Setra Blog

Absolute pressure is the pressure measured relative to a perfect vacuum, which is considered absolute zero pressure. This means it includes the atmospheric pressure in addition to the pressure of the system being measured. 

An incredibly diverse array of applications require the measurement of air pressure. Depending on the application, users need to be able to interpret pressure readings in different ways and use appropriate units to reflect those readings accurately.

Absolute Pressure Defined

Absolute pressure is measured relative to a full vacuum. In contrast, the pressure that is measured against atmospheric pressure (also known as barometric pressure) is called gauge pressure. A full vacuum has an absolute pressure reading of 0 PSIA and the average barometric pressure at sea level is ~14.7 PSIA.

When selecting stainless steel for various applications, understanding the differences between 17-4 and 316L stainless steel is crucial. Both alloys offer unique properties tailored to specific needs.

Stainless steel (SS) comes in all shapes, sizes, and compositions. It’s an alloy comprised of several different elements such as iron, nickel, and chromium with superior corrosion resistance compared to its constituent parts. Different applications require different material properties. In fact, there are dozens of individual grades of stainless steel alone, each with a unique proportion of ingredients and application benefits. This article will focus on two types in particular: 17-4 and 316L stainless steel.