If you are an industrial instrument designer, you have several temperature measurement options available to you. These include Infrared, Bi-Metal, Gas-actuated thermometers, Thermistors, Thermocouples and RTDs. Industrial automation and process applications predominantly use thermocouples and Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) instrumentation such as our S81 and S50 because of their proven ability to provide accurate and reliable readings. Each of these sensors has unique advantages and can be configured to match the application needs for optimum service life and performance. Based on my experience working with instrumentation and reliability teams, I’ve seen and compared the benefits of both options. Thermocouples, for example, are often chosen for a robust signal, cost-effective price and ability to withstand most process plant specifications, including harsh vibration and high-temperature range up to 2300° C. RTDs, on the other hand, are the top choice for applications demanding higher accuracy levels and minimal drift. In this article, you will learn more about the benefits of RTDs and why RTD calibration is important to maintain highly accurate and repeatable readings for a longer life span.

If you work in an industry that involves hydrogen, or other volatile substances, you understand the dangers that you and your team face daily. But do you know that any equipment used in these environments (aka hazardous locations) must meet certain requirements and be designed to help contain or prevent a fire or explosion from occurring in the first place? For example, certain pressure sensors like the E2F Flameproof and E2S Intrinsically Safe pressure transducers are built to withstand or prevent explosions and fires in hazardous locations. This makes them effective options for managing pressure in complex industrial applications. Ashcroft is a recognized leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation and has been for more than a century and a half. In my role as product leader, I am familiar with the complex nature of hydrogen and have been educating customers on how to select the best sensors to meet the stringent quality and safety requirements for highly combustible environments. This article will explain the factors and classifications of a hazardous location, the product certifications that are required for use in these environments and the solutions available to help keep you and your team safe. When you are done reading this article, you will have a better understanding of what type of pressure transducer you will need for your application and be ready to take the next step in your purchasing decision.

Pressure transducers are used to measure pressure levels in some of society’s most critical OEM applications, from mobile hydraulics to pump monitoring to railroad pneumatics, performance racing, and more. Without an efficient, accurate pressure transducer, it’s impossible for manufacturing processes to run smoothly and predictably. In the worst cases, uncontrolled or unmonitored pressure levels can put operators and equipment at risk. Ashcroft has many years of experience designing pressure instruments for a variety of settings. We believe the key factors to consider when selecting an OEM pressure transducer are reliability, durability, and repeatability. In this article, we’ll review these features in a little more depth, discuss some of the most common applications for these devices, and compare the specific options Ashcroft offers, including the G2 and the S1 models. When you are finished reading, you will have a solid understanding of what to look for when selecting a pressure transducer for your application, the similarities and differences between these two models and be ready to make a decision about which is best for you. .

The number of industries that rely on pressure measurement equipment is expansive. The list includes manufacturing, water/wastewater, hydraulics, food and beverage, medical, and pharmaceutical, among others. If you are new to any of these markets, you need to understand the importance of monitoring and maintaining appropriate levels of pressure in the critical processes in your industry. In fact, accurate measurement of pressure in these processes is essential for ensuring safety, control and process efficiency. However, achieving these goals requires periodic instrument calibration. With more than 12 years of specialization in precision instruments, I have witnessed first-hand the consequences of neglecting calibration. As a follow-up to my blog titled, How to Check the Calibration of a Pressure Gauge, this article examines in more detail the circumstances that necessitate this important process, focuses on the three most critical factors of calibration and discusses the considerations associated with each factor. When you finish reading, you will have a solid foundation of knowledge regarding pressure instrument calibration and be ready to dig deeper into the topic with the additional resources provided for your reference.

Now more than ever, industrial leaders are taking measures to protect the environment. For example, if you are in the HVAC/R business you may be using a more ecologically friendly refrigerant compound like ammonia to help reduce your energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. If this is the case, you need to be aware of certain risks and solutions that can help minimize potential danger. According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerant and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), ammonia is an ideal alternative to traditional chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant compounds because of its low impact on the environment. However, in certain quantities, ammonia can also be hazardous to people and animals. That’s why systems with ammonia and similar refrigerant-based compounds need to have quality components, including pressure sensors. In some ammonia-based systems – such as those used in fuel pump controls – using the wrong kind of OEM pressure transducer could lead to leaks or bursts that cause serious harm to operators and equipment.

Do you have a ‘Workplace Wish List’ that includes all the things you are looking for in your next employer? If yes, you may be starting to think a place that checks all your boxes doesn’t exist. You’ll be happy to know that Ashcroft is just the place you’ve been searching for. But don’t just take my word for it. This year, Ashcroft was named a Top Workplace in Western Connecticut by Hearst Media Services. We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment because it tells the world what we already know: Ashcroft is a great place to work. As VP of Human Resources, I lead the Company’s HR Team and recently did an interview to shed some light on what exactly makes Ashcroft such a great place to work. Read my replies to get a better understanding of what you can expect as an Ashcroft employee.