What does "differential pressure" measure?

Differential pressure measures the difference between two pressure points. This concept is critical in various applications, including fluid dynamics, HVAC systems, and medical devices. By assessing the variance in pressure between two points, one can ascertain how fluids or gases are behaving within a system.

For example, in a healthcare setting, differential pressure can be essential for understanding airflow in isolation rooms, ensuring that pathogens do not spread. Similarly, in engineering contexts, it can help monitor the efficiency of systems and detect leaks.

Understanding differential pressure allows for better control and optimization within systems where pressure variations are crucial for functionality. Thus, recognizing it as the difference between two pressure points helps clarify its role in analyzing how systems respond to various conditions.