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 your application can experience overpressure, your pressure gauge needs to withstand those negative effects. Pressure line spikes and “water hammer” may introduce pressure beyond the operating range of the instrument and cause damage. How can you protect your pressure gauge from the impacts of overpressure? This article will discuss some of the options available for overpressure protection to keep your application running, even in harsh environments.

Protect your pressure gauge from the effects of overpressure with Ashcroft’s new option XRA for the 1209 pressure gauge. This 4 ½-in. stainless steel, solid front pressure gauge now offers option XRA to accommodate up to 417% overpressure without damaging the gauge. In applications where pressure spikes, surges and water hammer are a possibility, option XRA reduces the need for an external pressure limiting valve while extending gauge capacity. The 1209 is also available with optional liquid fill or the patented PLUS!™ Performance option to dampen shock, vibration and pulsation. This review will look at the new option for this pressure gauge and how it can provide reliable pressure measurements for your high-pressure application.

Applications at ammonia plants can be corrosive and damaging to your equipment. The pressure instruments you use must be able to stand up to the harsh environment of ammonia applications, or you may face equipment damage, operator injury or downtime for your process. So, what pressure gauges and accessories are the best choices for use in ammonia plant applications? This article will discuss some of the factors you should consider when selecting pressure instrumentation for ammonia to help you find the best solution for your process.

Some pressure instruments require a fill fluid to help with pulsation and vibration in certain applications. Filling the cavity of a pressure gauge with liquid lubricates and dampens the internal components to reduce or eliminate the effects of heavy vibration and/or pulsation. A system fill is commonly used in assemblies when one or more instruments are installed above a diaphragm seal. There are many types of fill fluid options available today, so which one is best for your application?

This article was originally published on April 18, 2022, and was updated on April 17, 2024. No matter what industry you work in, diaphragm seals (also referred to as isolators) and welded assemblies are used to protect your pressure and temperature instrumentation from corrosive process media. After decades of making quality pressure and temperature gauges and sensors to help keep processes performing reliably and efficiently, Ashcroft has seen just about every scenario where something can go wrong. One reason we like to share our expertise is to help people like you who may be experiencing a similar issue that we can help solve. In this article, you will learn what a welded diaphragm seal assembly is and how it is used to help mitigate the damaging effects of high temperature, pulsation and vibration endured by your instruments. You will also see how these assemblies can ensure reliable and accurate pressure readings of your process. When you are done, you will find links to additional resources that can help you learn more about related topics.