What does differential pressure represent in a system?

Differential pressure represents the pressure variation between two points in a fluid system. It is a crucial measurement used in various applications, including flow measurement, level detection, and filter monitoring. By assessing the difference in pressure between two locations, you can determine the flow rate of a fluid, identify blockages, or monitor changes in system performance.

For instance, in a pipe system, if you measure the pressure at the inlet and outlet, the differential pressure indicates how much pressure is lost due to resistance, giving insight into fluid dynamics within the system. This measurement can be particularly important for identifying when filters need to be changed or understanding the performance of pumps and other equipment in the system.

While average pressure, pressure at a single point, and atmospheric pressure each serve specific functions in various contexts, they do not capture the essence of differential pressure, which fundamentally relates to the comparison of two distinct pressure measurements.