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Generally speaking, a siphon is a small, heat dissipation device used to protect pressure instruments from high-temperature media and reduce the possible damaging effects of rapid temperature change. There are different types of siphons, each designed for specific applications, from industrial to everyday use. This article will focus on industrial applications found in power generation, oil and gas, chemical and petrochemical plants and water/wastewater management, to name a few. As part of Ashcroft's Understanding the Basics series, this article will explore the different types of siphons used as heat dissipators in both steam and non-steam applications. Continue reading to learn which siphons are used for these purposes and how they work. You will also see links to additional information on these instruments and resources to enhance your understanding of maintaining instrument safety in challenging environments.

This article was originally published on February 14, 2022, and updated on March 17, 2025. Accurate low-pressure monitoring is crucial for safety in air flow measurement, leak detection systems cleanrooms, isolation rooms and other critical applications in healthcare, semiconductor manufacturing and more. However, measuring very low pressures in small volumes with accuracy and repeatability requires a specialized sensor. It is the sensor’s design, manufacturing process and installation method that will determine whether or not it can deliver the long-term stability, accuracy and resolution necessary to provide meaningful measurements. That's where microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) can help. Ashcroft, a recognized leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation, and its parent company Nagano Keiki Co. LTD have a proven track record of manufacturing excellence in low-pressure pressure sensors with MEMS technology. Read this article to learn more about MEMS, how it works in low-pressure applications and the pressure sensors available to keep low-pressure environments working with precision and reliability.

If you are just starting a career in oil and gas, chemical processing or any industry that involves flammable materials, dust and other potentially ignitable substances, you need to understand the dangers associated with hazardous locations. This includes knowing what to look for when purchasing instruments for challenging and potentially explosive applications. As a product technical leader at Ashcroft - a recognized authority in pressure and temperature measurement instrumentation - I understand these challenges well. In this article, you will find valuable insights to help you navigate the complexities of monitoring temperature in hazardous location applications. This includes a definition of a hazardous location, the agency standards and approvals required for equipment used in these areas and why temperature instruments, in particular, to be fully certified to ensure the safety and compliance of your operation. When you are done reading, you will have a foundation of information and be more confident about your instrument choices for these challenging applications. You will also have access to additional resources that will deepen your knowledge of RTDs and thermocouples.

This article was originally published on January 24, 2022, and updated on March 3, 2025. If you work in oil and gas pipelines, chemical plants, refineries or anywhere that will require a thermowell to protect your temperature sensor from the process media, it is important to ensure that the device will work in the application. For instance, wake turbulence caused by your process has the potential to break the thermowell and damage your equipment. Calculating thermowell wake frequency can help. As a product leader at Ashcroft, with more than 40 years of industry experience, this is a topic that I talk to customers about often. In this article, you will learn what thermowell wake frequency is and how to calculate it. When you are done reading, you will understand the need to have a wake frequency calculation done and be more confident in your thermowell's ability to protect your temperature sensor. Plus, we will share additional resources that will deepen your knowledge of thermowells even further.

When it comes to selecting a pressure gauge for your application, understanding the differences between mechanical and digital options can help you make the right choice. Both have unique features and benefits that are best suited to different scenarios. In this Understanding the Basics series, you will get a high-level overview of the features, benefits and uses of these two pressure gauge options, including when to use one over the other and when to use both. Plus, you will receive recommendations for additional resources that can provide a deeper understanding of pressure gauges as a whole. The information in this article is based on more than 40 years of industry experience with temperature and pressure measurement, design, engineering, and product management, which includes 17 years working with Ashcroft - a leader in temperature and pressure instrumentation.

A thermocouple is a type of electrical temperature sensor that is used to measure and monitor temperature changes in process applications. Similar to resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), these sensors are designed to ensure accurate temperature readings in applications where precise temperature control is essential for safety and efficiency. As part of Ashcroft's Understanding the Basics series, this article will provide you with a high-level review of these instruments, including their origin, how they work for different applications and more. You will also gain insights about when to use (or not to use) this type of sensor and be directed to additional resources that can help you deepen your knowledge on the topic of temperature sensors. This information comes from 40 years of industry experience with temperature and pressure measurement, design, engineering, and product management, which includes 17 years working with Ashcroft - a leader in temperature and pressure instrumentation.