The diffuser is one of the most important components of a water pipe. The term ‘diffuser’ refers to a specific type of downstem for a water pipe. Diffusers may be sealed on one end, or they may have several small slits/holes cut into them. These holes help break up the airflow, producing smaller bubbles than typical downstems are able to produce.
How do diffusers work?
Diffusers work by displacing water when the outlet pressure is reduced. Air bubbles are then formed from the inlet to the outlet of the pipe. As the bubbles come into contact with the water, the difference in temperature results in the exchange of heat from the hot smoke to the cool water.
Many diffuser designs feature numerous small holes cut into the end of the diffuser as opposed to a few larger openings. This helps break up the smoke into smaller bubbles, resulting in more surface area coming into contact with the water and increasing the heat-transfer and filtration efficiency. Diffusers therefore result in a much cooler and cleaner smoke, which in turn results in a smoother and more pleasant smoking experience.
Benefit of smaller bubbles
Smaller bubbles are preferable to larger ones due to the greater surface area that comes into contact with the water. This results in more efficient filtering and enhanced cooling of the smoke before it is inhaled by the user. The smaller bubbles produced by diffusers also make them much quieter in operation than typical downstems.
Diffuser functions
Aside from cooling down and filtering the smoke, diffusers also help enhance the flow of air through the water pipe, making it rise more evenly. This is the result of the bubbles coming into contact with the water’s surface at the same time. Diffusers are typically found in water pipe components such as tree percolators.
To a lesser degree, diffusers also serve to trap ash, plant material, and other contaminants in the smoke. When utilized in a water pipe, diffusers work in conjunction with the water, the filter, and other diffusers and percolators in ensuring a cleaner, cooler, and smoother smoking experience with increased efficiency. As the smoke comes into contact with the water in the main chamber, the water-soluble substances and compounds are retained in the water, with the active ingredients passing through via smoke or vapor. The result is a cleaner and more flavorful taste, with no reduction in the effects of the herbal material or concentrate.
Diffusers serve a further purpose by hydrating the mixture of air and smoke. By increasing the humidity in the air and smoke passing through the pipe, users experience reduced irritation in the throat and air passageways. This results in a much more pleasant and safer smoking/vaporizing experience, particularly for people who would like to reduce the harmful or irritating effects of smoke.
