what is back pressure

Back pressure refers to the resistance to the desired flow of fluid through pipes, caused by obstructions or tight bends creating friction loss and pressure drop. In oil and gas applications, back pressure is the pressure that is held back against the natural flow of fluid or gas, and it is maintained in various production vessels to provide the right conditions for separation and processing. In the context of engine exhaust, back pressure is the exhaust gas pressure produced by the engine to overcome the hydraulic resistance of the exhaust system, affecting engine efficiency and power output. Excessive back pressure forces the engine to work harder to expel exhaust gases, resulting in more fuel consumption and potential engine performance issues.