When fluid velocity increases, its pressure tends to decrease (for the ideal-flow conditions under which Bernoulli’s equation applies). P = pressure ρ = density of fluid v = velocity g = acceleration due to gravity h = height above a reference level This is the Bernoulli principle , which is very important in fluid mechanics and HVAC/MEP systems. Bernoulli’s Equation P + 1 2 ρ v 2 + ρ g h = constant P + \frac{1}{2}\rho v^2 + \rho gh = \text{constant} It means that, along a streamline for ideal, steady, incompressible flow: P = Static pressure ρ = Fluid density v = Fluid velocity g = Acceleration due to gravity h = Height above the reference level Simple understanding If the velocity of the fluid increases , its pressure tends to decrease , provided the other conditions remain appropriate. For example, when water flows through a smaller pipe section , its velocity increases. To maintain the energy balance, the static pressure generally decreases. Example: ...
The NFPA 99 Medical Gas Flow Requirement Is Revealing Something Interesting Sometimes a new code requirement doesn't create a problem. It reveals one that may have already been there. NFPA 99-2024 (Ref: www.NFPA.org ) requires oxygen and medical air outlets serving Category 1 spaces to demonstrate: 170 SLPM (6 SCFM) for 3 seconds, with no more than a 10 PSI pressure drop. NFPA 99-2027 further clarifies that each outlet is tested individually. And now we're learning something interesting. Testing of some manufactured assemblies has shown that configurations involving flexible hose connectors, headwalls, gas columns and surgical booms can have difficulty meeting the pressure-drop requirement. Think about what that means. The medical gas piping could be properly sized. The source equipment could be operating correctly. The zone pressure could look normal. The outlet could show acceptable static pressure. Yet under flow, the complete delivery path could still experience excessiv...