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In industries such as pharmaceutical, food, dairy and biotech, contamination is one of the greatest threats to product quality, safety and compliance. Even the smallest bacterial buildup in process connections can lead to costly downtime, product recalls and regulatory violations. The challenge is keeping the entire process environment ultra-clean and secure—especially at connection points where contamination can quickly occur. Tri-Clamp® fittings provide a proven solution, using a sanitary, crevice-free design that’s easy to clean, quick to assemble and fully compliant with industry regulations. As a leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation, Ashcroft has been trusted for over a century to deliver trusted instrumentation for critical process applications. Our expertise in hygienic measurement, combined with our conventional or inline style Tri-Clamp connections, helps manufacturers maintain sterility while keeping operations efficient. In this article, you’ll discover why Tri-Clamp connections are preferred for hygienic processes, how they outperform threaded fittings in sterile environments, and the best practices for selecting and installing gaskets to ensure long-term reliability.

When selecting a mechanical pressure or temperature gauge, many engineers and technicians focus on the gauge’s range, accuracy or material compatibility. But did you know the pointer type can be just as critical? The wrong pointer can result in poor visibility, missed pressure events, or other system issues. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which pointer type is the best fit for your application. As a trusted authority in pressure and temperature instrumentation, Ashcroft has helped customers across industries, from energy and water treatment to OEM and chemical/petrochemical applications, identify the right pressure monitoring solutions for over a century. In this article, part of our “Understanding the Basics” series, we’ll walk you through several common pointer types, show you how they work, what they’re best used for and the pros and cons of each. Read on to help you decide which pointer is the best for your needs.

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.

When you are installing or inspecting a mechanical pressure gauge, one of the most important things to verify is that the pointer reads zero when there is no applied pressure or vacuum. If it doesn't, the indication could be misleading. That's where pressure gauge features like a zero box and dial pin can help. At Ashcroft, a leading authority in pressure gauges since 1852, we ensure customers have the options they need to maintain accurate measurements and keep their systems running efficiently. Read this article to become well-versed about the difference between a zero box and a dial pin (also known as a stop pin). You will also learn about Ashcroft's TrueZero™ feature and how it takes pressure gauge safety and reliability to the next level. Finally, you can deepen your knowledge further with links to other resources to help you find the right pressure gauge and options designed to address known challenges in your specific application.

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 blog was originally published on November 1, 2021, and updated on June 18, 2025. Finding an economically priced pressure gauge that is built to perform in harsh applications like hydrogen refueling, natural gas processing and sanitary systems, reliability, compatibility and safety matter more than ever. For over 170 years, Ashcroft has been a trusted source of pressure and temperature instrumentation, offering solutions engineered for the world’s most challenging environments. The Ashcroft® 8008S Pressure Gauge is no exception. Read on to explore the key features, materials, industries and applications for this compact, high-performance pressure gauge. When you are done reading, you will know if this pressure gauge it’s the right fit for your system.