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This article was originally published on October 17, 2022, and updated on June 16, 2025. Precision and cleanliness are critical aspects of pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing. From sterile production environments to aggressive chemical processes, pressure instruments must deliver consistent performance while supporting stringent regulatory requirements. Ashcroft has been manufacturing pressure instrumentation for pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications for generations. Over the past 10 years with the company, I have helped customers find the best solutions for their specific needs, drawing on trusted industry practices and proven instrumentation examples. Read this article to get a comprehensive overview of common instrument applications, industry challenges and primary considerations for selecting the product that will deliver the most accurate results. You will also find links to additional information that can help deepen your knowledge.

In sterile environments, including pharmaceutical manufacturing, food & beverage production and biotechnology, pressure gauges must undergo rigorous cleaning and sterilization to ensure hygienic compliance while maintaining process integrity and operational safety. Ashcroft is a globally recognized leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation. As experts in this field, it is our job to fully understand the requirements our products must meet for use in these highly regulated industries and answer customer questions to help them make informed decisions. The question that prompted this article was from a customer who wanted to know the different ways to keep their pressure instruments compliant with hygienic requirements. Read this article to learn what hygienic compliance means for sterile processes, who sets and enforces these standards and how three widely used cleaning methods—Clean-in-Place (CIP), Sterilize-in-Place (SIP) and autoclaving can help your systems prevent contamination. When you are done, you will have a better understanding of these processes, applications, benefits, and limitations as they relate to sanitary operations. You will also be directed to additional resources that can help you determine which instruments are best suited to keep your system running safely and efficiently in sterile environments.

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.

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.