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Temperature measurement in an ammonia compressor in industrial refrigeration is crucial to ensure system efficiency, operational safety and early detection of problems. Because ammonia can be hazardous to your health, reactive, corrosive, flammable, and in some cases explosive, selecting and installing your temperature measurement equipment demands strict adherence to established standards and best practices. At Ashcroft, we’ve built our reputation on delivering accurate and reliable pressure and temperature instrumentation for mission-critical environments. Read this article to learn how temperature is monitored in a refrigeration system's compressor, and what to look for when selecting the best temperature measurement instruments to monitor ammonia systems safely and effectively. You will also see links to additional resources about temperature sensors for your reference.

This article was originally published on March 21, 2022, and updated on July 9, 2025. As manufacturing and industrial operations have become increasingly automated and reliant on electronic systems for safety, the importance of standardized functional safety measures has grown. Protecting system operators and maintaining safe, reliable processes are now top priorities across all industries. Whether you’re protecting workers from injury, preventing environmental spills or avoiding costly equipment damage, ensuring your pressure instruments are Safety Integrity Level (SIL) certified will play a key role in minimizing risk in your critical process applications. For example, when using pressure switches in your application, you will want to consider the SIL rating of your system or device. As a global expert in pressure and temperature instrumentation, we are often asked to explain the benefits of SIL certification. Read this article to learn more about this safety standard, the organization that created it, where SIL-certified instruments are used and the pressure switches we offer that can help prevent worker injury or damage to your equipment.

This article was originally published on September 6, 2022, and updated on July 7, 2025. When working with critical processes in power generation, chemical manufacturing or food processing, one of your primary challenges is ensuring accurate temperature measurement. The wrong sensor could lead to reduced performance, safety concerns or even equipment failure. That’s why selecting the correct temperature sensor for your application is so important. As a recognized leader in pressure and temperature measurement instruments, Ashcroft has been helping industries worldwide make informed decisions for over a century. In this article, you will learn about two types of temperature sensors, how they work and their respective advantages and disadvantages. You will also receive guidance on selecting the most suitable sensor for your specific needs.

Finding the right temperature sensor at a price that fits your budget can be a challenge. During an industrial project for a critical application that required both RTDs and thermocouples (two common types of temperature sensors), the buyer's main concern was cost. He had assumed these instruments were priced similarly. The reality is not all applications are the same and not all temperature sensors are created equal. A sensor designed to measure air temperature in a room is vastly different from one built to withstand 1,400 °C in a heat-treating furnace. The type of sensor, the environment it's used in and the level of accuracy or durability required can all influence the price. As a trusted leader in temperature and pressure measurement, we created this article to help you understand what really goes into the cost of a temperature sensor. Read this article to learn the top five cost drivers for temperature sensors so you can make a confident, cost-effective decision. By identifying what matters most to your application, you can avoid overpaying for unnecessary features—and feel confident that you’re selecting the right tool for the job. When you are done reading you will have a better idea of how much you can expect to pay for these instruments. Plus, you will see additional resources that can address other questions you may have about temperature sensors.

This article was originally published on May 9, 2022, and updated on June 23, 2025. In harsh process environments, even the most durable components can degrade over time—especially thermowells, which are your first line of defense for temperature sensors. Exposure to corrosive chemicals, high-velocity flow or abrasive media can wear down thermowells, risking measurement accuracy and system reliability. That’s where coated thermowells come in. As a trusted leader in temperature instrumentation, Ashcroft helps engineers extend equipment life and ensure process stability by offering different coatings for specific conditions. In this article, you’ll learn how thermowell coatings work, the different types available and how to choose the best option to protect both your instruments and your process.

This blog was originally published on November 1, 2021, and updated on June 18, 2022. Finding an economically priced pressure gauge that is built to perform in harsh applications like hydrogen refueling, natural gas processing and sanitary systems, reliability, compatibility and safety matter more than ever. For over 170 years, Ashcroft has been a trusted source of pressure and temperature instrumentation, offering solutions engineered for the world’s most challenging environments. The Ashcroft® 8008S Pressure Gauge is no exception. Read on to explore the key features, materials, industries and applications for this compact, high-performance pressure gauge. When you are done reading, you will know if this pressure gauge it’s the right fit for your system.