Blog

Industrial pressure switches have many functions. They are used to regulate water pressure in homes and buildings, maintain water levels in reservoirs and tanks, monitor and control pressure in HVAC systems and pumps, to name a few. However, at Ashcroft, a majority of our customers use pressure switches as a safety mechanism to set off an alarm or trigger a system shutdown when high- or low-pressure limits are reached. Ashcroft is an industry leader in pressure measurement instrumentation. We created this article for new customers like you who want to know how pressure switches can function as an alarm or to shut down their systems. Read on to learn about the different types of pressure switches commonly used in these applications and the additional approvals these switches may need to be used in this capacity. When you’re done reading, you will also find additional resources about switches that may interest you. .

This article was originally published on October 2, 2023, and updated on October 14, 2024. The number of industries that rely on pressure measurement equipment is expansive. The list includes manufacturing, water/wastewater, hydraulics, food and beverage, medical, and pharmaceutical, among others. If you are new to any of these markets, you need to understand the importance of monitoring and maintaining appropriate levels of pressure in the critical processes in your industry. Accurate measurement of pressure in these processes is essential for ensuring safety, control and process efficiency. However, achieving these goals requires periodic instrument calibration. With more than 12 years of specialization in precision instruments, I have witnessed first-hand the consequences of neglecting calibration. As a follow-up to my blog titled, How to Check the Calibration of a Pressure Gauge, this article examines in more detail the circumstances that necessitate this important process, focuses on the three most critical factors of calibration and discusses the considerations associated with each factor. When you finish reading, you will have a solid foundation of knowledge regarding pressure instrument calibration and be ready to dig deeper into the topic with the additional resources provided for your reference.

When you need to measure air, gas or liquid in any industrial or OEM application, you will likely need to rely on a pressure transducer with sensing technology to keep your system running smoothly. However, process media, measurements and components can vary based on your industry and your specific application. The good news is that Ashcroft and its parent company Nagano Keiki Co. LTD (authorities in pressure measurement instrumentation) offer pressure transducers that can be customized to meet your requirements. Read this article to learn common reasons why companies want customization of their instruments, the features of Ashcroft pressure transducers that can be tailored to your specifications and how to get started. You will also find links to additional resources that will help you learn more about these instruments.

Whether your industrial process involves challenging environments or everyday conditions, you will likely use a thermowell to prevent your temperature instrumentation from getting damaged. Without protection, it is easy for these sensors to become inoperable. One challenge field operators face with a thermowell is calculating the stem length to properly fit a thermometer or electronic temperature sensor. The Ashcroft technical team is often asked how this is done, so we created this article as a point of reference for you. Continue reading to learn about the different types of thermowells, factors to consider when selecting the right thermowell for your application, how they connect to the process piping and more. When you are done reading, you will also find additional resources that may interest you.

This article was originally published on April 8, 2024, and updated on September 30, 2024. Oil & gas, water/wastewater, chemical and petrochemical industries rely on accurate and repeatable pressure measurement instruments to ensure processes run safely and efficiently. However, without proper protection, the internal (wetted) components of those pressure gauges, transmitters, transducers and switches will become damaged from the corrosive materials found in these harsh applications. Diaphragm seals are the ideal solution for protecting your pressure sensors from potential damage because they can isolate the sensing components from the process media. But choosing the right diaphragm seal for the job requires you to consider which wetted materials are best suited for your specific application. Ashcroft can help. We have been an industry leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation for decades and often help our customers address this very challenge. In this article, you will learn the four factors to consider when choosing your diaphragm seal material. When you are done reading, you will have the information you need to be more confident in your purchasing decision. You will also see additional related resources to address other diaphragm seal questions you may have .

This article was originally published on December 4, 2023, by Rick Zerafin and updated on September 26, 2024. If your work involves critical applications with harsh conditions, extreme weather and high-vibration environments, thermocouples are essential instruments that can keep your system operating efficiently. They are often used in equipment like turbine systems, gas compressors, pumps and other equipment to provide clear and reliable signals to communicate whether a system is working properly, or not. In doing so, these instruments help reduce downtime, lower maintenance costs and increase productivity. Selecting the correct junction type is critical to ensure optimal temperature sensor performance. With 40 years of measurement instrument experience, I am often asked about the differences and benefits of each junction option. In this article, you will learn about the different thermocouple components, including two of the most common types of junctions: grounded and ungrounded. You will also learn the advantages of each junction type, and which is preferable for different applications. When you are done reading, you will have a clear understanding of the best junction to select for your specific needs.