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This article was originally published on October 17, 2022, and updated on June 16, 2025. Precision and cleanliness are critical aspects of pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing. From sterile production environments to aggressive chemical processes, pressure instruments must deliver consistent performance while supporting stringent regulatory requirements. Ashcroft has been manufacturing pressure instrumentation for pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications for generations. Over the past 10 years with the company, I have helped customers find the best solutions for their specific needs, drawing on trusted industry practices and proven instrumentation examples. Read this article to get a comprehensive overview of common instrument applications, industry challenges and primary considerations for selecting the product that will deliver the most accurate results. You will also find links to additional information that can help deepen your knowledge.

This article was originally published on May 31, 2023, and updated on June 11, 2025. As industries move to adopt hydrogen as a clean energy source, the demand for robust pressure sensing technology has never been greater. But hydrogen introduces unique challenges. For example, many hydrogen applications have processes that can cause hydrogen ion diffusion. This can lead to hydrogen permeation and embrittlement, which can cause premature failure of your measurement instruments. Ashcroft is a leading authority in pressure and temperature instrumentation, with decades of experience designing solutions that meet the unique demands of hydrogen environments. We wrote this article in response to a question that came into our help desk. Read on to learn about hydrogen permeation and hydrogen embrittlement, why they matter in hydrogen applications and how several Ashcroft® pressure transducers are uniquely engineered to mitigate each of these issues. You will also find additional resources that may address other questions you may have about hydrogen applications and selecting the right instrumentation for your system.

This article was originally published on April 3, 2023, and was updated on June 9, 2025. In chemical and petrochemical systems, or any application that requires you to measure differential pressure (DP) with high static pressure and low differential pressure, reliability and corrosion resistance are crucial for safe instrumentation operation. 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 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.