If you are using a transducer (also known as a sensor) to measure liquid, gas or air pressure in a critical environment, OEM application or high-purity manufacturing process, you need to have confidence in the accuracy of your instrument. That confidence will be tested if there is an offset in the output of that instrument at zero and span. However, if you understand the reason an offset can occur and what you can do to address it, your confidence will be restored. Ashcroft, an industry leader in pressure measurement instruments, has consistently demonstrated reliability and excellence in the field of pressure measurement instrumentation. That's why we are often asked to share our expertise and shed light on topics like this one. Read this article to learn how transducers measure pressure, possible causes of offset in the measurements and what you can do to ensure your instrument is providing you with the accuracy requirements for your specific application. You will also have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge through additional articles and resources available to you. When you are done reading, you will know just what to do to prevent the offset from occurring or to fix the issue should it occur.

Diaphragm seals, also known as isolators, are commonly used to help safeguard the wetted parts of pressure measurement instruments, such as sensors (transmitters and transducers), gauges and switches, from corrosive chemicals in your system's pipes. In some instances, however, diaphragms are also used to protect the instrument from large particles that could potentially obstruct the process connection. As a business development leader at Ashcroft – a leader in pressure instrumentation – I frequently address these concerns in low-pressure applications. Read this article to learn about the factors to consider for using a diaphragm seal in your operation and to use them on different types of instruments (mechanical or sensor) to keep your system flowing. You will also see additional resources you can use as a reference to deepen your knowledge of these isolating instruments.

This article was originally published on May 10, 2021, and updated on April 2, 2025. The industrial and OEM markets offer a wide variety of pressure transducers, each with its own price range. The challenge is finding the best instrument for your specific application at a cost that aligns with your budget. Having spent over 20 years in the pressure sensor/transducer industry in roles related to product management and sales, I've gained firsthand knowledge of the numerous factors that affect pricing. In this article, you will gain insight into these cost drivers so you can make a more informed decision about your transducer purchase. Please note, we are purposely excluding automotive/appliance and process transducers/transmitters from this discussion, as their market and cost structures are unique. Also, for clarity, the term “pressure transducer” refers to the complete assembly of the pressure sensor and output board, which some industries might also call a pressure sensor or transmitter. In this article, "pressure sensor" will indicate the sensing element or technology itself, which is part of the full pressure transducer product.

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.

This article was originally published on September 11, 2023, and updated on March 26, 2025. Managing hydraulic systems in mobile construction equipment, fuel pumps, industrial machinery and automotive braking systems for example - is no easy task. Because these systems use liquids in various forms to generate power, the inherent pressure levels of hydraulics have to be properly managed. Otherwise, the consequences can include reduced performance, potential equipment damage, or even physical injury to system operators. That's where hydraulic pressure gauges can help. These instruments play a critical role in regulating pressure by monitoring levels in either a specified part or the entire system to ensure things are operating normally. The challenge is choosing the pressure gauge that will work best in your hydraulic application. As a pressure gauge product lead at Ashcroft - a recognized authority in temperature and pressure solutions - I have seen many scenarios where the wrong pressure gauges were selected and the impact that decision had on operations. Read this article to learn about the five pressure gauge features I consider most important for hydraulic applications so you can be confident about selecting the best option to meet your specific needs. Let’s get started.

This article was originally published on July 1, 2021, and updated on March 24, 2025. The thermometer industry is massive. It includes a wide range of temperature-measuring instruments in various shapes and sizes for a multitude of uses. Whether it's a thermometer used to monitor temperature in a chemical plant or one to check your child's fever, the quality and cost can differ significantly. As a temperature product manager at Ashcroft, a leader in industrial pressure and temperature instrumentation, I have more than 25 years of experience in this field. In that time, I have gained a deep understanding of the pricing and cost factors in the industrial temperature market. While there are too many types of thermometers to cover, read this article to learn what makes bimetal thermometers different from traditional temperature measurement instruments and the factors that influence their pricing.