Ralston Instruments News

Todd has to calibrate multiple chart recorders on a gas pipeline but he has a problem. Since it is a natural gas pipeline he is concerned about using hydraulic fluid to do the calibration. It is also the middle of winter and he doesn't want any fluid to accumulate and freeze in the chart recorders. He has also had problems with pressure stability when using hydraulic fluid. The solution is to use a Ralston Instruments calibration manifold.

Over the last several months, Ralston Instruments has introduced a new line of Quick-test XT fittings and hoses. The added flexibility that comes with these products enables you to work more efficiently and ensures you have just the right tools to accomplish your job in a variety of different settings.

Connecting to devices in the field is difficult and time consuming.

Based on our approach to pressure calibration we have made it easier to find products. We have organized our products into 4 concepts: Connect, Create, Control and Calibrate.

Making Connections Using the Ralston Quick Test System is quick and easy. Connect to virtually any pressure system to 10,000 psi without thread sealant or a wrench.

The Quick-test System lets you connect to any pressure calibrator, pressure gauge, hand pump or pressure source easily and quickly.

There are several connections that are used for higher pressure connections where taper seals are not ideal. These connections use either a metal to metal seat or an o-ring seal to make a pressure tight seal at high pressures.

Pressure systems in the process industry use different ways of sealing depending on the geographical region, size of the pressure system, and environmental circumstances. Regional differences and industry preferences are also determining factors in the type of seals used. For example, many pressure systems on ships use BSPP adapters, while applications in the oil and gas industry tend to use NPT fittings. Following is a brief overview of each type of fitting, along with an explanation of the regions and applications where they’re best suited.

Ralston Instruments has developed a new adapter search that makes finding the right adapter for the job even easier than ever. Whether you are trying to connect to an NPT connection with a cap and chain or a tube fitting the adapter search can help you find the correct adapter.

When Ralston Instruments initiated the construction of their new headquarters building in 2007, they considered the impact they would have on the environment throughout the project and beyond.

As a company that values the natural world around them, Ralston Instruments vowed to reduce their energy consumption and offset damage to the environment at each step. This dedication and "green" philosophy is the driving force behind how Ralston Instruments operates today.

The Problem

Calibrating pressure instruments by filling and bleeding valves can cause pressure to jump around while trying to achieve a specific set point. Moreover, "Christmas trees" made from multiple valves and fittings are cumbersome and can lead to leaks. Calibrations performed with these configurations yield inaccurate results due to hysteresis error and waste valuable nitrogen.

Performing differential pressure calibration is challenging for a variety of reasons.

As a world-renowned manufacturer of pressure calibration equipment, Ralston Instruments anticipates these situations and has created products that stand up to each challenge.

Ralston Instruments is proud to introduce our new 10,000 psi calibration hose and adapters.

Using a pressure regulator and needle valves to control pressure during a static pressure calibration is very difficult. Using a Ralston calibration manifold, volume controller or Nitropak saves nitrogen, time and money.

Using nitrogen when calibrating pressure instruments provides clean, accurate pressure and easy control of the device under test. For pressures under 3000 psi it offers the ideal set of features for pressure calibration.

Ralston Instruments has a long history of making products in the United States. For almost 40 years, we have designed, marketed, manufactured and serviced pressure calibration equipment in Northeastern Ohio on the shores of Lake Erie.

Our new building will help us provide customers with improved delivery, higher quality products, faster service and more innovative products.

On June 1st, 2007 Ralston Instruments broke ground on their new manufacturing facility. Located in Newbury, OH about 30 miles outside of Cleveland, the new building is 10,000 square feet and includes a multi-product production line, a QA center and an R&D lab for new product development.

The coming year will be a busy time for Ralston Instruments. Marketing Director, Griffin Ralston, will be exhibiting at a number of trade shows. While he is on the road, Griffin will be demonstrating their new Male Quick-disconnect fitting that reduces set up time by eliminating the need to use thread sealant on pressure transmitter connection. This design streamlines the calibration process and enables service technicians to work faster. Come see Griffin and the Male Quick-disconnect fitting.

Customers are now able to order our newest product the Male Quick-disconnect NPT adapter. Similar to our current model of male NPT adapter but, unlike the standard male adapter, the Quick-disconnect does not require the use of thread sealant and therefore significantly streamlines the calibration process. We also offer a full complement of hoses and hand pumps that can be used to create and connect the pressure to the device being tested.