If you work in a chemical manufacturing facility, water treatment center or oil/gas refinery, you likely use pump systems to transfer products between different stations. Suction and discharge installations can be particularly problematic environments for the instruments used to monitor the pressure in these systems. If your instruments get damaged, the entire process can break down, so protecting them is a priority. Ashcroft has been a major contributor to water/wastewater pressure and temperature instrumentation for decades, so we understand the challenges of keeping instruments protected in harsh environments. Read this article for our recommendations for keeping your pressure gauges, switches, and sensors working properly, regardless of where they are positioned during pump system installations. Once you have finished reading, you will be equipped to determine the most suitable approach for your needs. Additionally, you will have access to relevant articles and guides to help keep your systems running smoothly.

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 January 31, 2022 by John Varkonda and was updated on May 8, 2024, by Todd Thomas. Keeping pressure measurement instruments from becoming damaged in harsh environments is a challenge in many industries, including water/wastewater. Diaphragm seals play a vital role in these applications by creating a leak-tight and corrosion-resistant barrier between a pressure instrument and your process. For many, a flanged diaphragm seal connection is a great choice because it provides a convenient way to attach instrumentation directly onto flanged process piping without having to use threaded connections. But proper installation of these seals is the key to getting the most protection. Ashcroft is a recognized global leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation and uses our decades of experience to educate and guide customers to the solutions that best meet the challenge at hand. In this article, you will learn a bit about flanged diaphragm seals, the basic principles of torque and best practices for installing a flanged diaphragm seal in your process. When you are done reading, we will also share additional resources that may be beneficial to you.

If you experiencing issues with diaphragm seal failure in your process, you are not alone. In harsh applications that involve corrosive media and other challenging conditions, diaphragm seals are your primary line of defense in protecting your pressure instruments from becoming damaged. At Ashcroft, we've seen practically every scenario that can cause a diaphragm seal to fail, leading to inaccurate readings and costly downtime. In this article, we will review how a diaphragm seal works, explore the three conditions that account for the majority of diaphragm seal failure — corrosion, high temperature, and fluid fill leakage — and offer some corrective measures to fix these issues. When you are done, you will have a better understanding of why diaphragm seals can fail and be able to identify and prevent potential issues in your own process. You will also find links to additional resources that will help address other diaphragm-related questions you may have.

This article was originally published on February 9, 2022, and was updated on April 3, 2024. Pressure gauges are often used in challenging environments where they could be exposed to extreme temperatures that may damage them or impact their accuracy. These extreme temperatures can come from a variety of sources such as the surrounding environment (ambient temperature), or the temperature of the process media being measured (media temperature). How do you minimize the effects of temperature on your instrumentation and protect your pressure gauges from damage? Read on to learn the effects that temperature can have on pressure gauges and their performance. Plus, you will gain insights into how you can address these issues to keep your gauge working at peak performance.