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This article was originally published on June 17, 2024, and updated on April 30, 2025. If you work in any industry that involves food, beverages, pharmaceuticals or biotechnology, your primary challenge is to implement and maintain strict sanitary control over your entire operation. This is your primary defense against product contamination and safeguarding public health. That means every aspect of your manufacturing process, including the equipment and instruments you use to keep your systems running smoothly, must also meet certain sanitary and hygienic standards. Ashcroft is a globally recognized leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation, so we understand the unique requirements our products must meet for use in these highly regulated industries. In fact, as a Product Leader for the company's sanitary product line, I am often asked for guidance during our customers' gauge selection process. In this article, you will learn more about the unique safety challenges of these highly regulated industries, the safety standards that are designed for public protection and some factors to consider when selecting the best sanitary gauge for your needs. When you are done reading, you will also be directed to additional resources to help deepen your knowledge of pressure gauges in general.

This article was originally published on July 18, 2022, and updated on April 28, 2025. There are many factors to consider when selecting your pressure gauge size, including how and where it will be used, gauge readability, distance from the operator and more. As a leading authority in pressure gauges, Ashcroft is often asked which pressure gauge size is best for a particular application. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. However, we can help guide you. Read this article for expert insights and additional resources that can help deepen your knowledge about pressure gauges.

This article was originally published on May 16, 2022, and updated on April 16, 2025. In high-pressure applications, managing pressures of 40,000 psi and above is critical for safety and efficiency. These environments pose significant challenges, such as extreme pulsation and vibration, which can lead to equipment failure and safety hazards. That's why ensuring your gauge is designed to withstand these conditions is so important. Since 1852, Ashcroft has been a trusted authority in pressure measurement, providing reliable solutions for demanding applications. Read this article to learn about common uses for ultra-high-pressure gauges, the standards they must follow for system and operator safety and considerations for selecting a pressure gauge for your needs. You will also be directed to additional resources to help you deepen your knowledge of relevant pressure gauge topics.

This article was originally published on September 11, 2023, and updated on March 26, 2025. Managing hydraulic systems in mobile construction equipment, fuel pumps, industrial machinery and automotive braking systems for example - is no easy task. Because these systems use liquids in various forms to generate power, the inherent pressure levels of hydraulics have to be properly managed. Otherwise, the consequences can include reduced performance, potential equipment damage, or even physical injury to system operators. That's where hydraulic pressure gauges can help. These instruments play a critical role in regulating pressure by monitoring levels in either a specified part or the entire system to ensure things are operating normally. The challenge is choosing the pressure gauge that will work best in your hydraulic application. As a pressure gauge product lead at Ashcroft - a recognized authority in temperature and pressure solutions - I have seen many scenarios where the wrong pressure gauges were selected and the impact that decision had on operations. Read this article to learn about the five pressure gauge features I consider most important for hydraulic applications so you can be confident about selecting the best option to meet your specific needs. Let’s get started.

Generally speaking, a siphon is a small, heat dissipation device used to protect pressure instruments from high-temperature media and reduce the possible damaging effects of rapid temperature change. There are different types of siphons, each designed for specific applications, from industrial to everyday use. This article will focus on industrial applications found in power generation, oil and gas, chemical and petrochemical plants and water/wastewater management, to name a few. As part of Ashcroft's Understanding the Basics series, this article will explore the different types of siphons used as heat dissipators in both steam and non-steam applications. Continue reading to learn which siphons are used for these purposes and how they work. You will also see links to additional information on these instruments and resources to enhance your understanding of maintaining instrument safety in challenging environments.

This article was first published on September 12, 2022, and updated on February 19, 2025. Not every application will require the same level of pressure gauge accuracy. For instance, the pressure of a home water system does not necessarily need to be as precise as a medical sterilizer. However, over time, even the highest quality pressure instruments can become less accurate due to factors such as wear and tear, environmental conditions, and mechanical stress. This gradual decline in accuracy poses can lead to inefficiencies, safety risks, and compromised operations, making it critical to periodically calibrate your instruments to ensure they provide accurate readings. During my 13 years as a precision product leader at Ashcroft, I am often asked how calibration is done. Read this article to learn what is involved in pressure gauge calibration and the instruments you can use to ensure it is done correctly. At the end of the article, you will also see links to additional resources to help deepen your knowledge on this subject and more.