When you think of semiconductors, you may picture all the ways they make our lives easier. After all, we rely on semiconductor applications every day for conveniences like cell phones, computers, cars and other electronic devices. But for those of you who work in semiconductor manufacturing, you also know the demanding and challenging nature of making them. The hazardous nature of the manufacturing process requires stringent protocols, approvals and specialized equipment that can perform with precision and accuracy under harsh conditions. So, when it comes to monitoring the distribution of ultra-high purity (UHP) gases flowing through the process, choosing the right pressure gauge is critical. As a product lead at Ashcroft – a recognized authority in pressure and temperature instrumentation - I have been working with Ultra High Purity (UHP) Pressure Gauges for several years. In my role, I am often asked how to choose the right UHP gauge for these kinds of applications. Of course, my answer is, it depends. In this article, I will review how and where semiconductors are made, the role UHP gases play in the manufacturing process and the specific features you will need when choosing a pressure gauge for UHP applications. When you are finished reading, you will also see additional resources that you can use as a reference on the topic of high purity.

If you are working in an industry that requires instrumentation to measure and monitor pressure in a system, you already know the basic principle of pressure measurement. According to Pascal's Law, pressure is proportional to the force and inversely related to the area over which the force is applied. In other words, pressure is equal to force per unit area. Figure 1: Pressure Equation. Different systems and applications require different types of pressure measurement instruments. For example, mechanical pressure gauges may be used as visual indicators of pressure levels throughout a process. Conversely, pressure transducers or transmitters can sense changes in a system’s pressure and send a signal to a control room. If you are new to your industry and want to learn more about pressure instruments, this article will give you a high-level overview of how to read pressure, definitions of pressure types and the instruments used to measure pressure. Ashcroft is a recognized global leader in pressure instrumentation and is a trusted authority for related information. When you are done reading, you will find additional resources related to pressure measurement that may interest you.

A differential pressure gauge measures the difference in pressure between two points in a system and presents the subsequent differential pressure directly on a single gauge dial. Ashcroft has specialized in pressure instrumentation since 1852. As a leader in our field, we are often asked to provide information to individuals looking for a foundation of knowledge on this subject and more. Read on to learn where basic definitions related to differential pressure, where the gauges are used, how they work, and common applications. When you're done reading, you will also find additional resources that may interest you.

This article was originally published on December 13, 2021, and was updated on February 4, 2024. Different industrial applications require different types of gauges to measure pressure at various points of the process. Mechanical pressure gauges, for example, can be used to measure absolute pressure, vacuum pressure and compound pressure. If you’re not selecting the appropriate kind of pressure to be measured, your gauge may not provide you with the required “readable” pressure scale. Ashcroft has been manufacturing pressure and temperature instrumentation since 1852 and as the senior product manager for process gauges, I have been fielding questions on the subject for the past 15 years. In this article, I will take you through the various types of pressure and review the different gauges and transducers available to meet your specific pressure needs.

A pressure gauge is a mechanical instrument that is used to measure and monitor the pressure of air, gases or fluids in process, commercial and industrial systems. These devices operate using the system’s process, meaning they will give you a reading even when you have no power source. But to understand pressure gauges and how they work, you need to start with the basics. Ashcroft has been making these instruments since 1852 and we wrote this article to give you a foundation of information that you can use as a reference. Read on to learn about the different types of pressure gauges (process, commercial, industrial, digital) and their functional components. Also become knowledgeable of gauge operating principles and construction, manufacturing standards, sensing and scale elements for various applications, dial options, and more. When you are done reading, you will also find additional resources that may interest you.

If you work with any of the critical mechanical applications found in the modern world - including mobile construction equipment, and fuel pumps for example - it is likely you also manage hydraulic systems. Because these systems use liquids in various forms to generate power, you know that the inherent pressure feature of hydraulics has to be managed properly. In the best-case scenario, a lack of sufficient management of pressure levels in a system could lead to inferior output. In the worst cases, it could cause damage to equipment or physical harm to system operators. Hydraulic pressure gauges play a critical role in regulating pressure by monitoring levels in either a specified part or the entire system to ensure things are operating normally. So how do you know which pressure gauge will work best in your hydraulic system? Just know what you’re looking for and choose carefully! Sounds simple, right? As a pressure gauge product lead at Ashcroft - a recognized authority in temperature and pressure solutions - I have seen many scenarios where the wrong pressure gauges were selected and the impact that decision had on operations. In this article, you will learn about the five pressure gauge features I consider most important for hydraulic applications so you can be confident about selecting the best option to meet your specific needs. Let’s get started.