HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

Short #40 - Specifically Relative


Listen Later

In today's short podcast episode, we talk about specific gravity, also known as relative density. We explain why it matters to technicians.

When we talk about specific gravity, we're actually talking about density. We're actually using that value to assess how a vapor or liquid's density compares to air or water, respectively. Regardless, we are working with the pressure conditions of 14.7 PSIA, or atmospheric pressure.

In the case of liquids, we're relating them to water is at its densest, which is 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit. You may have noticed that ice cubes float in water. That's because water becomes less dense as it gets colder than 39.2 degrees and when it freezes. Ice is less dense and more buoyant than water.

So, specific gravity requires a reference. Because it requires a reference, it is also a relative measurement, so "relative density" is another appropriate term for specific gravity. Regardless of units, we are still comparing one thing to a constant in the form of a ratio. (For example, a liquid with a specific gravity of 0.85 is equal to 85% of the density of water at 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit.) The relative density also explains why some liquids sink and others float when mixed together.

Gases can also rise or sink based on how much lighter or heavier that gas is when compared to air. If the specific gravity of a vapor is less than one, it will rise to the ceiling. Natural gas is an example of that. If the specific gravity of a gas is greater than one, it will sink. LP is heavier than air and will sink. Therefore, LP is a bit more dangerous than natural gas because of how it takes up space due to its interaction with the air.

 

Learn more about Refrigeration Technologies HERE.

If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

HVAC School - For Techs, By TechsBy Bryan Orr

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

985 ratings


More shows like HVAC School - For Techs, By Techs

View all
The Ramsey Show by Ramsey Network

The Ramsey Show

38,668 Listeners

The EntreLeadership Podcast by Ramsey Network

The EntreLeadership Podcast

4,340 Listeners

The Contractor Fight with Tom Reber by Tom Reber

The Contractor Fight with Tom Reber

408 Listeners

The Fine Homebuilding Podcast by Fine Homebuilding Magazine

The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

771 Listeners

Zack's Shop Talk by Zack Psioda

Zack's Shop Talk

152 Listeners

Building HVAC Science by Bill Spohn

Building HVAC Science

71 Listeners

The Home Service Expert Podcast by Tommy Mello: $200 Million Founder|Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur Columnist

The Home Service Expert Podcast

721 Listeners

HVAC Know It All Podcast by Gary McCreadie

HVAC Know It All Podcast

208 Listeners

Hvac Uncensored by Gil Cavey

Hvac Uncensored

112 Listeners

HVAC Tech Tips by CE

HVAC Tech Tips

16 Listeners

AC Service Tech Answers Podcast by Craig Migliaccio

AC Service Tech Answers Podcast

89 Listeners

Waste No Day: A Home Services Motivational Podcast by Brian Burton & Nate Minnich

Waste No Day: A Home Services Motivational Podcast

468 Listeners

The Build Show Podcast by Matt Risinger

The Build Show Podcast

359 Listeners

The Refrigeration Mentor Podcast by Trevor Matthews

The Refrigeration Mentor Podcast

29 Listeners

Did You Know?-The ESCO HVAC Podcast by ESCO Institute

Did You Know?-The ESCO HVAC Podcast

6 Listeners