The standard deviation of differential pressure fluctuations between pressure taps in a 31.7 mm i.d. vertical downer was found to be proportional to the square root of the distance between the taps when measured under otherwise constant conditions. This finding confirms the prediction of a theoretical model based on the Central Limit Theorem of sampling statistics. Although the paper only presents experimental confirmation for downward flow, the theoretical model should be valid for flows in all orientations. Except at very low solids flows, the pressure gradient was found to be positive in the flow direction, indicating that rise in pressure due to static pressure more than compensated for frictional pressure losses.