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Pressure sensors are a critical part of any hydraulic, HVAC or industrial process system. When specified correctly, these instruments can ensure safe operation, accurate performance and long equipment life. The wrong pressure sensor, however, can lead to inaccurate readings, process inefficiencies, equipment damage, or operator safety risks. While sensing technology will ultimately dictate what sensor is best for your application, the following factors also need to be considered. By understanding them, you can avoid common pitfalls and protect your system’s integrity. At Ashcroft, we’ve helped engineers and OEMs navigate these challenges for decades. Read this article to learn: The five essential factors to consider when selecting a pressure sensor Why media compatibility, hydraulic shock and reference type matter How accuracy definitions differ and what to look for The role of interchangeability in long-term system reliability You will also see links to additional resources that can help deepen your knowledge about pressure sensors even more.

This article was originally published on May 10, 2021, and updated on April 2, 2025. The industrial and OEM markets offer a wide variety of pressure transducers, each with its own price range. The challenge is finding the best instrument for your specific application at a cost that aligns with your budget. Having spent over 20 years in the pressure sensor/transducer industry in roles related to product management and sales, I've gained firsthand knowledge of the numerous factors that affect pricing. In this article, you will gain insight into these cost drivers so you can make a more informed decision about your transducer purchase. Please note, we are purposely excluding automotive/appliance and process transducers/transmitters from this discussion, as their market and cost structures are unique. Also, for clarity, the term “pressure transducer” refers to the complete assembly of the pressure sensor and output board, which some industries might also call a pressure sensor or transmitter. In this article, "pressure sensor" will indicate the sensing element or technology itself, which is part of the full pressure transducer product.

This article was originally published on June 1, 2021, and updated on December 9, 2024. Hydraulic machinery outperforms nearly all other mechanical power transmission methods in extreme environments. Excavators, tree harvesters, mining trucks, tow trucks, and other hydraulic vehicles handle the toughest tasks on uneven terrains, carrying heavy loads that exert immense forces on hydraulic systems. These operations can cause severe shocks and vibrations, along with significant changes in temperature, dust, and moisture. Additionally, pressure spikes or impulses within hydraulic systems can pose a major challenge to the reliability of internal components like pressure instruments. So, how can you enhance the performance of your mobile hydraulics to withstand these hazards? Pressure control and monitoring devices are essential for managing hydraulic systems and enhancing power, flexibility, speed, and safety. They regulate and monitor hydraulic fluid pressure levels to provide the necessary force to overcome resistance. They also detect unsafe conditions, trigger alarms, or automatically shut down hydraulic pumps to prevent overpressure situations. In my extensive experience in this industry, I have learned how to effectively apply pressure transducers in mobile hydraulics control systems. This article will guide you through the challenges of pressure control and measurement, including shock, vibration, pressure spikes, pulsation, and environmental factors, and show you how to maintain your mobile hydraulic machines in top condition.

What do race cars, off-highway vehicles (OHV) and any other high-performance machine or system have in common? They are only as good as the instruments you find under the hood. In fact, something as small as the pressure sensing device can have a big impact on the success or failure of meeting your equipment’s operational expectations. As an equipment builder, you expect your OEM pressure measurement instruments to be accurate. That’s a given. But even if it’s not top of mind immediately, what you want even more than accuracy is long-term repeatability. Ashcroft has been manufacturing pressure measurement instrumentation since 1852. So, we understand how challenging it can be to find high-quality, accurate and cost-effective instruments that go the distance to deliver consistent performance over the long term. This is especially relevant for sensors used in tough conditions involving exposure to wide temperature ranges, high cycle life expectations and vibration. Each of these could affect the accuracy and repeatability of critical pressure measurements. This article will explain the elements of an OEM pressure sensor, clarify the difference between repeatability and accuracy, and show you what makes a sensor accurate and repeatable over time. When you are done reading, you will know the key factors to look for when purchasing a high-performance pressure sensor for demanding cycle life conditions which can be common to many applications.