If a main steam line pressure gauge reads 900 psig, what is the absolute pressure?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the absolute pressure when a pressure gauge reads 900 psig. To solve this, we need to convert the gauge pressure to absolute pressure by adding the atmospheric pressure, which is typically around 14.7 psi.
Answer
The absolute pressure is $915 \, \text{psia}$.
Answer for screen readers
The absolute pressure is $915 , \text{psia}$.
Steps to Solve
-
Identify the Gauge Pressure and Atmospheric Pressure The pressure gauge reads 900 psig. Atmospheric pressure is about 14.7 psi.
-
Convert Gauge Pressure to Absolute Pressure To find the absolute pressure, add the gauge pressure to the atmospheric pressure: $$ P_{\text{absolute}} = P_{\text{gauge}} + P_{\text{atmospheric}} $$
-
Insert Values into the Formula Plug in the values: $$ P_{\text{absolute}} = 900 , \text{psig} + 14.7 , \text{psi} $$
-
Calculate the Absolute Pressure Perform the addition: $$ P_{\text{absolute}} = 900 + 14.7 = 914.7 , \text{psia} $$
-
Round the Answer Round to the nearest whole number to report the absolute pressure: $$ P_{\text{absolute}} \approx 915 , \text{psia} $$
The absolute pressure is $915 , \text{psia}$.
More Information
The absolute pressure is important for many engineering applications as it determines the actual pressure exerted by the steam without considering the atmospheric pressure.
Tips
- Confusing psig with psia: It's essential to remember that psig (pounds per square inch gauge) does not account for atmospheric pressure, while psia (pounds per square inch absolute) does. Always check which type of pressure is given.
- Forgetting to add atmospheric pressure: It's crucial to add the atmospheric pressure to gauge pressure to find absolute pressure.
AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify critical information
