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Pressure Conversion Formula:
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Absolute pressure is the total pressure measured relative to a perfect vacuum (zero pressure). Gauge pressure is the pressure measured relative to atmospheric pressure. The relationship between them is defined by the equation: Absolute Pressure = Gauge Pressure + Atmospheric Pressure.
The calculator uses the pressure conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: Standard atmospheric pressure at sea level is approximately 14.7 psi, but this can vary with altitude and weather conditions.
Details: Understanding the difference between absolute and gauge pressure is crucial in many engineering applications, including HVAC systems, pneumatic controls, hydraulic systems, and process industries where precise pressure measurements are required.
Tips: Enter gauge pressure and atmospheric pressure values in psi. The calculator will compute the absolute pressure. Standard atmospheric pressure is 14.7 psi at sea level.
Q1: Why is atmospheric pressure typically 14.7 psi?
A: This is the average atmospheric pressure at sea level, which is equivalent to 1 atmosphere (atm) or 101.325 kPa.
Q2: When should I use absolute pressure vs gauge pressure?
A: Use absolute pressure for scientific calculations involving gas laws, while gauge pressure is typically used for most industrial and mechanical applications.
Q3: How does altitude affect atmospheric pressure?
A: Atmospheric pressure decreases with increasing altitude. At higher elevations, the atmospheric pressure is lower than 14.7 psi.
Q4: Can this calculator work with different pressure units?
A: This calculator specifically uses psi units. For other units like kPa, bar, or mmHg, you would need to convert values first or use a different calculator.
Q5: What is vacuum pressure?
A: Vacuum pressure is pressure below atmospheric pressure, often expressed as negative gauge pressure or positive absolute pressure less than atmospheric pressure.