This article was originally published on June 9, 2021, and was updated on March 4, 2024. Pressure gauges play a critical role in your process applications. They accurately and reliably measure and monitor pressure to determine if process systems are working effectively and efficiently, or if you need to make system alterations or adjustments. This helps ensure the safety of your personnel, the efficiency of your processes and the quality of your products. But what happens when your pressure gauges stop working? Your entire operation is at risk. That's why periodic instrument audits are good practice. Ashcroft has been conducting comprehensive instrument audits for 10 years. As the product lead for process gauges, I see the results of these audits and can tell you why instruments fail in the first place. The good news is that most of these “instrument killers” we've identified can be prevented if you know the warning signs. In this article, you will learn the primary indicators that tell you your pressure gauge may be failing and the 6 most common pressure gauge problems and solutions that we found in our instrument audits. When you are done reading, you will know what to look for and be prepared to address any of these issues ahead of time. Armed with this information, you will be able to keep your processes running safely, smoothly and effectively.

This article was originally published on December 13, 2021, and was updated on February 4, 2024. Different industrial applications require different types of gauges to measure pressure at various points of the process. Mechanical pressure gauges, for example, can be used to measure absolute pressure, vacuum pressure and compound pressure. If you’re not selecting the appropriate kind of pressure to be measured, your gauge may not provide you with the required “readable” pressure scale. Ashcroft has been manufacturing pressure and temperature instrumentation since 1852 and as the senior product manager for process gauges, I have been fielding questions on the subject for the past 15 years. In this article, I will take you through the various types of pressure and review the different gauges and transducers available to meet your specific pressure needs.

Protect your pressure gauge from the effects of overpressure with Ashcroft’s new option XRA for the 1209 pressure gauge. This 4 ½-in. stainless steel, solid front pressure gauge now offers option XRA to accommodate up to 417% overpressure without damaging the gauge. In applications where pressure spikes, surges and water hammer are a possibility, option XRA reduces the need for an external pressure limiting valve while extending gauge capacity. The 1209 is also available with optional liquid fill or the patented PLUS!™ Performance option to dampen shock, vibration and pulsation. This review will look at the new option for this pressure gauge and how it can provide reliable pressure measurements for your high-pressure application.