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This article was originally published on February 28, 2022, and updated on December 4, 2024. Pressure switches are important components in many industrial and OEM applications. By monitoring pressure levels in your system and automatically activating or deactivating equipment when pressure reaches a predetermined setpoint, they help ensure a safe and efficient process. Choosing the wrong pressure switch could lead to actuation errors, damaged equipment, worker injury, or other dangerous issues. So, how do you know if you have the right pressure switch? And what factors should you consider if you need a new one? As the Ashcroft Product Manager for Switches, I’ve developed some best practices for things to consider while you’re researching. Read this article to learn about the primary factors to look for when choosing or replacing a pressure switch. You will also find links to additional information that can deepen your knowledge of pressure switches used in different applications.

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.

Industrial pressure switches have many functions. They are used to regulate water pressure in homes and buildings, maintain water levels in reservoirs and tanks, monitor and control pressure in HVAC systems and pumps, to name a few. However, at Ashcroft, a majority of our customers use pressure switches as a safety mechanism to set off an alarm or trigger a system shutdown when high- or low-pressure limits are reached. Ashcroft is an industry leader in pressure measurement instrumentation. We created this article for new customers like you who want to know how pressure switches can function as an alarm or to shut down their systems. Read on to learn about the different types of pressure switches commonly used in these applications and the additional approvals these switches may need to be used in this capacity. When you’re done reading, you will also find additional resources about switches that may interest you. .

This article was originally published on October 2, 2023, and updated on October 14, 2024. The number of industries that rely on pressure measurement equipment is expansive. The list includes manufacturing, water/wastewater, hydraulics, food and beverage, medical, and pharmaceutical, among others. If you are new to any of these markets, you need to understand the importance of monitoring and maintaining appropriate levels of pressure in the critical processes in your industry. Accurate measurement of pressure in these processes is essential for ensuring safety, control and process efficiency. However, achieving these goals requires periodic instrument calibration. With more than 12 years of specialization in precision instruments, I have witnessed first-hand the consequences of neglecting calibration. As a follow-up to my blog titled, How to Check the Calibration of a Pressure Gauge, this article examines in more detail the circumstances that necessitate this important process, focuses on the three most critical factors of calibration and discusses the considerations associated with each factor. When you finish reading, you will have a solid foundation of knowledge regarding pressure instrument calibration and be ready to dig deeper into the topic with the additional resources provided for your reference.

When you need to measure air, gas or liquid in any industrial or OEM application, you will likely need to rely on a pressure transducer with sensing technology to keep your system running smoothly. However, process media, measurements and components can vary based on your industry and your specific application. The good news is that Ashcroft and its parent company Nagano Keiki Co. LTD (authorities in pressure measurement instrumentation) offer pressure transducers that can be customized to meet your requirements. Read this article to learn common reasons why companies want customization of their instruments, the features of Ashcroft pressure transducers that can be tailored to your specifications and how to get started. You will also find links to additional resources that will help you learn more about these instruments.

In applications involving conductive fluids such as tap water, seawater, ammonia and condensation from air and gases, safeguarding pressure instruments against galvanic corrosion is a critical concern. The corrosive nature of these systems can significantly compromise the functionality and longevity of your instrumentation, underscoring the importance of selecting the most appropriate options for your specific requirements. Typically, people focus on media compatibility as it relates to the wetted materials of the individual components that will be used in a system such as pressure instruments. However, it is also critical to identify potential areas of galvanic corrosion throughout the entire system and only use materials that are corrosive-resistant and compatible with galvanic conditions. Ashcroft has a long and successful history in pressure and temperature instrumentation, including those used in harsh applications such as saltwater and chemical environments. Read this article to better understand galvanic corrosion, where and how it occurs, and why media and material compatibility are so important when selecting the best pressure measurement solution for water-based applications. You will also be directed to additional resources that can help you take the next step in your instrument-purchasing journey.