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 in an industry with harsh process environments like oil and gas, water and wastewater and others, you know that liquid and gas flow measurement is critical to ensuring your operation runs safely and efficiently. You also know that purchasing a flow meter to perform this function can cost you thousands of dollars. One popular and very effective alternative is to configure a differential pressure (DP) gauge to measure flow. This simple step can deliver the same results and save you money. In this article, you will learn the basic concepts of fluid dynamics and pressure distribution based on Bernoulli’s Principle. You will also see why DP gauges are ideal for monitoring flow in harsh environments and how easy it is to configure these instruments to meet your specific needs. Since 1852, Ashcroft has been an industry leader in measurement instrumentation. As a product marketing leader, I am happy to share information that can help you discover solutions to your complex challenges. When you are finished, you will know how to configure your DP gauge to measure flow and be guided to other helpful resources that can help you find the right DP gauge for the job.

If your business currently depends on fossil fuel, you may be thinking about transitioning to a cleaner energy solution like hydrogen because it has less impact on the environment. While hydrogen may be a great solution for electric trucks, cars, buses and materials handling equipment, it is important to understand the unique standards and safety requirements for the production and transportation of this highly combustible substance. Temperature sensors used in hydrogen applications must adhere to rigid standards to maintain a safe working environment. For decades, Ashcroft has been offering a wide range of temperature sensors to clients in a variety of fields, including hydrogen fuel production. Using the knowledge we have gained, we are able to guide customers to the best solution for their needs. In this article, we’ll touch on the advantages of hydrogen energy, its risks and challenges, and some real-world examples of how sensors are used in hydrogen environments.

If you work in an industry that involves hydrogen, or other volatile substances, you understand the dangers that you and your team face daily. But do you know that any equipment used in these environments (aka hazardous locations) must meet certain requirements and be designed to help contain or prevent a fire or explosion from occurring in the first place? For example, certain pressure sensors like the E2F Flameproof and E2S Intrinsically Safe pressure transducers are built to withstand or prevent explosions and fires in hazardous locations. This makes them effective options for managing pressure in complex industrial applications. Ashcroft is a recognized leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation and has been for more than a century and a half. In my role as product leader, I am familiar with the complex nature of hydrogen and have been educating customers on how to select the best sensors to meet the stringent quality and safety requirements for highly combustible environments. This article will explain the factors and classifications of a hazardous location, the product certifications that are required for use in these environments and the solutions available to help keep you and your team safe. When you are done reading this article, you will have a better understanding of what type of pressure transducer you will need for your application and be ready to take the next step in your purchasing decision.

Now more than ever, industrial leaders are taking measures to protect the environment. For example, if you are in the HVAC/R business you may be using a more ecologically friendly refrigerant compound like ammonia to help reduce your energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. If this is the case, you need to be aware of certain risks and solutions that can help minimize potential danger. According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerant and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), ammonia is an ideal alternative to traditional chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant compounds because of its low impact on the environment. However, in certain quantities, ammonia can also be hazardous to people and animals. That’s why systems with ammonia and similar refrigerant-based compounds need to have quality components, including pressure sensors. In some ammonia-based systems – such as those used in fuel pump controls – using the wrong kind of OEM pressure transducer could lead to leaks or bursts that cause serious harm to operators and equipment.

For the industry novice looking to understand the basics of pressure measurement instruments, it can be confusing and overwhelming to search through the seemingly limitless number of available transmitters and transducers.