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This article was originally published on September 23, 2023, and updated on November 3, 2025. As the HVAC/R industry continues to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ammonia has become a preferred natural alternative to traditional chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant compounds. Ammonia's low environmental impact and high efficiency make it an attractive choice—but only when used with properly selected components. Because ammonia is corrosive to certain materials and can be hazardous at high concentrations, every part of your system, including pressure transducers, must be carefully matched to its demands. As a product director specializing in pressure sensors for 30 years, I know what to look out for when it comes to selecting an OEM pressure transducer for applications dealing with refrigeration and ammonia. Read this article to learn why ammonia remains a leading refrigerant choice, what challenges it presents, and which four factors to consider when selecting a pressure transducer for ammonia applications. Factors include accuracy, material compatibility, process connections and approvals/certifications.

This article was last updated on August 20, 2025. Whether you're monitoring hydrogen pressure, operating in high-vibration compressor systems, or designing for hygienic environments for sanitary food and beverage processing, reliable pressure measurement is essential to safety and process integrity. However, finding a pressure gauge that offers both durability and easy field serviceability can be difficult, especially in corrosive environments where access for instrument recalibration is critical. Ashcroft, a leading authority in pressure and temperature instrumentation, offers a solution designed to perform in challenging conditions and make field maintenance and OEM installations less challenging. Read this product review to learn about the Ashcroft® 8009S Pressure Gauge, an economical, all stainless-steel solution engineered to perform in challenging conditions. By the end of the article, you will know if this instrument is the right one for your needs.

This article was originally published on January 30, 2023, and updated on August 6, 2025. Liquefied gases, such as nitrogen, oxygen and helium, are used in many cryogenic applications. These systems operate at extremely low temperatures, typically below -150 °F, and introduce a unique set of pressure measurement challenges. Instruments exposed to these conditions must withstand intense thermal stress, potential material brittleness and design limitations due to space constraints. At Ashcroft, we understand the implications of these conditions and know how to take precautions to prepare for potential pressure gauge failure. Our pressure measurement expertise relating to industrial systems, including cryogenic applications, helps ensure reliable performance, process safety and long-term instrument protection. Read this article to learn more about cryogenics, how to measure pressure in these applications, and how to protect your instruments from the effects of very low temperatures.

When selecting a mechanical pressure or temperature gauge, many engineers and technicians focus on the gauge’s range, accuracy or material compatibility. But did you know the pointer type can be just as critical? The wrong pointer can result in poor visibility, missed pressure events, or other system issues. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which pointer type is the best fit for your application. As a trusted authority in pressure and temperature instrumentation, Ashcroft has helped customers across industries, from energy and water treatment to OEM and chemical/petrochemical applications, identify the right pressure monitoring solutions for over a century. In this article, part of our “Understanding the Basics” series, we’ll walk you through several common pointer types, show you how they work, what they’re best used for and the pros and cons of each. Read on to help you decide which pointer is the best for your needs.

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.

This article was published on July 23, 2023, and updated on April 21, 2025. Pressure transducers, such as those used in tire manufacturing and other hydraulic applications, must be designed to withstand the rigorous demands of their environments. These sensors play an important role in measuring and monitoring process pressure to ensure your systems operate safely and efficiently. In tire manufacturing, for instance, transducers must endure high temperatures and pressures during the vulcanizing process, where the rubber is molded and hardened. Similarly, in other hydraulic applications, they must be resilient against factors like hydraulic shock, vibration, and pressure spikes, which can significantly impact their performance and longevity. Therefore, selecting the right transducer involves considering its ability to handle these challenging conditions while maintaining precision and reliability. In my 30+ years of experience working with pressure sensors, I’ve been able to help thousands of customers ensure that they have the right transducer for the job. This article will help you understand the critical factors you should consider when selecting pressure transducers for challenging environments such as vulcanizing and other hydraulic applications that experience tough conditions. When you are done reading, you will also see additional resources to help deepen your knowledge about pressure transducers and mistakes to avoid when selecting the right instrument for your needs.