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.

If you work in a production plant or facility that uses highly corrosive process media, you likely own diaphragm seals to protect the sensing element of your pressure instrumentation from getting damaged. Without that protection, your whole operation can be compromised. But how can you be sure your diaphragm seal is performing properly? Ashcroft, a leader in pressure and temperature measurement, provides training on different aspects of these devices. In fact, as a territory manager, I have been training product distributors on this very topic for years. Now I want to share this information with you. In this article, I will cover how diaphragm seals are used in different applications and the steps you can take to ensure these instruments perform as you need them to.

A pressure switch is a control device that senses changes in pressure and mechanically opens and closes an electrical circuit at a pre-determined point. Unlike other pressure instruments like pressure gauges and pressure sensors that measure and monitor pressure, switches are a bit more complicated. Ashcroft is an industry leader in pressure measurement instrumentation and created this article to provide a basic foundation of information about switches for the industry novice. Read on to learn about the different types of pressure switches, common applications, how they operate, key terms, switch accuracy, activation methods and more. When you’re done reading, you will also find additional resources about switches that may interest you.

A pressure transducer, which can also be referred to as a pressure transmitter or pressure sensor, is an electronic device that measures and monitors the air, gas or liquid pressure flowing through industrial systems. Although they appear small, these instruments are built with advanced technology to provide accurate and reliable pressure measurements at different stages of the process. Ashcroft is an industry leader in pressure measurement instrumentation and created this article to provide a basic foundation of information about transducers for the industry novice. Read on to learn how they work and where they are used. You will also get a high-level overview of the different types of sensors, manufacturing standards, sensor accuracy and more. When you are done reading, you will also find additional resources about transducers that may interest you.

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.