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This article was originally published on April 24, 2023, and updated on October 23, 2024. Diaphragm seals and isolation rings are both integral to the safe and efficient operation of your application. Whether it is a chemical plant, water treatment plant or mining facility, these isolators are used throughout the plant to protect instrumentation from harsh process media. But what’s the difference between these two instruments? And, when would you use a diaphragm seal instead of an isolation ring? Throughout my career, I’ve heard this question a lot. Not just from the customers in my territory, but also from product distributors during any of the product training seminars that I conduct for Ashcroft. Continue reading to learn the basic differences between diaphragm seals and isolation rings, which you would use one over the other in specific applications and why. You will also see links to additional resources to learn more.

This article was originally published on April 8, 2024, and updated on September 30, 2024. Oil & gas, water/wastewater, chemical and petrochemical industries rely on accurate and repeatable pressure measurement instruments to ensure processes run safely and efficiently. However, without proper protection, the internal (wetted) components of those pressure gauges, transmitters, transducers and switches will become damaged from the corrosive materials found in these harsh applications. Diaphragm seals are the ideal solution for protecting your pressure sensors from potential damage because they can isolate the sensing components from the process media. But choosing the right diaphragm seal for the job requires you to consider which wetted materials are best suited for your specific application. Ashcroft can help. We have been an industry leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation for decades and often help our customers address this very challenge. In this article, you will learn the four factors to consider when choosing your diaphragm seal material. When you are done reading, you will have the information you need to be more confident in your purchasing decision. You will also see additional related resources to address other diaphragm seal questions you may have .

This article was originally published on April 29, 2024, and updated on August 28, 2024 Whether you use industrial storage tanks for harvesting rainwater, providing municipal drinking water, irrigating fields, emergency fire suppression, or other purposes, you know how important it is to maintain accurate tank level pressure. One reliable solution is a pressure switch. This instrument is known for its accuracy, repeatability and versatility in water level management applications in water treatment systems, bubblers, scrubbers, and more. But how do they work? Ashcroft has decades of experience manufacturing pressure switches designed to address the unique challenges of water systems, such as tank-level management. Our instruments, including those that are certified for NSF/ANSI/CAN 61, are used globally to keep water systems flowing efficiently. In this article, you will see how a pressure switch works and learn how multiple tank levels can be monitored and controlled using one or more pressure switch connections. When you are done reading, you will also find additional resources to answer other switch-related questions you may have.

This article was originally published on May 3, 2021, and was updated on August 21, 2024. Pressure instruments play a crucial role in ensuring the ideal conditions for water and wastewater systems across various sectors. If you are a design engineer, systems integrator, or plant operator, you understand that choosing the correct instrumentation is essential for the efficient, reliable and safe operation of your systems. With a legacy dating back to 1852, Ashcroft has been at the forefront of creating quality pressure measuring and monitoring instruments that are widely used in water and wastewater facilities worldwide. This article offers several effective strategies to enhance the performance of instrumentation in various water and wastewater applications in industrial, commercial, and residential settings. Whether you are responsible for monitoring pressure, temperature, or flow in a water treatment facility or ensuring the safety of your potable water system, these insights will assist you in achieving your desired outcomes. When you are finished reading, you will also be directed to additional resources to help deepen your knowledge of these applications and the instrumentation that can help your water and wastewater systems run efficiently.

If you work in any industry that involves potable water systems, you understand the importance of ensuring the water is safe for consumption. That’s why the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires a third-party guarantee that any components in contact with the water in these systems will not contaminate public water supplies. The National Sanitation Foundation's NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 certification (moving forward referred to as NSF 61) of these types of components satisfies this EPA requirement, so you can be confident when selecting them for your water systems. As part of our Understanding the Basics series, Ashcroft – a leading manufacturer of pressure and temperature instrumentation used in water/wastewater applications – created this article to address the questions we receive from our customers about NSF-61 and the products we offer that meet this certification. Read on to learn more about NSF 61, the benefits of using NSF 61 certified components and the Ashcroft instruments that bear the NSF 61 stamp of approval. Once you have finished reading, you will be well-versed on the topic and confident about choosing NSF 61-approved products for your water applications.

If you work in a chemical manufacturing facility, water treatment center or oil/gas refinery, you likely use pump systems to transfer products between different stations. Suction and discharge installations can be particularly problematic environments for the instruments used to monitor the pressure in these systems. If your instruments get damaged, the entire process can break down, so protecting them is a priority. Ashcroft has been a major contributor to water/wastewater pressure and temperature instrumentation for decades, so we understand the challenges of keeping instruments protected in harsh environments. Read this article for our recommendations for keeping your pressure gauges, switches, and sensors working properly, regardless of where they are positioned during pump system installations. Once you have finished reading, you will be equipped to determine the most suitable approach for your needs. Additionally, you will have access to relevant articles and guides to help keep your systems running smoothly.