What is the pressure of one foot of water used to calculate true psi readings?

The pressure exerted by one foot of water is a fundamental concept in fluid mechanics and is crucial for understanding pressure measurements in systems like high-pressure boilers. Specifically, one foot of water exerts a pressure of approximately 0.433 psi at sea level.

This value is derived from the density of water and the effects of gravity. It is calculated using the formula for hydrostatic pressure, which states that pressure is equal to the height of the fluid column multiplied by the density of the fluid and gravitational acceleration. For water, at standard conditions, the product of the height (1 foot) and the specific weight of water yields around 0.433 psi.

Understanding this conversion is essential, especially in systems where water height needs to be related to pressure measurements in psi. This conversion is often used in various engineering and HVAC applications, as well as in the operation of boilers where accurate pressure readings are vital for safety and operational efficiency.