Pressure Differential

Pressure differential, abbreviated as \(\Delta p\), is the difference in pressure between two points in a fluid or gas system.  It is the amount of pressure that is lost or gained as a fluid or gas flows through a system due to various factors such as flow resistance, changes in elevation, and changes in the cross-sectional area of the pipe or duct.  Positive pressure differential refers to the condition where the pressure at one point is higher than the pressure at another point, while negative pressure differential refers to the condition where the pressure at one point is lower than the pressure at another point.

Pressure differential plays an important role in many applications, such as in fluid and gas systems used in industrial processes, heating and cooling systems, and ventilation systems.  It can be used to control the flow of fluids or gases, such as in pumps, valves, and regulators, and can also be used to measure flow rates, such as in flow meters and pressure sensors.  In some cases, pressure differential can also pose a safety risk, such as in the case of explosive or hazardous gases.  In these situations, it is important to maintain a safe pressure differential to prevent leaks or explosions.

 

PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL formula
\( \Delta p =   1.59923 \; p \; d^4 \; \rho  \;/\;  m_f^2 \)
Symbol	English	Metric
\( \Delta p \) = Pressure Differential	\(lbf \;/\; in^2\)	\(Pa\)
\( p \) = Pressure Change	\(lbf \;/\; in^2\)	\(Pa\)
\( d \) = Inside Diameter of Pipe	\(in\)	\(mm\)
\( \rho \) (Greek symbol rho) = Liquid Density	\(lbm \;/\; ft^3\)	\(kg \;/\; m^3\)
\( m_f \) = Mass Flow Rate	\(lbm \;/\; sec\)	\(kg \;/\; s\)