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This article was originally published on June 6, 2022, and was updated on March 5, 2025. In water and wastewater applications, corrosive substances or blockages from sludge or slurries can compromise your pressure and temperature instruments. How can you safeguard these instruments and maintain operational efficiency? A diaphragm seal offers protection, but not just any seal will suffice. You'll want a diaphragm seal with a flushing connection that can simplify the seal's cleaning process and prevent clogging. I've been working with Ashcroft - a leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation - for the better part of 33 years. Initially, I was the branch manager at an Ashcroft distributor, and for the past 10 years, I have been the Northwest territory manager. In both roles, I have helped customers understand the features and benefits of water and wastewater instrumentation. Read this article to learn what a flushing connection is, how it can help a diaphragm seal be more effective in harsh applications and when it's most advantageous to put one to work for you.

Isolation rings are very effective devices that protect pressure instruments from contaminant clogging and corrosion in several industries. However, there are certain circumstances where alternate methods of instrument isolation are recommended. As a global leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation, customers rely on the depth and breadth of our experience to educate and guide them through the process of finding the best solutions for their specific needs. In this article, you will learn why isolation rings are a good option for several very specific types of applications, but would not be recommended for others. As you read, look for links to resources that can help provide additional information to deepen your knowledge on this particular topic.

Pressure gauges, switches and transducers all have important roles in the safe and efficient operation of process piping, skid systems and other applications found in many industries. However, in certain scenarios, these sensitive instruments require protection from a range of challenging conditions, including extreme temperatures, potential clogging from particulates, or corrosive environments that could compromise their ability to function properly. To address these challenges the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) created industry standards and recommends strategies to protect instruments from damage in demanding applications. For example, ASME B40.100 recommends the use of isolation devices - widely recognized as diaphragm seals or isolation rings - as protective barriers that can ensure the longevity and accuracy of your pressure instruments. In this article, you will learn more about the three biggest challenges of these systems and the reasons to use a diaphragm seal or isolation ring. You will also learn about material traceability and certain certifications that may be required for these devices.

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 .

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.