Blog

Ensuring accurate and reliable temperature readings in harsh industrial applications is vital. The challenge is protecting your temperature sensor from the damaging effects of corrosive media, high pressure and velocity in industrial applications. That's where thermowells can help. However, with so many types of thermowells and styles of thermowell shanks, it may not be immediately clear how to select the correct one for your application. As a leading manufacturer of temperature instruments, Ashcroft offers multiple styles of thermowells, including threaded, flanged, socket-weld, weld-in and sanitary. Each style can be manufactured with one of three shank types: straight, tapered or stepped. Depending on the shank, there are implications for strength, sensor response time and vibration resistance. The type you choose will ultimately depend on the demands of the application. Read this article to learn the differences between thermowell shank types, their main benefits and applications, and to understand how factors like wake frequency calculations can help you make the most informed and efficient decisions.

This article was originally published on February 22, 2022, and updated on July 30, 2025. In many systems, especially those involving high pressure or hazardous conditions, pressure gauge failure can have serious consequences, including operator injury and costly equipment damage. Ashcroft has been a leading innovator in pressure measurement for over a century. We’ve engineered gauges to meet the most demanding safety and performance standards across industries, including oil & gas, chemical processing and power generation. It's our job to make sure customers make the most informed decisions when choosing instruments for their specific processes. For instance, while we know there are plenty of applications where open-front pressure gauges are preferred, solid-front gauges have become a common choice for higher-risk operations. Read this article to learn the differences between solid and open front gauge cases and the benefits they each offer so you can decide which one is right for your application.

Thermocouples (TC) and Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTD) are widely used for temperature measurement in process industries across the globe. However, in many cases, the sensor is located far from the measuring point. In these instances, cables are needed to transfer the signal. The challenge is to select the correct extension cables to maintain measurement accuracy in long-distance transmissions. Ashcroft temperature solutions are known for their accuracy, reliability and seamless integration into processes. That's why customers often ask us for guidance on how to ensure accurate readings, reduce installation errors and avoid costly downtime due to inaccurate readings. Read this article to learn how thermocouples and RTD extension wires work, why they matter and how to select the correct extension cables for your specific application. You will also learn when transmitters may be a good investment for long-distance signal integrity.

This article was originally published on March 13, 2019, and updated on July 16, 2025. In many process industries, sudden pressure surges from water hammer, valve closures or equipment malfunctions can cause overpressure events that damage pressure gauges and lead to equipment failure and costly downtime. To reduce this risk, many systems rely on external pressure limiting valves (PLVs), which increase installation complexity and create potential leak paths. Ashcroft offers a smarter solution: pressure gauges with built-in overpressure protection. With over 170 years of innovation behind us, Ashcroft understands the harsh realities of industrial applications and we engineer products that perform in the most extreme conditions. Read this article to learn about two pressure gauges that are designed with XRA Overpressure Protection to handle pressure surges internally, eliminating the need for external components and improving system reliability.

This article was originally published on September 6, 2022, and updated on July 7, 2025. When working with critical processes in power generation, chemical manufacturing or food processing, one of your primary challenges is ensuring accurate temperature measurement. The wrong sensor could lead to reduced performance, safety concerns or even equipment failure. That’s why selecting the correct temperature sensor for your application is so important. As a recognized leader in pressure and temperature measurement instruments, Ashcroft has been helping industries worldwide make informed decisions for over a century. In this article, you will learn about two types of temperature sensors, how they work and their respective advantages and disadvantages. You will also receive guidance on selecting the most suitable sensor for your specific needs.

This article was originally published on December 4, 2023, by Rick Zerafin and updated on September 26, 2024. If your work involves critical applications with harsh conditions, extreme weather and high-vibration environments, thermocouples are essential instruments that can keep your system operating efficiently. They are often used in equipment like turbine systems, gas compressors, pumps and other equipment to provide clear and reliable signals to communicate whether a system is working properly, or not. In doing so, these instruments help reduce downtime, lower maintenance costs and increase productivity. Selecting the correct junction type is critical to ensure optimal temperature sensor performance. With 40 years of measurement instrument experience, I am often asked about the differences and benefits of each junction option. In this article, you will learn about the different thermocouple components, including two of the most common types of junctions: grounded and ungrounded. You will also learn the advantages of each junction type, and which is preferable for different applications. When you are done reading, you will have a clear understanding of the best junction to select for your specific needs.