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This article was originally published on September 11, 2023, and updated on March 26, 2025. Managing hydraulic systems in mobile construction equipment, fuel pumps, industrial machinery and automotive braking systems for example - is no easy task. Because these systems use liquids in various forms to generate power, the inherent pressure levels of hydraulics have to be properly managed. Otherwise, the consequences can include reduced performance, potential equipment damage, or even physical injury to system operators. That's where hydraulic pressure gauges can help. These instruments 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. The challenge is choosing the pressure gauge that will work best in your hydraulic application. 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. Read this article to 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.

This article was originally published on November 15, 2021, and updated on March 24, 2025 In your most challenging applications, prioritizing safety is critical. For instance, in environments with high oxygen levels, you need to ensure your pressure instruments are free of contaminants to prevent a fire. Even though oxygen itself is not flammable, it can cause other materials like dust, oils and lingering residue to easily ignite and burn with intensity. Cleaning for oxygen service is an effective safety precaution you can take to prevent this from happening in your application. As a product sales leader at Ashcroft, a leading authority in pressure and temperature instrumentation, I am often asked if we offer this service to our customers. The answer is yes, depending on the application. However, before you decide if it's right for you, take a few minutes to see what the service involves. Read this article to learn more about the benefits of cleaning for oxygen service and the process we use to be sure your instruments are safe to use in high-purity gas or pure oxygen systems. You will also see additional articles and resources that are relevant to pressure gauge selection and care.

This article was originally published on June 4, 2021, and was updated on March 10, 2025. Choosing the right assemblies for your pressure instruments can seem overwhelming. There are so many factors to consider and endless combinations of products and configurations that will influence what you need for your specific application. So, how can you get the proper assemblies to suit your project’s needs? How do you start looking in the first place? These are questions that come up a lot in my discussions with customers. Luckily, my 20 years of industry experience, including the past five at Ashcroft, gives me the ability to share my expertise in this particular area. Read this article to learn the top five factors to consider when researching pressure instrument mounting assemblies, and how to choose the right assemblies that can protect your equipment and ensure successful processes for your specific application.

This article was originally published on August 16, 2021, and updated on February 12, 2025. Pressure gauge accessories like snubbers, dampeners, capillaries, pressure-limiting valves, and siphons play an important role in keeping your processes running safely and efficiently. However, while these devices help ensure your pressure instruments maintain optimal performance in the most challenging applications, there is an underlying concern about their potential impact on pressure measurement accuracy. As the product manager for pressure gauges and accessories at Ashcroft - a leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation, I am often asked for reassurance that these products don't interfere with gauge performance. In this article, you will learn about the factors that can affect pressure measurement accuracy, and the accessories that help, not hinder, instrument performance.

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.

This article was originally published on February 13, 2023, and updated on January 6, 2025. The chemical industry manufactures a wide range of chemical and material products for industries that require durable and reliable measurement and monitoring technology for their production. Accurate and dependable pressure and temperature measurement instruments are necessary to endure harsh chemical environments. However, incorrect use or failure of these instruments can result in serious outcomes such as equipment damage, employee injury, and environmental hazards. These are just a few reasons why it is essential to use instruments engineered to withstand the severe demands of chemical processing operations. Ashcroft is a leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation since 1852. Read this article to learn about the factors to consider when selecting the best instruments for your chemical application. You will also get links to additional information in case you want to learn more.