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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. In fact, 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 examine in more detail the circumstances that necessitate this important process, focus on the three most critical factors of calibration and discuss 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.

Now more than ever, industrial leaders are taking measures to protect the environment. For example, if you are in the HVAC/R business you may be using a more ecologically friendly refrigerant compound like ammonia to help reduce your energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. If this is the case, you need to be aware of certain risks and solutions that can help minimize potential danger. According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerant and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), ammonia is an ideal alternative to traditional chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant compounds because of its low impact on the environment. However, in certain quantities, ammonia can also be hazardous to people and animals. That’s why systems with ammonia and similar refrigerant-based compounds need to have quality components, including pressure sensors. In some ammonia-based systems – such as those used in fuel pump controls – using the wrong kind of OEM pressure transducer could lead to leaks or bursts that cause serious harm to operators and equipment.

Do you have a ‘Workplace Wish List’ that includes all the things you are looking for in your next employer? If yes, you may be starting to think a place that checks all your boxes doesn’t exist. You’ll be happy to know that Ashcroft is just the place you’ve been searching for. But don’t just take my word for it. This year, Ashcroft was named a Top Workplace in Western Connecticut by Hearst Media Services. We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment because it tells the world what we already know: Ashcroft is a great place to work. As VP of Human Resources, I lead the Company’s HR Team and recently did an interview to shed some light on what exactly makes Ashcroft such a great place to work. Read my replies to get a better understanding of what you can expect as an Ashcroft employee.

For the industry novice looking to understand the basics of pressure measurement instruments, it can be confusing and overwhelming to search through the seemingly limitless number of available transmitters and transducers. The good news is, Ashcroft has been a pressure solution expert for decades. Additionally, as a product leader, I personally have extensive experience in precision pressure and temperature measurement that stems from my degree in electrical engineering and working in the industry for more than 40 years. In this article, you’ll learn: ● What these pressure sensors do and how they work ● Why output (the type of signal you need) will be the primary reason to choose one option over the other ● How each sensor performs in terms of accuracy, cost and reliability When you are done reading you will be able to speak knowledgeably about pressure sensor basics and know whether a pressure transmitter or transducer is the best fit for your needs. So, let’s get started!

If you work with any of the critical mechanical applications found in the modern world - including mobile construction equipment, and fuel pumps for example - it is likely you also manage hydraulic systems. Because these systems use liquids in various forms to generate power, you know that the inherent pressure feature of hydraulics has to be managed properly. In the best-case scenario, a lack of sufficient management of pressure levels in a system could lead to inferior output. In the worst cases, it could cause damage to equipment or physical harm to system operators. Hydraulic pressure gauges play a critical role in regulating pressure by monitoring levels in either a specified part or the entire system to ensure things are operating normally. So how do you know which pressure gauge will work best in your hydraulic system? Just know what you’re looking for and choose carefully! Sounds simple, right? As a pressure gauge product lead at Ashcroft - a recognized authority in temperature and pressure solutions - I have seen many scenarios where the wrong pressure gauges were selected and the impact that decision had on operations. In this article, you will learn about the five pressure gauge features I consider most important for hydraulic applications so you can be confident about selecting the best option to meet your specific needs. Let’s get started.

When your organization operates equipment in critical processes – from plants dealing with hazardous chemicals to power stations providing energy for thousands of households – you can’t afford to have any questions about the accuracy and effectiveness of your pressure and temperature instruments. For these critical applications, your instruments need to be dependable and function the way your operators expect. It’s not always enough to perform the normal set of daily checks done by the team. From time to time, you need a more full-scale solution that gives you an in-depth understanding of how your instruments are performing and what needs to be improved. An instrument audit like the one Ashcroft offers in our Critical Application Solution Experts® (CASE®) service could be the perfect solution for helping you keep your equipment in top condition. In this article, we’ll explain what’s involved in our CASE audit and list some of its benefits for plant managers who pursue one.