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This article was published on July 23, 2023, and updated on April 21, 2025. Pressure transducers, such as those used in tire manufacturing and other hydraulic applications, must be designed to withstand the rigorous demands of their environments. These sensors play an important role in measuring and monitoring process pressure to ensure your systems operate safely and efficiently. In tire manufacturing, for instance, transducers must endure high temperatures and pressures during the vulcanizing process, where the rubber is molded and hardened. Similarly, in other hydraulic applications, they must be resilient against factors like hydraulic shock, vibration, and pressure spikes, which can significantly impact their performance and longevity. Therefore, selecting the right transducer involves considering its ability to handle these challenging conditions while maintaining precision and reliability. In my 30+ years of experience working with pressure sensors, I’ve been able to help thousands of customers ensure that they have the right transducer for the job. This article will help you understand the critical factors you should consider when selecting pressure transducers for challenging environments such as vulcanizing and other hydraulic applications that experience tough conditions. When you are done reading, you will also see additional resources to help deepen your knowledge about pressure transducers and mistakes to avoid when selecting the right instrument for your needs.

If you are using a transducer (also known as a sensor) to measure liquid, gas or air pressure in a critical environment, OEM application or high-purity manufacturing process, you need to have confidence in the accuracy of your instrument. That confidence will be tested if there is an offset in the output of that instrument at zero and span. However, if you understand the reason an offset can occur and what you can do to address it, your confidence will be restored. Ashcroft, an industry leader in pressure measurement instruments, has consistently demonstrated reliability and excellence in the field of pressure measurement instrumentation. That's why we are often asked to share our expertise and shed light on topics like this one. Read this article to learn how transducers measure pressure, possible causes of offset in the measurements and what you can do to ensure your instrument is providing you with the accuracy requirements for your specific application. You will also have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge through additional articles and resources available to you. When you are done reading, you will know just what to do to prevent the offset from occurring or to fix the issue should it occur.

Diaphragm seals, also known as isolators, are commonly used to help safeguard the wetted parts of pressure measurement instruments, such as sensors (transmitters and transducers), gauges and switches, from corrosive chemicals in your system's pipes. In some instances, however, diaphragms are also used to protect the instrument from large particles that could potentially obstruct the process connection. As a business development leader at Ashcroft – a leader in pressure instrumentation – I frequently address these concerns in low-pressure applications. Read this article to learn about the factors to consider for using a diaphragm seal in your operation and to use them on different types of instruments (mechanical or sensor) to keep your system flowing. You will also see additional resources you can use as a reference to deepen your knowledge of these isolating instruments.

This article was originally published on November 15, 2021, and updated on March 31, 2025 In your most challenging applications, prioritizing safety is critical. For instance, in environments with high oxygen levels, you need to ensure your pressure instruments are free of contaminants to prevent a fire. Even though oxygen itself is not flammable, it can cause other materials like dust, oils and lingering residue to easily ignite and burn with intensity. Cleaning for oxygen service is an effective safety precaution you can take to prevent this from happening in your application. As a product sales leader at Ashcroft, a leading authority in pressure and temperature instrumentation, I am often asked if we offer this service to our customers. The answer is yes, depending on the application. However, before you decide if it's right for you, take a few minutes to see what the service involves. Read this article to learn more about the benefits of cleaning for oxygen service and the process we use to be sure your instruments are safe to use in high-purity gas or pure oxygen systems. You will also see additional articles and resources that are relevant to pressure gauge selection and care.

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.

This article was originally published on June 4, 2021, and was updated on March 10, 2025. Choosing the right assemblies for your pressure instruments can seem overwhelming. There are so many factors to consider and endless combinations of products and configurations that will influence what you need for your specific application. So, how can you get the proper assemblies to suit your project’s needs? How do you start looking in the first place? These are questions that come up a lot in my discussions with customers. Luckily, my 20 years of industry experience, including the past five at Ashcroft, gives me the ability to share my expertise in this particular area. Read this article to learn the top five factors to consider when researching pressure instrument mounting assemblies, and how to choose the right assemblies that can protect your equipment and ensure successful processes for your specific application.