When protecting your pressure instruments from harsh process conditions, isolators such as diaphragm seals or isolation rings are essential. They are designed to effectively protect pressure gauges, switches and transmitters from corrosive media, particulates, pulsations and extreme conditions. However, the effectiveness of these assemblies relies heavily on one important factor: proper filling. That’s where the challenge comes in. At Ashcroft, we’re often asked whether it’s acceptable to add fill fluid to a diaphragm seal or isolation ring in the field. On the surface, it may sound like a quick fix for a leaking or underfilled assembly. But in reality, attempting to add fluid outside of a controlled process may be problematic. Read this article to understand the science behind why isolator fills matter, why field filling may add risk and what you can do to keep your instruments reliable. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know why field filling is risky and the steps you can take to get accurate, safe readings that last for years.

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.

In industries such as pharmaceutical, food, dairy and biotech, contamination is one of the greatest threats to product quality, safety and compliance. Even the smallest bacterial buildup in process connections can lead to costly downtime, product recalls and regulatory violations. The challenge is keeping the entire process environment ultra-clean and secure—especially at connection points where contamination can quickly occur. Tri-Clamp® fittings provide a proven solution, using a sanitary, crevice-free design that’s easy to clean, quick to assemble and fully compliant with industry regulations. As a leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation, Ashcroft has been trusted for over a century to deliver trusted instrumentation for critical process applications. Our expertise in hygienic measurement, combined with our conventional or inline style Tri-Clamp connections, helps manufacturers maintain sterility while keeping operations efficient. In this article, you’ll discover why Tri-Clamp connections are preferred for hygienic processes, how they outperform threaded fittings in sterile environments, and the best practices for selecting and installing gaskets to ensure long-term reliability.

This article was last updated on August 20, 2025. Whether you're monitoring hydrogen pressure, operating in high-vibration compressor systems, or designing for hygienic environments for sanitary food and beverage processing, reliable pressure measurement is essential to safety and process integrity. However, finding a pressure gauge that offers both durability and easy field serviceability can be difficult, especially in corrosive environments where access for instrument recalibration is critical. Ashcroft, a leading authority in pressure and temperature instrumentation, offers a solution designed to perform in challenging conditions and make field maintenance and OEM installations less challenging. Read this product review to learn about the Ashcroft® 8009S Pressure Gauge, an economical, all stainless-steel solution engineered to perform in challenging conditions. By the end of the article, you will know if this instrument is the right one for your needs.

Ensuring accurate and reliable temperature readings in harsh industrial applications is vital. The challenge is protecting your temperature sensor from the damaging effects of corrosive media, high pressure and velocity in industrial applications. That's where thermowells can help. However, with so many types of thermowells and styles of thermowell shanks, it may not be immediately clear how to select the correct one for your application. As a leading manufacturer of temperature instruments, Ashcroft offers multiple styles of thermowells, including threaded, flanged, socket-weld, weld-in and sanitary. Each style can be manufactured with one of three shank types: straight, tapered or stepped. Depending on the shank, there are implications for strength, sensor response time and vibration resistance. The type you choose will ultimately depend on the demands of the application. Read this article to learn the differences between thermowell shank types, their main benefits and applications, and to understand how factors like wake frequency calculations can help you make the most informed and efficient decisions.

This article was originally published on September 19, 2022, and updated on August 13, 2025. Low-pressure transducers are essential in applications like HVAC systems, cleanrooms, critical environments, and pharmaceutical operations. These systems often require the pressure sensor to be mounted away from the source, sometimes by several feet or more. What many don’t realize is that the pressure sensor tubing length can influence system behavior in subtle but important ways. While accuracy may remain intact, signal response times can vary depending on how the system is configured. Ashcroft has been supporting critical low-pressure systems for decades, helping engineers and facility managers design pressure measurement setups that remain responsive and stable, even when tubing runs are long. Read this article to learn how pressure tubing works, what impact tubing length has on your system and pressure instruments, and how to enhance your system design for performance and reliability.