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.

This article was originally published on February 28, 2022, and updated on December 4, 2024. Pressure switches are important components in many industrial and OEM applications. By monitoring pressure levels in your system and automatically activating or deactivating equipment when pressure reaches a predetermined setpoint, they help ensure a safe and efficient process. Choosing the wrong pressure switch could lead to actuation errors, damaged equipment, worker injury, or other dangerous issues. So, how do you know if you have the right pressure switch? And what factors should you consider if you need a new one? As the Ashcroft Product Manager for Switches, I’ve developed some best practices for things to consider while you’re researching. Read this article to learn about the primary factors to look for when choosing or replacing a pressure switch. You will also find links to additional information that can deepen your knowledge of pressure switches used in different applications.

This article was originally published on March 13, 2023, and updated on November 20, 2024. Hydrogen has rapidly become a leading source of alternative energy, but it presents unique challenges that require careful consideration. For example, hydrogen is flammable, which can lead to explosions. It can also cause hydrogen embrittlement, and hydrogen permeation, both of which can also damage the instruments that are designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of your hydrogen system. As the product leader of Industrial Gauges at Ashcroft with 15 years of industry experience, I wrote this article to help you better understand the dangers associated with hydrogen and provide my recommendations for selecting the best pressure gauge for these applications. When you are done reading, you will also find additional resources that can help deepen your knowledge of this timely topic.

Pressure gauges, switches and transducers all have important roles in the safe and efficient operation of process piping, skid systems and other applications found in many industries. However, in certain scenarios, these sensitive instruments require protection from a range of challenging conditions, including extreme temperatures, potential clogging from particulates, or corrosive environments that could compromise their ability to function properly. To address these challenges the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) created industry standards and recommends strategies to protect instruments from damage in demanding applications. For example, ASME B40.100 recommends the use of isolation devices - widely recognized as diaphragm seals or isolation rings - as protective barriers that can ensure the longevity and accuracy of your pressure instruments. In this article, you will learn more about the three biggest challenges of these systems and the reasons to use a diaphragm seal or isolation ring. You will also learn about material traceability and certain certifications that may be required for these devices.

This article was originally published on March 28, 2022. and updated on November 6, 2024. In industries such as manufacturing, food processing, chemical production, HVAC and more, maintaining precise temperature measurement is important to ensure product quality and safety. Bimetal thermometers address challenging environments by providing accurate and reliable temperature readings that are necessary to protect your product, your process and your operators. But how do you determine the best bimetal thermometer for your specific application? As the product manager for temperature products at Ashcroft, a leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation, I can guide you through the selection process. Read this article to learn more about the functions and applications of bimetal thermometers and the key considerations to help you choose a high-quality option tailored to your requirements. I will also share some additional resources that can answer other questions you may have about these instruments.

This article was originally published on July 5, 2022, and updated on November 4, 2024. Critical environments like cleanrooms, data centers, laboratories, hospital operating rooms, isolation rooms and other controlled spaces must adhere to strict environmental guidelines requiring close pressure monitoring. To ensure these areas are not compromised, your pressure-measuring instruments must be highly accurate, reliable and compliant with these very specific requirements. Choosing the wrong instrument can result in equipment damage, worker injury or incorrect measurements. As the product manager who oversees the low-pressure sensor product line at Ashcroft, I understand the complexities of these environments and am often asked for guidance on selecting sensors for critical applications such as these. In this article, you will learn some factors to consider when choosing a low-pressure transducer for critical environments, so you’ll know you’re getting the proper equipment for your process. You will also be directed to additional resources that can help answer other common questions about this topic.