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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 August 15, 2022, and updated on May 19, 2025. Pressure switches are essential components in a wide range of industries and applications. From maintaining safe operation in burners and boiler systems and monitoring hydraulic pressure in industrial machinery, to controlling pump systems in water treatment facilities and ensuring safety in chemical and petrochemical equipment—pressure switches are everywhere. However, be aware that various factors can affect the performance of your pressure switch in certain applications. Selecting the appropriate microswitch is a minor yet crucial step to guarantee consistent and accurate readings. Read this article to learn about the different microswitch options available and the applications for which they are best suited. You will also see links to additional resources that can help deepen your knowledge about pressure switches and how they are used.

This article was originally published on July 18, 2022, and updated on April 28, 2025. There are many factors to consider when selecting your pressure gauge size, including how and where it will be used, gauge readability, distance from the operator and more. As a leading authority in pressure gauges, Ashcroft is often asked which pressure gauge size is best for a particular application. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. However, we can help guide you. Read this article for expert insights and additional resources that can help deepen your knowledge about pressure gauges.

This article was originally published on July 11, 2022, and updated on April 23, 2025. In operations that involve a risk of fire or explosion, using the wrong pressure instruments can result in severe consequences, including operator injury, equipment damage or worse. To reduce the risk of anything catastrophic happening, pressure switches and other instruments used in these environments must adhere to strict class and division codes. During my extensive career in pressure and temperature measurement, my expertise in this area is a requirement. I write about it often to help others know what to look for when purchasing instruments for their hazardous location applications. Read this article to learn about the different class and division codes and which ones will apply to your specific needs. You will also be directed to additional resources designed to deepen your knowledge even further about pressure instruments and hazardous locations.

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.