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A water pipe percolator is a small additional sub chamber within the shaft of a water pipe that provides in-line smoke-water interaction via heat exchange and dissolution. Percolators come in different forms, such as dome, pedestal, tree, helix, and the more recent honeycomb and fritted disc percolators. Depending upon the form of the percolator, it may or may not be diffused. However, the primary purpose of the percolator is to act as an extra chamber to filter smoke through water. ==Function and purpose of a percolator== A percolator works by utilizing a pressure differential between its bottom and top in/outlets. Reduced pressure at the outlet end is usually provided by the user's lungs. The fluid at the inlet (i.e.: a smoke, vapor, and air mixture) is directed to the bottom of a column of water, where the pressure differential causes the inlet fluid to pass though the water in small pockets (liquid bubbles), and then rise to the outlet. In short, diffusers make smoke cooler, and rise evenly through the pipe, due to the water bubbles hitting the surface simultaneously. The following is a diagram illustrating the diffusion process of a tree percolator: The diffuser serves the primary function of cooling the smoke and combustion vapors that pass through it. The surface of the bubbles come into direct contact with the water, where the temperature difference causes an exchange of heat between the hot smoke/vapor, and the cool water. The tree percolator design incorporates a number of small openings instead of large singular ones in order to diffuse the smoke into a larger number of smaller bubbles. This serves the purpose of increasing the surface area of the smoke that is in contact with the water and increasing the efficiency of heat transfer. In short, the primary function of the diffuser allows for cooler, cleaner and even rising smoke. A secondary function of a percolator is to trap certain components contained within the smoke. Water-soluble substances enter into solution as the smoke/vapor contacts the water, while less soluble substances pass through with relative ease. A tertiary function of the diffuser is to hydrate the air-smoke-vapor mixture. Humidity of the air passing through the water is increased. The increased humidity reduces the irritation to the upper respiratory tract experienced by users according to anecdotal claims. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Water pipe percolator」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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