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This article was originally published on April 4, 2022, and updated on June 4, 2025. When installing temperature instruments like bimetal thermometers, RTDs, or thermocouples, a small oversight—such as an improperly fitted thermowell—can lead to costly damage, safety risks or inaccurate readings. Thermowells are essential to protecting your thermometer or temperature sensor and ensuring accurate measurements in high-pressure and high-temperature applications, no matter how extreme the conditions. However, if they are too long or two short for the instrument they need to protect, you will not get an accurate temperature measurement and your instrument can be damaged. At Ashcroft, a leading authority in pressure and temperature instrumentation since 1852, we are often asked how to properly fit thermowells into various temperature instruments. Because there are so many factors to consider, such as making sure you have the correct measurements, knowing if a u-dimension is needed, remembering to subtract the tip thickness from the overall thermowell length and more, it can be easy to get the wrong size if you aren’t paying attention. Read this article to learn about thermowells and the different ways to measure your thermometer or RTD/thermocouple for proper installation. When you are done reading, you will understand what each measurement represents and be more proficient in fitting your temperature instrument with a thermowell. You will also see links to additional articles and resources that are available should you need to broaden your understanding of these instruments further.

This article was originally published on July 1, 2021, and updated on March 24, 2025. The thermometer industry is massive. It includes a wide range of temperature-measuring instruments in various shapes and sizes for a multitude of uses. Whether it's a thermometer used to monitor temperature in a chemical plant or one to check your child's fever, the quality and cost can differ significantly. As a temperature product manager at Ashcroft, a leader in industrial pressure and temperature instrumentation, I have more than 25 years of experience in this field. In that time, I have gained a deep understanding of the pricing and cost factors in the industrial temperature market. While there are too many types of thermometers to cover, read this article to learn what makes bimetal thermometers different from traditional temperature measurement instruments and the factors that influence their pricing.

This article was originally published on March 28, 2022. and updated on November 6, 2024. In industries such as manufacturing, food processing, chemical production, HVAC and more, maintaining precise temperature measurement is important to ensure product quality and safety. Bimetal thermometers address challenging environments by providing accurate and reliable temperature readings that are necessary to protect your product, your process and your operators. But how do you determine the best bimetal thermometer for your specific application? As the product manager for temperature products at Ashcroft, a leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation, I can guide you through the selection process. Read this article to learn more about the functions and applications of bimetal thermometers and the key considerations to help you choose a high-quality option tailored to your requirements. I will also share some additional resources that can answer other questions you may have about these instruments.

Whether your industrial process involves challenging environments or everyday conditions, you will likely use a thermowell to prevent your temperature instrumentation from getting damaged. Without protection, it is easy for these sensors to become inoperable. One challenge field operators face with a thermowell is calculating the stem length to properly fit a thermometer or electronic temperature sensor. The Ashcroft technical team is often asked how this is done, so we created this article as a point of reference for you. Continue reading to learn about the different types of thermowells, factors to consider when selecting the right thermowell for your application, how they connect to the process piping and more. When you are done reading, you will also find additional resources that may interest you.

Gas-actuated thermometers and bimetal thermometers are both commonly used temperature measurement instruments in multiple industries due to their reliability and precision. However, they operate on different principles. No matter what industry you work in, if you require accurate temperature monitoring, understanding these thermometers can enhance both efficiency and safety in your operations. As the temperature product manager at Ashcroft – an industry leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation – I am often asked which of these instruments will be most appropriate for different applications. The answer, of course, depends on several factors. Read this article to compare the mechanics, applications, and advantages of gas-actuated and bimetal thermometers. Links to additional resources will also provide relevant information to help deepen your knowledge of temperature measurement. When you are finished reading, you will be in a better position to select the right instrument for your specific needs.

All industrial applications use some kind of temperature instrument to ensure process temperatures stay within an acceptable range. Choosing the right device can help protect your equipment and your operators from extreme temperature shifts. However, the type of instrument you use will depend on many factors, including the temperature limits of the operation and the instrument, the required output and more. As a global leader in temperature and pressure instrumentation, Ashcroft created this article as a high-level overview of industrial temperature measurement options. If you are an industry novice or just want a refresher on the basics, this can serve as a good reference piece. Read on to learn about the different types of industrial temperature instruments, how they work, where they are used and why you might choose one over another. When you are done reading, you will find additional resources related to temperature measurement that may interest you.