Float chamber

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 engine, where it automatically arranges for the smooth supply of fuel to the engine. However, this arrangement is found in many automatic liquid systems, for example the cistern of a toilet 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 attached by some means to a valve which allows in more liquid. 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 ballcock 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 aircraft.