This article was originally published on October 11, 2021, and updated on January 29, 2025. Did you know that your pressure gauge will lose accuracy over time? No gauge can stay completely accurate forever. That's why it is important to regularly check the instrument's accuracy to ensure it continues to provide correct readings for your application. If you don’t check, inaccurate pressure readings can cause your equipment to malfunction and break down or, even worse, result in injury to workers. All of these scenarios can impact system efficiencies and lead to downtime for your business. Ashcroft has been a leading manufacturer of pressure gauges since 1952, so the question relating to calibration frequency is one we encounter a lot. While there are no universally defined requirements for calibration, I can provide insights that can help you determine what may be the most appropriate times to check your pressure gauge accuracy.

When it comes to selecting a pressure gauge for your application, understanding the differences between mechanical and digital options can help you make the right choice. Both have unique features and benefits that are best suited to different scenarios. In this Understanding the Basics series, you will get a high-level overview of the features, benefits and uses of these two pressure gauge options, including when to use one over the other and when to use both. Plus, you will receive recommendations for additional resources that can provide a deeper understanding of pressure gauges as a whole. The information in this article is based on more than 40 years of industry experience with temperature and pressure measurement, design, engineering, and product management, which includes 17 years working with Ashcroft - a leader in temperature and pressure instrumentation.

Ashcroft, a leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation, understands that you need accurate and reliable pressure gauges to keep your operation running efficiently. We also know the importance of following industry and regulatory standards for safety. However, finding the best solution to meet your unique specifications can be completely overwhelming. We created this article to help simplify the pressure gauge selection process for you and give you confidence in your purchasing decision. When you are done reading, you will know about the primary factors to consider when selecting your pressure gauge and what steps to take in the pressure gauge ordering process.

This article was originally published on July 19, 2021, and updated on October 28, 2024. If you work in a refinery, petrochemical plant, or power generation facility, you likely face the challenge of managing high temperatures and pressures associated with steam applications. Under these harsh conditions, pressure gauges and other instruments can become damaged, which can lead to operational failures. A steam siphon is one solution that can provide a simple yet effective way to protect your instruments from these elevated process temperatures. As a product leader in process gauges at Ashcroft, one of the most common questions I’ve heard (and one that our customer service team often receives) is, “What is a steam siphon and how can it protect my pressure gauge?” In this article, you will get the answer as well as details on the two most common types of steam siphons and how they work. You will also get my guidance on selecting the right siphon for your application. From this point on, when I mention the term siphon, I am specifically referring to a steam siphon, as other siphons can also dissipate heat for high process temperatures not related to steam.

This article was originally published on March 7, 2022, by John Girard and was updated on October 21, 2024. Regardless of the industry, if your system requires a pressure gauge to measure and monitor process pressure, you want to ensure it offers the accuracy, safety and quality features you need. That includes protection from excessive pulsation and/or vibration found in challenging conditions. While there are many types of pressure gauges to choose from, the challenge is finding the one that works best for your specific situation. Liquid-filled pressure gauges, direct drive pressure gauges and dampened movement options like Ashcroft’s PLUS!™ Performance all have pros and cons to consider. As a leading authority in pressure gauges, Ashcroft helps customers like you understand the advantages and drawbacks of different products so you can make a more informed purchasing decision. Read this article to learn about the types of pressure gauges available for applications with high vibration, pulsation and other demanding conditions. When you are done you will be able to decide which one is best for your application. You will also find additional resources that can answer other common pressure gauge questions.

This article was originally published on October 2, 2023, and updated on October 14, 2024. 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. 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.