Blog

This article was originally published on April 3, 2023, and was updated on June 9, 2025. When you’re monitoring differential pressure in applications where high static pressure and low differential pressure is a requirement, reliability and corrosion resistance is essential for instrumentation to operate safely. If your pressure measuring instruments aren’t compatible with your process, you may face equipment damage and downtime. Ashcroft has been a leader in pressure instrumentation since 1852. During that time, we have answered a lot of questions from customers about differential pressure and the measurement solutions we offer. In this article, you will get a quick overview of differential pressure and learn about two of the several differential gauges we offer, including the Ashcroft® 5503 DP Gauge and Ashcroft® F5504 DP Gauge. By comparing the similarities and differences you can determine which may be a better solution for your specific application. You will also see additional resources that you can explore to deepen your knowledge further about differential pressure and considerations for choosing pressure gauges.

This article was originally published on April 4, 2022, and updated on June 4, 2025. When installing temperature instruments like bimetal thermometers, RTDs, or thermocouples, a small oversight—such as an improperly fitted thermowell—can lead to costly damage, safety risks or inaccurate readings. Thermowells are essential to protecting your thermometer or temperature sensor and ensuring accurate measurements in high-pressure and high-temperature applications, no matter how extreme the conditions. However, if they are too long or two short for the instrument they need to protect, you will not get an accurate temperature measurement and your instrument can be damaged. At Ashcroft, a leading authority in pressure and temperature instrumentation since 1852, we are often asked how to properly fit thermowells into various temperature instruments. Because there are so many factors to consider, such as making sure you have the correct measurements, knowing if a u-dimension is needed, remembering to subtract the tip thickness from the overall thermowell length and more, it can be easy to get the wrong size if you aren’t paying attention. Read this article to learn about thermowells and the different ways to measure your thermometer or RTD/thermocouple for proper installation. When you are done reading, you will understand what each measurement represents and be more proficient in fitting your temperature instrument with a thermowell. You will also see links to additional articles and resources that are available should you need to broaden your understanding of these instruments further.

This article was originally published on December 12, 2022, and updated on June 2, 2025. Depending on the industry and application, your choice of pressure gauge construction can significantly affect the performance and lifespan of your instrument and your operation. Bourdon tube pressure gauges are known for their reliability and accuracy, making them a common choice for use across process, industrial and OEM markets. Ashcroft is a pioneer in pressure measurement instrumentation and holds the distinction of acquiring the U.S. patent rights for the Bourdon tube from its inventor, Eugène Bourdon, in 1852. This led to the widespread adoption of the "Ashcroft Gauge" in American industry, including railroads, steam locomotives, maritime vessels, factories and industrial plants. Over the years, Ashcroft has continued to innovate, developing various Bourdon tube constructions to meet the evolving needs of different applications. Read on to learn about Bourdon tube construction types, how they operate and where they work best. You will find links to additional articles and resources related to pressure gauges with guidance on selecting the most suitable one for your particular requirements.

This blog was originally published on June 20, 2022, and updated on May 28, 2025. Maintaining accurate and stable pressure measurements is a constant challenge in demanding applications, particularly as pressure sensors age or are exposed to extreme conditions such as vibration, temperature fluctuations or pressure cycling. This can lead to loss of stability, causing your sensor to drift outside of its specified range. When this happens, you have an important decision to make: recalibrate or replace your instrument. As a trusted leader in pressure measurement technologies, Ashcroft brings over 170 years of engineering expertise to support process applications across multiple industries. Read this article to learn more about zero and span adjustability, why it’s important to long-term sensor performance, the benefits and limitations of using adjustable pressure transducers and ow to determine when recalibration is needed. Read on to discover how pressure transducers with zero and span adjustability can improve your system’s reliability and help you avoid costly interruptions. You will also see links to additional articles and resources to help deepen your knowledge about this topic even further.

This article was originally published on July 25, 2022, and was updated on May 21, 2025. In tough OEM environments, reliable pressure measurement isn't a given, but it is a necessity. From the rugged terrain of agricultural machinery to the high-stakes precision of performance racing, selecting the right pressure transducer can make all the difference in system performance and longevity. Getting it wrong can affect both your product and your customers. For more than a century, Ashcroft has been a trusted partner that OEMs and system integrators rely on to meet quality, delivery and budget requirements, ensuring you always have the right pressure and temperature instruments for the job. Read this article to explore the features, capabilities and specifications of the Ashcroft® S1 OEM Pressure Transducer. This high-quality, robust and economical sensor is designed for large-volume manufacturing at an economical cost and is available for quick lead times. When you finish reading, you will have enough information to decide if this pressure sensor is a good fit for your OEM system.

This article was originally published on August 15, 2022, and updated on May 19, 2025. Pressure switches are essential components in a wide range of industries and applications. From maintaining safe operation in burners and boiler systems and monitoring hydraulic pressure in industrial machinery, to controlling pump systems in water treatment facilities and ensuring safety in chemical and petrochemical equipment—pressure switches are everywhere. However, be aware that various factors can affect the performance of your pressure switch in certain applications. Selecting the appropriate microswitch is a minor yet crucial step to guarantee consistent and accurate readings. Read this article to learn about the different microswitch options available and the applications for which they are best suited. You will also see links to additional resources that can help deepen your knowledge about pressure switches and how they are used.