Sample Question:

Air is moving at 1000 fpm in an 8" duct. The air moves through a transition to a 6" duct. What
is the velocity pressure of the air in the 6" duct?

Solution:

The volume of air must remain constant when going through the transition. Set up the airflow
equation for two separate duct pieces with a constant airflow.

Q = VA
Airflow = Velocity x Cross-sectional Area

Q1 = Q2

V1A1 = V2A2

πd 2
Cross-sectional Area = πr2 =
4

  8 2    6 2 
 π    π  
  12    12 
V1   = V2    
 4   4 
   
   
Divide by 12 to keep the units in square feet.

  8 2   
 π    
 12   4 
V2 = V1      2 
 4   π 6  
   12 
     

2
8
V2 = V1   = 1000 fpm (1.778) = 1778 fpm
6

V = 4005 VP

2 2
 V   1778 
VP =   =  = 0.197 inches of H2O
 4005   4005 

The correct answer is B: 0.197” H2O