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This article was originally published on March 13, 2019, and updated on July 16, 2025. In many process industries, sudden pressure surges from water hammer, valve closures or equipment malfunctions can cause overpressure events that damage pressure gauges and lead to equipment failure and costly downtime. To reduce this risk, many systems rely on external pressure limiting valves (PLVs), which increase installation complexity and create potential leak paths. Ashcroft offers a smarter solution: pressure gauges with built-in overpressure protection. With over 170 years of innovation behind us, Ashcroft understands the harsh realities of industrial applications and we engineer products that perform in the most extreme conditions. Read this article to learn about two pressure gauges that are designed with XRA Overpressure Protection to handle pressure surges internally, eliminating the need for external components and improving system reliability.

This article was originally published on May 15, 2023, and updated on May 5, 2025. For certain applications in water/wastewater and other industries, pressure instruments such as gauges, switches, and transmitters are susceptible to clogging and corrosion. At Ashcroft, we understand that exposure to these conditions can damage the instrument, which can lead to inaccurate measurements and jeopardize the safety of your operation. Isolators, such as isolation rings, are designed to protect instruments from damage caused by clogging due to large slurries. Diaphragm seals, on the other hand, are used to protect instruments from chemicals like sodium hypochlorite, sodium fluoride or chlorine. However, removing the instrument from the isolator in the field can be hazardous. Read this article to learn the dangers and discover one way you can perform this task safely.

Isolation rings are very effective devices that protect pressure instruments from contaminant clogging and corrosion in several industries. However, there are certain circumstances where alternate methods of instrument isolation are recommended. As a global leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation, customers rely on the depth and breadth of our experience to educate and guide them through the process of finding the best solutions for their specific needs. In this article, you will learn why isolation rings are a good option for several very specific types of applications, but would not be recommended for others. As you read, look for links to resources that can help provide additional information to deepen your knowledge on this particular topic.

This article was originally published on April 24, 2023, and updated on October 23, 2024. Diaphragm seals and isolation rings are both integral to the safe and efficient operation of your application. Whether it is a chemical plant, water treatment plant or mining facility, these isolators are used throughout the plant to protect instrumentation from harsh process media. But what’s the difference between these two instruments? And, when would you use a diaphragm seal instead of an isolation ring? Throughout my career, I’ve heard this question a lot. Not just from the customers in my territory, but also from product distributors during any of the product training seminars that I conduct for Ashcroft. Continue reading to learn the basic differences between diaphragm seals and isolation rings, which you would use one over the other in specific applications and why. You will also see links to additional resources to learn more.

This article was originally published on April 8, 2024, and updated on September 30, 2024. Oil & gas, water/wastewater, chemical and petrochemical industries rely on accurate and repeatable pressure measurement instruments to ensure processes run safely and efficiently. However, without proper protection, the internal (wetted) components of those pressure gauges, transmitters, transducers and switches will become damaged from the corrosive materials found in these harsh applications. Diaphragm seals are the ideal solution for protecting your pressure sensors from potential damage because they can isolate the sensing components from the process media. But choosing the right diaphragm seal for the job requires you to consider which wetted materials are best suited for your specific application. Ashcroft can help. We have been an industry leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation for decades and often help our customers address this very challenge. In this article, you will learn the four factors to consider when choosing your diaphragm seal material. When you are done reading, you will have the information you need to be more confident in your purchasing decision. You will also see additional related resources to address other diaphragm seal questions you may have .

This article was originally published on April 29, 2024, and updated on August 28, 2024 Whether you use industrial storage tanks for harvesting rainwater, providing municipal drinking water, irrigating fields, emergency fire suppression, or other purposes, you know how important it is to maintain accurate tank level pressure. One reliable solution is a pressure switch. This instrument is known for its accuracy, repeatability and versatility in water level management applications in water treatment systems, bubblers, scrubbers, and more. But how do they work? Ashcroft has decades of experience manufacturing pressure switches designed to address the unique challenges of water systems, such as tank-level management. Our instruments, including those that are certified for NSF/ANSI/CAN 61, are used globally to keep water systems flowing efficiently. In this article, you will see how a pressure switch works and learn how multiple tank levels can be monitored and controlled using one or more pressure switch connections. When you are done reading, you will also find additional resources to answer other switch-related questions you may have.