Paul Francoletti is the Product Sales Leader for process and industrial pressure gauges at Ashcroft. He has spent the past 15 years in numerous roles at Ashcroft ranging from Technical Support, EPC Support Manager and now, Product Leader.
Pressure Instruments | cryogenics
By:
Paul Francoletti, Product Sales Leader - Process Gauges
August 6th, 2025
This article was originally published on January 30, 2023, and updated on August 6, 2025. Liquefied gases, such as nitrogen, oxygen and helium, are used in many cryogenic applications. These systems operate at extremely low temperatures, typically below -150 °F, and introduce a unique set of pressure measurement challenges. Instruments exposed to these conditions must withstand intense thermal stress, potential material brittleness and design limitations due to space constraints. At Ashcroft, we understand the implications of these conditions and know how to take precautions to prepare for potential pressure gauge failure. Our pressure measurement expertise relating to industrial systems, including cryogenic applications, helps ensure reliable performance, process safety and long-term instrument protection. Read this article to learn more about cryogenics, how to measure pressure in these applications, and how to protect your instruments from the effects of very low temperatures.
Product Selection | pressure gauge | water & wastewater | overpressure | Chemical/Petrochemical | Oil & Gas
By:
Paul Francoletti, Product Sales Leader - Process Gauges
July 16th, 2025
This article was originally published on March 13, 2019, and updated on July 16, 2025. In many process industries, sudden pressure surges from water hammer, valve closures or equipment malfunctions can cause overpressure events that damage pressure gauges and lead to equipment failure and costly downtime. To reduce this risk, many systems rely on external pressure limiting valves (PLVs), which increase installation complexity and create potential leak paths. Ashcroft offers a smarter solution: pressure gauges with built-in overpressure protection. With over 170 years of innovation behind us, Ashcroft understands the harsh realities of industrial applications and we engineer products that perform in the most extreme conditions. Read this article to learn about two pressure gauges that are designed with XRA Overpressure Protection to handle pressure surges internally, eliminating the need for external components and improving system reliability.
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By:
Paul Francoletti, Product Sales Leader - Process Gauges
June 2nd, 2025
This article was originally published on December 12, 2022, and updated on June 2, 2025. Depending on the industry and application, your choice of pressure gauge construction can significantly affect the performance and lifespan of your instrument and your operation. Bourdon tube pressure gauges are known for their reliability and accuracy, making them a common choice for use across process, industrial and OEM markets. Ashcroft is a pioneer in pressure measurement instrumentation and holds the distinction of acquiring the U.S. patent rights for the Bourdon tube from its inventor, Eugène Bourdon, in 1852. This led to the widespread adoption of the "Ashcroft Gauge" in American industry, including railroads, steam locomotives, maritime vessels, factories and industrial plants. Over the years, Ashcroft has continued to innovate, developing various Bourdon tube constructions to meet the evolving needs of different applications. Read on to learn about Bourdon tube construction types, how they operate and where they work best. You will find links to additional articles and resources related to pressure gauges with guidance on selecting the most suitable one for your particular requirements.
pressure gauge | ultra high pressure | water jetting | water blasting
By:
Paul Francoletti, Product Sales Leader - Process Gauges
April 16th, 2025
This article was originally published on May 16, 2022, and updated on April 16, 2025. In high-pressure applications, managing pressures of 40,000 psi and above is critical for safety and efficiency. These environments pose significant challenges, such as extreme pulsation and vibration, which can lead to equipment failure and safety hazards. That's why ensuring your gauge is designed to withstand these conditions is so important. Since 1852, Ashcroft has been a trusted authority in pressure measurement, providing reliable solutions for demanding applications. Read this article to learn about common uses for ultra-high-pressure gauges, the standards they must follow for system and operator safety and considerations for selecting a pressure gauge for your needs. You will also be directed to additional resources to help you deepen your knowledge of relevant pressure gauge topics.
Pressure Instruments | oxygen cleaning
By:
Paul Francoletti, Product Sales Leader - Process Gauges
March 31st, 2025
This article was originally published on November 15, 2021, and updated on March 31, 2025 In your most challenging applications, prioritizing safety is critical. For instance, in environments with high oxygen levels, you need to ensure your pressure instruments are free of contaminants to prevent a fire. Even though oxygen itself is not flammable, it can cause other materials like dust, oils and lingering residue to easily ignite and burn with intensity. Cleaning for oxygen service is an effective safety precaution you can take to prevent this from happening in your application. As a product sales leader at Ashcroft, a leading authority in pressure and temperature instrumentation, I am often asked if we offer this service to our customers. The answer is yes, depending on the application. However, before you decide if it's right for you, take a few minutes to see what the service involves. Read this article to learn more about the benefits of cleaning for oxygen service and the process we use to be sure your instruments are safe to use in high-purity gas or pure oxygen systems. You will also see additional articles and resources that are relevant to pressure gauge selection and care.
pressure gauge cost | pressure gauge
By:
Paul Francoletti, Product Sales Leader - Process Gauges
November 13th, 2024
This article was originally published on March 22, 2021, by John Girard and updated by Paul Francoletti on November 13, 2024. Pressure gauges are relied upon in virtually every industrial and commercial application to ensure smooth and efficient operations. That means Ashcroft - an industry leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation - gets A LOT of calls from new customers in search of a pressure gauge. Nine times out of ten, the first question we get is how much the gauge will cost them. Of course, the answer is not that simple. The reason is this: it’s nearly impossible to provide any kind of cost estimate without knowing your specific requirements. As the product leader for pressure gauges at Ashcroft, I can tell you the price range for these instruments is anywhere from $10 to $1,000. To help you get a more accurate answer, continue reading for a closer look at the factors that influence price. When you’re done reading, you will be able to either validate the price range you are currently paying or know what to expect if you are searching for a new supplier. Ultimately, you will be better equipped to make an informed decision about purchasing a pressure gauge, regardless of whether you choose to work with Ashcroft.