What is the correction factor for hydrostatic pressure per vertical foot?

The correction factor for hydrostatic pressure per vertical foot is related to the concept that pressure increases with depth in a fluid due to the weight of the fluid above. For water, the hydrostatic pressure increase is approximately 0.433 psi for each foot of vertical depth. This value is derived from the properties of water, where 1 psi is equivalent to the pressure exerted by a column of water approximately 2.31 feet high. Thus, when calculating hydrostatic pressure, it is common to use a standard correction factor of 0.433 psi for every vertical foot to determine the pressure at a certain depth.

Understanding this principle is essential in the context of steam operations, where accurate calculations of pressure at various depths in tanks or systems are crucial for safe and efficient operation. The other option values do not accurately reflect the standard calculation used in hydrostatics for water, emphasizing the significance of knowing the correct factor for practical applications in steam engineering.