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This blog was originally published on August 2, 2021, and updated on October 30, 2024. In most industries, the need to maintain accurate pressure levels is important to ensure safety and efficiency. However, when it comes to selecting the appropriate pressure switch for a specific application, the challenge is understanding all the options available and finding the right one for your specific needs. During my time working in the pressure measurement industry, and specifically with Ashcroft, a leader in pressure instrumentation, I am often asked when an electronic pressure switch (also referred to as a digital pressure switch) is the better option than a mechanical switch. Of course, the answer depends on the application. In this article, you will learn how an electronic pressure switch works and some scenarios when electronic has advantages over mechanical options.

This article was originally published on July 19, 2021, and updated on October 28, 2024. If you work in a refinery, petrochemical plant, or power generation facility, you likely face the challenge of managing high temperatures and pressures associated with steam applications. Under these harsh conditions, pressure gauges and other instruments can become damaged, which can lead to operational failures. A steam siphon is one solution that can provide a simple yet effective way to protect your instruments from these elevated process temperatures. As a product leader in process gauges at Ashcroft, one of the most common questions I’ve heard (and one that our customer service team often receives) is, “What is a steam siphon and how can it protect my pressure gauge?” In this article, you will get the answer as well as details on the two most common types of steam siphons and how they work. You will also get my guidance on selecting the right siphon for your application. From this point on, when I mention the term siphon, I am specifically referring to a steam siphon, as other siphons can also dissipate heat for high process temperatures not related to steam.

This article was originally published on April 24, 2023, and updated on October 23, 2024. Diaphragm seals and isolation rings are both integral to the safe and efficient operation of your application. Whether it is a chemical plant, water treatment plant or mining facility, these isolators are used throughout the plant to protect instrumentation from harsh process media. But what’s the difference between these two instruments? And, when would you use a diaphragm seal instead of an isolation ring? Throughout my career, I’ve heard this question a lot. Not just from the customers in my territory, but also from product distributors during any of the product training seminars that I conduct for Ashcroft. Continue reading to learn the basic differences between diaphragm seals and isolation rings, which you would use one over the other in specific applications and why. You will also see links to additional resources to learn more.

This article was originally published on March 7, 2022, by John Girard and was updated on October 21, 2024. Regardless of the industry, if your system requires a pressure gauge to measure and monitor process pressure, you want to ensure it offers the accuracy, safety and quality features you need. That includes protection from excessive pulsation and/or vibration found in challenging conditions. While there are many types of pressure gauges to choose from, the challenge is finding the one that works best for your specific situation. Liquid-filled pressure gauges, direct drive pressure gauges and dampened movement options like Ashcroft’s PLUS!™ Performance all have pros and cons to consider. As a leading authority in pressure gauges, Ashcroft helps customers like you understand the advantages and drawbacks of different products so you can make a more informed purchasing decision. Read this article to learn about the types of pressure gauges available for applications with high vibration, pulsation and other demanding conditions. When you are done you will be able to decide which one is best for your application. You will also find additional resources that can answer other common pressure gauge questions.

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.