What type of pressure measurement is commonly used in pneumatic systems?

In pneumatic systems, the measurement of pressure is typically represented in terms of gauge pressure. Gauge pressure is the pressure relative to atmospheric pressure and is what is most commonly used in pneumatic applications because it reflects the pressure available for doing work within the system. It ignores the atmospheric pressure, focusing instead on the effective pressure.

While absolute pressure measures pressure relative to a perfect vacuum and differential pressure measures the difference between two points, these are not the standard reference for operational pressures in most pneumatic systems. Therefore, gauge pressure is preferred as it provides a clear understanding of the operating pressures that affect performance and efficiency in pneumatic applications.

Recognizing how gauge pressure functions within pneumatic systems aids in understanding how these systems operate and how various components can be affected by changes in pressure.