Blog

Ensuring accurate and reliable temperature readings in harsh industrial applications is vital. The challenge is protecting your temperature sensor from the damaging effects of corrosive media, high pressure and velocity in industrial applications. That's where thermowells can help. However, with so many types of thermowells and styles of thermowell shanks, it may not be immediately clear how to select the correct one for your application. As a leading manufacturer of temperature instruments, Ashcroft offers multiple styles of thermowells, including threaded, flanged, socket-weld, weld-in and sanitary. Each style can be manufactured with one of three shank types: straight, tapered or stepped. Depending on the shank, there are implications for strength, sensor response time and vibration resistance. The type you choose will ultimately depend on the demands of the application. Read this article to learn the differences between thermowell shank types, their main benefits and applications, and to understand how factors like wake frequency calculations can help you make the most informed and efficient decisions.

In any process where accurate temperature monitoring is critical, from power generation and HVAC systems to food processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing, Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) are one of the most trusted sensor technologies. Selecting the right RTD element is essential for achieving high performance, long-term stability and compliance with industry standards. Ashcroft, a global leader in temperature and pressure instrumentation, has decades of experience helping customers specify, install and calibrate RTDs in demanding environments. Read this article to learn about RTD sensing elements, how they work and how to select the right element based on industry requirements, construction, accuracy, wiring and environmental factors.

A thermocouple is a type of electrical temperature sensor that is used to measure and monitor temperature changes in process applications. Similar to resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), these sensors are designed to ensure accurate temperature readings in applications where precise temperature control is essential for safety and efficiency. As part of Ashcroft's Understanding the Basics series, this article will provide you with a high-level review of these instruments, including their origin, how they work for different applications and more. You will also gain insights about when to use (or not to use) this type of sensor and be directed to additional resources that can help you deepen your knowledge on the topic of temperature sensors. This information comes from 40 years of industry experience with temperature and pressure measurement, design, engineering, and product management, which includes 17 years working with Ashcroft - a leader in temperature and pressure instrumentation.

Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) are electrical temperature sensors used to measure and monitor temperature changes in process applications. These sensors are important for ensuring accurate temperature readings in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace and healthcare, where precise temperature control is essential for safety and efficiency. As part of Ashcroft's Understanding the Basics series, this article will provide you with a high-level review of these instruments, including how they work, how they are constructed, accuracy classes and more. You will also gain insights about when to use (or not to use) this type of sensor and be directed to additional resources that can help you deepen your knowledge on the topic of temperature sensors. This information comes from 40 years of industry experience with temperature and pressure measurement, design, engineering, and product management, which includes 17 years working with Ashcroft - a leader in temperature and pressure instrumentation.

This article was originally published on March 28, 2022. and updated on November 6, 2024. In industries such as manufacturing, food processing, chemical production, HVAC and more, maintaining precise temperature measurement is important to ensure product quality and safety. Bimetal thermometers address challenging environments by providing accurate and reliable temperature readings that are necessary to protect your product, your process and your operators. But how do you determine the best bimetal thermometer for your specific application? As the product manager for temperature products at Ashcroft, a leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation, I can guide you through the selection process. Read this article to learn more about the functions and applications of bimetal thermometers and the key considerations to help you choose a high-quality option tailored to your requirements. I will also share some additional resources that can answer other questions you may have about these instruments.