let's say we have a vessel that is open to the atmosphere and is located at an altitude where the atmospheric pressure is about 0 psi. Then, we hook up a pressure pump and attempt to bring the pressure of the vessel back up to sea-level pressure. Is this possible or not? Thanks in advance.
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$\begingroup$ Well, the ISS is up where the atmosphere is about zero psi, and it is pressurized. But, not from what little ambient there is. In theory one might (slowly) collect residual gas, but not quickly... $\endgroup$– Jon CusterCommented May 24, 2016 at 18:11
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$\begingroup$ Hi and Welcome to Physics SE! $\endgroup$– AndreaCommented May 24, 2016 at 18:13
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Yes and No! The vessel is open to the surrounding atmosphere so that it will always be in equilibrium with it. However, if the opening is very small and the supply of high pressure gas of a high enough volume, then the pressure in the vessel would rise. This is analogous to a car tyre having a blowout or a slow puncture.
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$\begingroup$ Okay so if the vessel was originally open to the atmosphere, then sealed and connected to a pressure pump which only takes air from the atmosphere (o psi) to pump into the vessel, it could be brought back to ambient pressure? or is a separate gas of higher pressure required? Thanks for your help. $\endgroup$– W. VacekCommented May 24, 2016 at 18:13
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$\begingroup$ Hi Dave, and welcome to Physics SE! Good first answer! It would be more correct to say "it will always tend to be in equilibrium." $\endgroup$– AndreaCommented May 24, 2016 at 18:14
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$\begingroup$ @W.Vacek you would need some air for the pump to work! $\endgroup$– AndreaCommented May 24, 2016 at 18:14
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$\begingroup$ Andrea. Thanks. You are correct, it would always tend to equilibrium. $\endgroup$– DaveCommented May 26, 2016 at 14:49
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$\begingroup$ If the atmospheric pressure was zero, then even a pump with an external power source $\endgroup$– DaveCommented May 26, 2016 at 14:52