1. What is Differential Pressure?

Differential pressure (ΔP) is the difference in pressure between two points in a system. It's commonly used in fluid dynamics to measure flow rates, filter conditions, and other system parameters.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the hydrostatic pressure equation:

Where:

• \( \Delta P \) — Differential pressure (Pascals)
• \( \rho \) — Fluid density (kg/m³)
• \( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s² on Earth)
• \( \Delta h \) — Height difference (meters)

Explanation: The equation calculates the pressure difference caused by a column of fluid of specific height and density.

3. Importance of Differential Pressure

Details: Differential pressure measurements are crucial in HVAC systems, industrial processes, medical equipment, and many engineering applications to monitor system performance and safety.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter fluid density in kg/m³, height difference in meters, and gravitational acceleration (default is Earth's gravity at 9.81 m/s²). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical units for differential pressure?
A: Pascals (Pa) are standard, but other units like mmHg, inH₂O, or psi are also common depending on application.

Q2: How does temperature affect the calculation?
A: Temperature affects fluid density (ρ). For accurate results, use density values at the operating temperature.

Q3: Can this be used for gases?
A: Yes, but gas density changes significantly with pressure and temperature, so calculations are more complex.

Q4: What's the difference between absolute and differential pressure?
A: Absolute pressure is measured relative to vacuum, while differential pressure is the difference between two pressures.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It's theoretically exact for static, incompressible fluids. Real-world accuracy depends on measurement precision.