integrated with access control systems, industrial PLCs, biometric readers or positive/negative pressure systems, depending on the requirements of the environment.
What is an airlock door used for?
Airlock or Interlock doors are used in situations where precise control of the flow of people or materials is required, either for reasons of:
- Security, to avoid intrusions or simultaneous access.
- Hygiene, in areas where sterility must be maintained.
- Environmental control, such as pressure, temperature or particle regulation.
- Asset protection, for example in access to vaults or critical areas.
Where are they used?
The applications are very varied and cover highly demanding sectors:
- Banks and security cameras.
- Laboratories andclean rooms.
- Hospitals and surgical areas.
- Logistics and industrial centers.
- Corporate buildings and intelligent facilities.
- Prisons and high security environments.
Why do they require specific locks?
To operate properly, the locks need locks capable of:
- Export the status of the latch and door to the control system.
- Receive external commands (opening, blocking, timing).
- Synchronize with the interlock logic, ensuring the correct opening sequence.
- Avoid simultaneous openings, preserving the integrity and functionality of the lock.
In short, lock gates are a key element in any installation where security, environmental control or access management are a priority. Their use, combined with advanced electronic locks, makes it possible to create highly reliable, efficient systems adapted to the needs of the most demanding environments.
BO Series - Our solution for airlock doors
The BO Series Series is an electropiston lock created to operate within advanced control architectures. Its performance not only guarantees secure locking, but also precise electronic communication, essential in systems where the sequence of openings must be coordinated with no margin for error.
Advanced Interconnectivity
The BO Series incorporates two terminal strips, a key feature that allows independent management:
- Entry signals for opening or closing orders.
- Exit signs to inform of bolt status and door status
This architecture facilitates clean and robust integration with external controllers, PLCs or interlock modules, ensuring that each door is managed exactly according to the system logic.
Real-time monitoring
Thanks to its two monitoring outputs, the lock can report accurately:
- If the latch is fully extended or retracted.
- Whether the door is in the open or closed state.
This level of information is essential in solutions where status verification must be immediate and reliable, allowing the system to make confident decisions.
Integrated timing
The BO Series includes a timer configurable to 0, 2, 5 or 8 seconds, allowing:
- Check how long the mechanism remains released.
- Adjust the behavior to the operational flow of the system.
- Prevent the opening from remaining active longer than necessary.
It is a function built directly into the lock, eliminating the need for external modules.
Intelligent multi-voltage
With 12-24 V DC operation and automatic voltage detection, the BO Series adapts to different electrical environments and simplifies installation, reducing risks of incorrect connection and improving compatibility with other devices in the system.
Optimized technical and constructive design
- Narrow housing of only 24 mm → suitable for reduced profiles.
- 100% reversible → flexible installation without restrictions.
- Stainless steel construction → strength and durability in intensive use.
Fail-secure and Fail-safe as required
The series offers versions:
- BO400 - Fail-secure: remains closed without current.
- BO500 - Positive Fail-safe: unlocks without power for evacuation.
In short
Thanks to all these characteristics, the locks of the BO Series Series locks are optimally integrated into locking door systems, guaranteeing precise and secure operation.
In addition, it is a maintenance-free solution with the flexibility to adapt to existing systems, reinforcing its value as a reliable and durable option for advanced access control projects.
