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Diaphragm seals, also known as isolators, are commonly used to help safeguard the wetted parts of pressure measurement instruments, such as sensors (transmitters and transducers), gauges and switches, from corrosive chemicals in your system's pipes. In some instances, however, diaphragms are also used to protect the instrument from large particles that could potentially obstruct the process connection. As a business development leader at Ashcroft – a leader in pressure instrumentation – I frequently address these concerns in low-pressure applications. Read this article to learn about the factors to consider for using a diaphragm seal in your operation and to use them on different types of instruments (mechanical or sensor) to keep your system flowing. You will also see additional resources you can use as a reference to deepen your knowledge of these isolating instruments.

This article was originally published on February 13, 2023, and updated on January 6, 2025. The chemical industry manufactures a wide range of chemical and material products for industries that require durable and reliable measurement and monitoring technology for their production. Accurate and dependable pressure and temperature measurement instruments are necessary to endure harsh chemical environments. However, incorrect use or failure of these instruments can result in serious outcomes such as equipment damage, employee injury, and environmental hazards. These are just a few reasons why it is essential to use instruments engineered to withstand the severe demands of chemical processing operations. Ashcroft is a leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation since 1852. Read this article to learn about the factors to consider when selecting the best instruments for your chemical application. You will also get links to additional information in case you want to learn more.

This article was originally published on May 3, 2021, and was updated on August 21, 2024. Pressure instruments play a crucial role in ensuring the ideal conditions for water and wastewater systems across various sectors. If you are a design engineer, systems integrator, or plant operator, you understand that choosing the correct instrumentation is essential for the efficient, reliable and safe operation of your systems. With a legacy dating back to 1852, Ashcroft has been at the forefront of creating quality pressure measuring and monitoring instruments that are widely used in water and wastewater facilities worldwide. This article offers several effective strategies to enhance the performance of instrumentation in various water and wastewater applications in industrial, commercial, and residential settings. Whether you are responsible for monitoring pressure, temperature, or flow in a water treatment facility or ensuring the safety of your potable water system, these insights will assist you in achieving your desired outcomes. When you are finished reading, you will also be directed to additional resources to help deepen your knowledge of these applications and the instrumentation that can help your water and wastewater systems run efficiently.

If you work in a chemical manufacturing facility, water treatment center or oil/gas refinery, you likely use pump systems to transfer products between different stations. Suction and discharge installations can be particularly problematic environments for the instruments used to monitor the pressure in these systems. If your instruments get damaged, the entire process can break down, so protecting them is a priority. Ashcroft has been a major contributor to water/wastewater pressure and temperature instrumentation for decades, so we understand the challenges of keeping instruments protected in harsh environments. Read this article for our recommendations for keeping your pressure gauges, switches, and sensors working properly, regardless of where they are positioned during pump system installations. Once you have finished reading, you will be equipped to determine the most suitable approach for your needs. Additionally, you will have access to relevant articles and guides to help keep your systems running smoothly.

If you experiencing issues with diaphragm seal failure in your process, you are not alone. In harsh applications that involve corrosive media and other challenging conditions, diaphragm seals are your primary line of defense in protecting your pressure instruments from becoming damaged. At Ashcroft, we've seen practically every scenario that can cause a diaphragm seal to fail, leading to inaccurate readings and costly downtime. In this article, we will review how a diaphragm seal works, explore the three conditions that account for the majority of diaphragm seal failure — corrosion, high temperature, and fluid fill leakage — and offer some corrective measures to fix these issues. When you are done, you will have a better understanding of why diaphragm seals can fail and be able to identify and prevent potential issues in your own process. You will also find links to additional resources that will help address other diaphragm-related questions you may have.

In challenging process applications, diaphragm seals (isolators) are often required to protect pressure instruments from the corrosive media and/or large particulates found in the process. These materials can impact, or even impede, the accuracy of your instruments and wreak havoc on your operation. In harsh applications that involve pressure spikes, erratic vibration and pulsation, your diaphragm seal may need a layer of added protection to ensure the safety of your instruments. With 10+ years in the pressure and temperature instrumentation industry and product leader for Ashcroft diaphragm seal products, I am often asked to recommend a solution for this particular challenge. More often than not, after I gather all pertinent information about the customer's specific challenge, the solution is a dampening device. Read on to learn when and why a dampening device may be recommended for your application, the different styles that are available and how they function. When you are done, you will have a greater understanding of how diaphragm seals and dampening devices can work together to keep your operation running safely. You will also see links to additional related resources that you can refer to at your convenience.