Suction pressure is the refrigerant gas pressure at the compressor’s suction point in air conditioning and refrigeration. It plays a crucial role in system operation and diagnosis, with a balance between suction and discharge pressure being necessary for proper function. Suction pressure can be used as a diagnostic aid, with abnormal values indicating potential faults. […]
Pressure frying is a cooking method that uses special equipment to heat oil and food in a pressurized environment, resulting in crispy exterior and moist interior. It is mainly used in commercial kitchens and requires expensive equipment. Pressure frying uses less time and oil, but cannot be done safely in a standard pressure cooker. Pressure […]
Pressure relief valves are safety devices that prevent dangerous pressure buildups in pressurized systems. They can be set to open at a specific pressure or temperature and are required by law for safety reasons in many regions. A classic example is the valve fitted to a water heater that “vents” if the temperature or pressure […]
Caffeine can block hormones that keep arteries open, trigger adrenaline release, and temporarily raise blood pressure. While a direct link to chronic high blood pressure is unproven, those with related heart conditions may benefit from avoiding caffeine. Caffeine may also narrow arteries and stimulate the adrenal gland, leading to increased blood pressure. Caffeine and high […]
Negative room pressure is a technique used in hospitals and laboratories to control airborne contaminants. The ventilation system creates negative pressure, which prevents contaminated air from escaping and encourages clean air to flow in. The air passes through a filtration system before being discharged safely. Patients and workers should not notice anything unusual, but if […]
Barometric pressure is the weight of air in an area, measured in inHg or hPa. Honolulu and San Diego have the smallest range of pressure variations in the US, while St. Paul and Charleston have the largest. Pressure is affected by factors such as altitude, temperature, and weather changes. Health problems such as joint pain, […]
A pressure headache can be caused by sinus infections, allergies, or changes in weather. It is felt in the forehead, cheeks, and around the eyes. Treatment includes antibiotics, allergy medication, and a combination of sinus decongestants and headache medication. A buildup of pressure in the sinus cavities can sometimes cause what is commonly called a […]
High intracranial pressure (ICP) is a dangerous medical condition that requires immediate attention and can be caused by head trauma, infections, strokes, brain tumors, or aneurysms. Symptoms include headaches, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, and changes in behavior. Treatment options include medication, inducing a coma, or creating a shunt. Hospitalization and treatment of underlying conditions are necessary […]
Hydrostatic pressure measures the force of a fluid at rest, while colloidal osmotic pressure is the strain of blood plasma proteins attracting water into the circulatory system. Breast cancer shows a marked drop in hydrostatic pressure and an increase in colloidal osmotic pressure, causing loss of tumor vessels. Ascites is treated with low-sodium diets and […]
Vapor pressure is the pressure within a gas or vapor in a closed container. It is affected by temperature, container size, and molecular bond strength. As temperature increases, the rate of evaporation increases until it reaches an equilibrium point. The size of the container and molecular bond strength also affect vapor pressure. By definition, vapor […]
Abdominal pressure can be caused by bloating, overeating, constipation, or serious issues such as blood clots or hernias. Pregnant women may experience pressure due to the expanding uterus, but should see a doctor if it becomes severe. Ascites, a buildup of fluid in the abdomen, requires medical attention. Stomach problems are often the source of […]
Atmospheric pressure is the weight or force exerted by the atmosphere on a defined part of the Earth. Barometers are used to measure pressure, with mercury or water barometers measuring air pressure by pushing the material up a tube. Aneroid barometers use the contraction and expansion of a metal cell to measure pressure. Air pressure […]
Earthquakes release energy and seismic waves, relieving pressure on fault lines. The Richter scale measures earthquake magnitude, with a magnitude 7 or higher causing severe damage. Small earthquakes do not delay larger ones, but can precede them, helping seismologists predict when they might occur. An earthquake is simply any sudden release of energy within the […]
A pressure cooker uses heat and pressure to cook food quickly, with the steam keeping food moist. Traditional models require experience, while modern versions have gauges and readers for different settings. They can be used for a variety of foods and can also be used for pressure canning, but experts recommend a separate pressure bottle […]
Pressure cookers cook all types of food quickly, while rice cookers are typically just for rice. Rice cookers are self-contained and electric, while pressure cookers are pots used on a stove. Rice cookers have limits on the type of rice they can cook, while pressure cookers can cook rice faster and are unaffected by atmospheric […]
Certain vitamins, including B vitamins, vitamins A, C, D, and E, can help control or prevent high blood pressure. They can be found in certain foods or taken as dietary supplements, but proper dosages should be consulted with a doctor. Vitamin A manages blood pressure by preventing the buildup of bad cholesterol, while B vitamins […]
Squeeze bulbs are versatile devices used to pump fluids and gases, with medical applications such as blood pressure cuffs and ventilators. They can also be used for controlled suction and to transfer fluids, and are typically made of rubber. A squeeze bulb is a device that can be used to suck up or pump fluids […]
Sinus pressure in the ears is caused by infections, colds, flu, ear infections, and allergies. The Eustachian tube becomes blocked, causing compression in the middle ear and a plugged ear sensation. Decongestants can relieve pressure, but antibiotics may be needed for ear infections. Surgery may be necessary for children with frequent ear infections. The most […]
Design pressure is the expected pressure at which a closed vessel, such as a chemical reactor, operates during normal operations. It is determined by calculation or process simulation and used to measure vessel capacities. The maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) is the pressure a vessel can withstand before failing. Design pressure is important for process […]
Atmospheric pressure varies due to natural currents and affects weather patterns. Air molecules are pulled towards the Earth’s surface by gravity, creating pressure. Barometric pressure can be measured with a barometer. Low pressure can cause severe weather, while high pressure results in clear weather. Temperature and humidity can also affect pressure. Atmospheric pressure is the […]
