We use a positive-pressure, argon-filled glovebox on a regular basis. There's a catalyst system which nominally removes trace amounts of water from the box - however, the moisture meter is wildly uncalibrated and unreliable.

A situation has come up regarding the glovebox main vent. My lab-mates insist that if the vent is open (pipe ~ .5" diameter), then the positive pressure inside the glovebox prevents any moisture from entering the box. I remember hearing that some backflow does occur, but I can't prove it.

I've been looking for a report, book, or journal article which mentions this, but haven't had any luck. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

edit: The way that the backflow was explained to me was that the flow would be outwards for most of the pipe, but that along the edges, it would be inwards.