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This article was originally published on October 18th, 2021 by John Varkonda and was updated on April 24, 2024, by Dean Moyer. Anyone working in the water/wastewater industry knows just how important it is to maintain accurate and reliable pressure measurements throughout the process. Without the proper instrumentation to do the job, your operation is at risk for pump damage, clogging and other issues that could bring the entire system to a halt. At Ashcroft, it is our business to know the challenges you may encounter to keep your operation running safely and effectively and to provide solutions that will address your specific needs. In fact, in my 30 years of experience, I have seen just about everything that can go wrong (and right) in water/wastewater applications. In this article, you will get an overview of common water/wastewater application issues, and learn how the proper instrumentation, including isolation rings and accessories, can help you prevent these issues from happening to you. Throughout the article, you will also see links to additional resources that you can use as a reference to answer other questions you may have. Let's get started.

Isolation rings are also known as isolators. They are designed to protect pressure-measurement instruments from the damaging effects of corrosive media in water/wastewater treatment plants, chemical processes, and mining facilities. To fully appreciate the importance of using these instruments in your operation, we need to start with a basic understanding of how they work. Ashcroft has been in the pressure and temperature instrumentation business since 1852, and we wrote this article for the industry novice. We hope you can use it as a foundation for understanding the important role isolation rings play in challenging applications. Read on to learn how isolation rings protect pressure-sensing instruments in your applications, the three most common types of rings, how they are constructed and the primary benefits of using these instruments. When you are done reading, you will also find additional, related resources in case you want to go beyond the basics of this topic.

For applications that may expose instrumentation (such as pressure gauges, pressure switches or pressure transmitters) to clogging or corrosion it is appropriate to isolate the instrument from the process.

Diaphragm seals and isolation rings are both integral to the safe and efficient operation of your application. Whether it is a chemical plant, water treatment plant or mining facility, isolators such as diaphragm seals and isolation rings are used throughout the plant to protect instrumentation from harsh process media. But what’s the difference between the two? When would you use a diaphragm seal instead of an isolation ring? Throughout my career, I’ve heard this question a lot. This article will describe the two and explain the situations in which you would use one over the other and why.

To ensure the highest quality of water for use across many essential industrial, commercial, and residential sectors, you need the right tool for the job. From material processing and waste management to personal use, a steady supply of application-appropriate water is essential. But how do you know if your water quality is sufficient?