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This article was originally published on December 4, 2023, by Rick Zerafin and updated on September 26, 2024. If your work involves critical applications with harsh conditions, extreme weather and high-vibration environments, thermocouples are essential instruments that can keep your system operating efficiently. They are often used in equipment like turbine systems, gas compressors, pumps and other equipment to provide clear and reliable signals to communicate whether a system is working properly, or not. In doing so, these instruments help reduce downtime, lower maintenance costs and increase productivity. Selecting the correct junction type is critical to ensure optimal temperature sensor performance. With 40 years of measurement instrument experience, I am often asked about the differences and benefits of each junction option. In this article, you will learn about the different thermocouple components, including two of the most common types of junctions: grounded and ungrounded. You will also learn the advantages of each junction type, and which is preferable for different applications. When you are done reading, you will have a clear understanding of the best junction to select for your specific needs.

Gas-actuated thermometers and bimetal thermometers are both commonly used temperature measurement instruments in multiple industries due to their reliability and precision. However, they operate on different principles. No matter what industry you work in, if you require accurate temperature monitoring, understanding these thermometers can enhance both efficiency and safety in your operations. As the temperature product manager at Ashcroft – an industry leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation – I am often asked which of these instruments will be most appropriate for different applications. The answer, of course, depends on several factors. Read this article to compare the mechanics, applications, and advantages of gas-actuated and bimetal thermometers. Links to additional resources will also provide relevant information to help deepen your knowledge of temperature measurement. When you are finished reading, you will be in a better position to select the right instrument for your specific needs.

Before you install a piping system for a new plant construction project or an existing plant expansion, it is important to conduct a hydrostatic test on the piping system. This test pressurizes the piping system and may expose instruments such as pressure indicators, switches and transmitters to pressures that exceed their capacity. At Ashcroft – a leading authority in pressure and temperature instrumentation – we are often asked by customers what they can do to prevent their instruments from getting damaged in over-pressure applications. Read this article to learn about 5 common strategies that we recommend to keep your instruments protected during the testing process. When you are done reading, you will be able to decide which approach is best for your specific needs. You will also be given additional resources that address other common questions we receive about keeping systems running safely and efficiently.

Industries involving liquids such as chemical/petrochemical, oil and gas, and water/wastewater, are constantly challenged by corrosion. Understanding the different types of corrosion and how they occur is the first step in protecting your process instruments from its damaging effects. As a leading authority in pressure and temperature instrumentation, Ashcroft® offers valuable insights into corrosion and its impact on businesses. This article explores the different types of corrosion, the factors influencing corrosive environments, and the significance of selecting compatible materials for process instrumentation. Additionally, discover key considerations for choosing pressure instrumentation capable of withstanding harsh corrosive conditions.

This article was originally published on August 23, 2023, by Rick Zerafin and was updated on June 26, 2024, by Dave Dlugos. Consistently accurate temperature measurements are vital to several industrial processes in numerous industries from construction to energy to manufacturing. Although many instruments can measure the temperature of gas and liquid in these processes, thermocouples are among the most popular thanks to their simple design and versatility. Over time, however, the thermocouple’s performance may tail off for any number of reasons. Two of the most common are drift and elevated temperature. As a leading authority in temperature measurement instrumentation, we help customers understand the factors to consider when selecting instruments and the steps needed to keep systems running efficiently. If your process includes temperature measurement with a thermocouple, this article will explain why it is important to calibrate your instrument and how to do it. You will also get access to helpful resources that can help you gain deeper knowledge on the subject of temperature sensors.

This article was originally published on July 24, 2023, by Rick Zerafin and was updated on April 29, 2024, by Dave Dlugos. Maintenance, reliability, process and Health Safety Environment (HSE) teams rely on accurate and stable temperature measurements to meet their goals. Thermocouples, new out of the box, are a critical tool for these measurements that help plant personnel maintain safe and efficient operations. Today, instrument designers use a wide array of thermocouple types, such as Type K, Type E and Type T to measure temperatures in applications ranging from cryogenic temperatures of -196 °C to the extremes of 1700 °C. This article will discuss how thermocouple calibration offers added benefits that promote process improvements and support compliance requirements. When you are done reading, you will also find additional related resources that can help you gain more insight into these important instruments.