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Temperature measurement in an ammonia compressor in industrial refrigeration is crucial to ensure system efficiency, operational safety and early detection of problems. Because ammonia can be hazardous to your health, reactive, corrosive, flammable, and in some cases explosive, selecting and installing your temperature measurement equipment demands strict adherence to established standards and best practices. At Ashcroft, we’ve built our reputation on delivering accurate and reliable pressure and temperature instrumentation for mission-critical environments. Read this article to learn how temperature is monitored in a refrigeration system's compressor, and what to look for when selecting the best temperature measurement instruments to monitor ammonia systems safely and effectively. You will also see links to additional resources about temperature sensors for your reference.

Ashcroft has written other articles on selecting the best pressure gauges or pressure transducers for ammonia applications (see links at the bottom of this piece). However, we noticed we were still getting questions from people about the ammonia element itself. So, for the industry novice, this article will take a step back to address those specific questions. Ashcroft pressure and temperature instruments are used in virtually every type of industrial application, including ammonia, so it is our job to know how they will perform in every situation. Here we will review a couple of ammonia applications, and what to look for when selecting the best pressure gauge for your specific needs. At the end of the article, you will find additional resources that may interest you.

Now more than ever, industrial leaders are taking measures to protect the environment. For example, if you are in the HVAC/R business you may be using a more ecologically friendly refrigerant compound like ammonia to help reduce your energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. If this is the case, you need to be aware of certain risks and solutions that can help minimize potential danger. According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerant and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), ammonia is an ideal alternative to traditional chlorofluorocarbon refrigerant compounds because of its low impact on the environment. However, in certain quantities, ammonia can also be hazardous to people and animals. That’s why systems with ammonia and similar refrigerant-based compounds need to have quality components, including pressure sensors. In some ammonia-based systems – such as those used in fuel pump controls – using the wrong kind of OEM pressure transducer could lead to leaks or bursts that cause serious harm to operators and equipment.