This article was originally published on May 8, 2021, and was updated on February 5, 2025. There are many different styles of thermowells, so depending on what you need, the cost for these instruments can be as low as $15 or as high as $5,000. With such a broad price range, selecting the right one for your application can be difficult. Ashcroft is a leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation. In my role as an engineer and product leader at the company, I have insight into the factors that can affect a thermowell's cost and what to consider before you place an order. Read this article to learn about the price ranges of thermowells and the key cost drivers, including product design, materials, testing requirements and more. You will also receive links to additional resources to help deepen your knowledge about the temperature instruments we offer. Please note: the costs represented in this article depend on the material, the requirements/tests needed, and the process conditions involved.

Ensuring the reliability and safety of pressure measurement instruments is important in any application, especially when you are dealing with challenging environmental conditions. Rating systems including the Ingress Protection (IP) and National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) were created to level the playing field for manufacturers by providing a standardized measure of an instrument's ability to withstand environmental challenges. Understanding these rating systems can help you select the right equipment for your operational needs, ensuring instrument durability and safety. With close to two centuries of experience as a global leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation, Ashcroft can help you understand why these ratings are important and what to look for when selecting pressure instruments for certain applications. When you're done reading, we will also share additional information that can help guide your selection process.

This article was originally published on October 11, 2021, and updated on January 29, 2025. Did you know that your pressure gauge will lose accuracy over time? No gauge can stay completely accurate forever. That's why it is important to regularly check the instrument's accuracy to ensure it continues to provide correct readings for your application. If you don’t check, inaccurate pressure readings can cause your equipment to malfunction and break down or, even worse, result in injury to workers. All of these scenarios can impact system efficiencies and lead to downtime for your business. Ashcroft has been a leading manufacturer of pressure gauges since 1952, so the question relating to calibration frequency is one we encounter a lot. While there are no universally defined requirements for calibration, I can provide insights that can help you determine what may be the most appropriate times to check your pressure gauge accuracy.

Isolation rings are very effective devices that protect pressure instruments from contaminant clogging and corrosion in several industries. However, there are certain circumstances where alternate methods of instrument isolation are recommended. As a global leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation, customers rely on the depth and breadth of our experience to educate and guide them through the process of finding the best solutions for their specific needs. In this article, you will learn why isolation rings are a good option for several very specific types of applications, but would not be recommended for others. As you read, look for links to resources that can help provide additional information to deepen your knowledge on this particular topic.

When it comes to selecting a pressure gauge for your application, understanding the differences between mechanical and digital options can help you make the right choice. Both have unique features and benefits that are best suited to different scenarios. In this Understanding the Basics series, you will get a high-level overview of the features, benefits and uses of these two pressure gauge options, including when to use one over the other and when to use both. Plus, you will receive recommendations for additional resources that can provide a deeper understanding of pressure gauges as a whole. The information in this article is based on more than 40 years of industry experience with temperature and pressure measurement, design, engineering, and product management, which includes 17 years working with Ashcroft - a leader in temperature and pressure instrumentation.

When selecting pressure sensors for specific applications, it's important to understand the instrument's Ingress Protection (IP) rating. IP Ratings, which are also referred to as International Protection Ratings, determine the sensor's ability to withstand environmental factors such as moisture, dust and debris. These elements are commonly encountered in off-road vehicles, construction equipment, agricultural systems and other applications, and can significantly impact the performance and longevity of your pressure instruments. As a product manager at Ashcroft, a leading manufacturer of pressure and temperature instruments, I am often asked about which IP ratings are needed for instruments used in OEM applications. The answer depends on many factors. Read this article to learn more about the components of an IP rating, the factors that influence rating requirements and the applications covered in each category. When you are done reading, you will also find additional resources that may help you select the best IP-rated pressure sensor for your application.