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Generally speaking, a siphon is a small, heat dissipation device used to protect pressure instruments from high-temperature media and reduce the possible damaging effects of rapid temperature change. There are different types of siphons, each designed for specific applications, from industrial to everyday use. This article will focus on industrial applications found in power generation, oil and gas, chemical and petrochemical plants and water/wastewater management, to name a few. As part of Ashcroft's Understanding the Basics series, this article will explore the different types of siphons used as heat dissipators in both steam and non-steam applications. Continue reading to learn which siphons are used for these purposes and how they work. You will also see links to additional information on these instruments and resources to enhance your understanding of maintaining instrument safety in challenging environments.

This article was originally published on February 14, 2022, and updated on March 17, 2025. Accurate low-pressure monitoring is crucial for safety in air flow measurement, leak detection systems cleanrooms, isolation rooms and other critical applications in healthcare, semiconductor manufacturing and more. However, measuring very low pressures in small volumes with accuracy and repeatability requires a specialized sensor. It is the sensor’s design, manufacturing process and installation method that will determine whether or not it can deliver the long-term stability, accuracy and resolution necessary to provide meaningful measurements. That's where microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) can help. Ashcroft, a recognized leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation, and its parent company Nagano Keiki Co. LTD have a proven track record of manufacturing excellence in low-pressure pressure sensors with MEMS technology. Read this article to learn more about MEMS, how it works in low-pressure applications and the pressure sensors available to keep low-pressure environments working with precision and reliability.

If you are just starting a career in oil and gas, chemical processing or any industry that involves flammable materials, dust and other potentially ignitable substances, you need to understand the dangers associated with hazardous locations. This includes knowing what to look for when purchasing instruments for challenging and potentially explosive applications. As a product technical leader at Ashcroft - a recognized authority in pressure and temperature measurement instrumentation - I understand these challenges well. In this article, you will find valuable insights to help you navigate the complexities of monitoring temperature in hazardous location applications. This includes a definition of a hazardous location, the agency standards and approvals required for equipment used in these areas and why temperature instruments, in particular, to be fully certified to ensure the safety and compliance of your operation. When you are done reading, you will have a foundation of information and be more confident about your instrument choices for these challenging applications. You will also have access to additional resources that will deepen your knowledge of RTDs and thermocouples.

This article was originally published on June 4, 2021, and was updated on March 10, 2025. Choosing the right assemblies for your pressure instruments can seem overwhelming. There are so many factors to consider and endless combinations of products and configurations that will influence what you need for your specific application. So, how can you get the proper assemblies to suit your project’s needs? How do you start looking in the first place? These are questions that come up a lot in my discussions with customers. Luckily, my 20 years of industry experience, including the past five at Ashcroft, gives me the ability to share my expertise in this particular area. Read this article to learn the top five factors to consider when researching pressure instrument mounting assemblies, and how to choose the right assemblies that can protect your equipment and ensure successful processes for your specific application.

This article was originally published on June 6, 2022, and was updated on March 5, 2025. In water and wastewater applications, corrosive substances or blockages from sludge or slurries can compromise your pressure and temperature instruments. How can you safeguard these instruments and maintain operational efficiency? A diaphragm seal offers protection, but not just any seal will suffice. You'll want a diaphragm seal with a flushing connection that can simplify the seal's cleaning process and prevent clogging. I've been working with Ashcroft - a leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation - for the better part of 33 years. Initially, I was the branch manager at an Ashcroft distributor, and for the past 10 years, I have been the Northwest territory manager. In both roles, I have helped customers understand the features and benefits of water and wastewater instrumentation. Read this article to learn what a flushing connection is, how it can help a diaphragm seal be more effective in harsh applications and when it's most advantageous to put one to work for you.

This article was originally published on January 24, 2022, and updated on March 3, 2025. If you work in oil and gas pipelines, chemical plants, refineries or anywhere that will require a thermowell to protect your temperature sensor from the process media, it is important to ensure that the device will work in the application. For instance, wake turbulence caused by your process has the potential to break the thermowell and damage your equipment. Calculating thermowell wake frequency can help. As a product leader at Ashcroft, with more than 40 years of industry experience, this is a topic that I talk to customers about often. In this article, you will learn what thermowell wake frequency is and how to calculate it. When you are done reading, you will understand the need to have a wake frequency calculation done and be more confident in your thermowell's ability to protect your temperature sensor. Plus, we will share additional resources that will deepen your knowledge of thermowells even further.