Which pressure is always higher, static or running pressure?

Running pressure refers to the pressure of a fluid (such as steam or water) when the system is operating and engaged in delivering that fluid to various components, such as appliances or equipment. This operational pressure is often lower than static pressure due to several factors, including friction losses and flow restrictions that occur while the fluid is in motion.

Static pressure, on the other hand, is the pressure in the system when the fluid is not moving. In this state, the pressure measures the potential energy in the system, undisturbed by flow dynamics. Therefore, when evaluating the two, static pressure is generally higher because it represents the maximum energy state of the fluid when all forces are balanced and there’s no flow-related resistance affecting it.

Consequently, in a well-designed system, the static pressure will always exceed the running pressure, as active flow dynamics and losses in the system reduce the available pressure during operation. Understanding this distinction is essential for troubleshooting and maintaining steam systems, ensuring they operate efficiently and safely under varying load conditions.