Supplier sign in
Home
STAY INFORMED
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
Your email address will never be disclosed to any third party.
Read our privacy notice.

       

Press release
30.04.2025  |  1899x
Share this item
Allow (tracking) cookies from YouTube and Vimeo to watch videos

Safety & Explosion Protection in Level Measurement

Smart Monitoring for Maximum Process Safety – Protecting People, Environment, and Equipment

In the process industry, safety and explosion protection are among the most critical requirements. Especially in areas where explosive atmospheres can occur — such as those involving flammable gases, vapors, or fine dust — choosing the right technology is essential to reliably protect people, the environment, and equipment.

The right level measurement technology

Level sensors and intelligent monitoring systems from UWT provide exactly the level of protection needed for sensitive applications — globally and certified according to international standards such as ATEX / IECEx, NEC / CEC, overfill prevention, or SIL.
Safety & Explosion Protection starts with the right level measurement technology. In hazardous areas, choosing the right sensor technology is crucial – because different safety and technical requirements apply depending on the zone classification. These zones are defined based on how frequently an explosive atmosphere of gas or dust may occur.

Classification of Gas Explosion Hazard Zones

  • Zone 0: An explosive gas atmosphere is present continuously or for long periods
  • Zone 1: An explosive gas atmosphere occurs occasionally
  • Zone 2: An explosive gas atmosphere occurs rarely and only for short periods

Classification of Dust Explosion Hazard Zones

  • Zone 20: An explosive dust atmosphere is present continuously or frequently
  • Zone 21: An explosive dust atmosphere occurs occasionally
  • Zone 22: An explosive dust atmosphere occurs rarely and only for short periods

Tailored level measurement solutions

For each of these zones, UWT offers tailored level measurement solutions – featuring intrinsically safe electronics, flameproof enclosures, encapsulated components, or dust-tight housings. Our sensors are designed to eliminate any potential ignition source and ensure reliable protection of the device interior against external influences.
  • UWT sensors approved - for gas Ex zones
  • UWT sensors certified for dust Ex zones

Overview of Types of Explosion Protection

The type of explosion protection used depends on the specific protection principle and the area of application – as different industries, media, and Ex zones have varying requirements for equipment safety.

Process Safety Through Smart Technology

Our level measurement solutions offer more than just measurement values – they ensure intelligent process monitoring, maximum system availability, and easy system integration:
  • Pressure & temperature solutions up to 400 bar (5,800 psi) / 1,100 °C (2,012 °F)
  • Reliable protection against overfill & dry run (FSH & FSL)
  • Decoupled sensor technology for use in high-heat and high-vibration environments
  • Digital interfaces for easy integration: Bluetooth, HART, IO-Link, Modbus, Profibus
Whether for existing systems or new projects – with UWT, you benefit from robust technology and modern communication in one.

System Protection You Can Trust

When handling environmentally hazardous liquids, strict safety regulations for industrial systems apply worldwide. Reliable overfill protection is a key requirement in legal standards – regardless of location.
Our certified level sensors support safe monitoring of liquids, ensure compliance with limit values, and actively help prevent environmental damage. In doing so, they make an important contribution to protecting people, equipment, and nature – globally applicable and compliant with international standards.
Whether storage tank, silo, or process vessel – in industries such as chemicals, food, or water management, our solutions make a vital contribution to legally compliant plant safety and active environmental protection.

SIL – Safety Integrity Level

SIL defines the reliability of safety-related systems, such as emergency shutdowns or overfill protection. The classification indicates how likely a system is to fail – and how safely it performs in critical situations.
The higher the SIL level (e.g. SIL 2 or SIL 3), the lower the probability of failure – and the higher the requirements for sensors, control systems, and monitoring.
  • SIL 2: For applications with medium risk, e.g. level or pressure monitoring
  • SIL 3: For highly critical processes, e.g. emergency shutdowns, fire or gas detection.
Our SIL-certified sensors ensure safe operation in hazardous areas and provide maximum reliability – worldwide.

UWT Sensors with SIL Qualification

Smart Remote Monitoring. With NivoTec® visualization systems, you can reliably monitor fill levels – either on-site or remotely via web server module, remote display, or touch panel.
Whether it’s a locally separated display or centralized visualization in the control room – our solutions adapt flexibly to your needs. For maximum transparency, easy operation, and full process control.

Level Monitoring and Visualization Display

Our Extra Feature: NivoLED® – Signal Lamp – Safety at a Glance. With the globally unique NivoLED® - NL 9 LED signal lamp, we provide clear, visual alerts – even in poor visibility conditions. The robust PVDF housing is specially designed for Ex zones and harsh industrial environments, offering reliable protection against weather and aggressive chemicals.
Whether mounted directly on the sensor, control cabinet, or operator panel of a process plant – NivoLED® can be flexibly integrated or easily retrofitted, ensuring maximum visibility and safety.

Our Promise: Maximum Safety. Worldwide.

Whether in chemical processing, cement plants, food production, or petrochemicals – our solutions are as individual as your application. Rely on robust technology, certified safety, and true partnership.

UWT. LEVEL. UP TO THE MAX.

Company information

UWT GmbH
UWT GmbH
UWT GmbH is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of measurement technology for the detection and monitoring of levels, limit levels in any kind of bulk materials, solids as well as in liquids, pastes and foam. Since the founding, the product portfolio has developed and offers solutions for a variety of industries. > Headquarter with development, production and sales department in Germany > Subsidiaries in USA, China, India, Mexico, Brazil, Great Britain, Spain and Poland plus a global net of exclusiv distributors > Several million applications have now been deployed in more than 90 countries > Variety of industry solutions according to individual requirements > UWT products represent quality, flexibility and reliability Our products are named under: Rotonivo® - Rotary paddle switch incl. SIL2 version Vibranivo® - Vibrating fork for bulk and liquid Mononivo® - Vibrating rod probe RFnivo® - Capacitive level switch also with anti-corrosive Teflon® coating for flue gas cleaning Capanivo® / NivoCapa® - Capacitive level switch NivoBob® - Electro-mechanical Plumb Bob as well for Interface NivoRadar® - Radar sensors NivoGuide® - TDR guided radar NivoTec® - Level monitoring and visualisation NivoLED® - Signal Lamp – Maximum Safety for Hazardous Areas From development and production to final assembly and comprehensive technical advice, all services are provided from a single source. The focus is on the highest quality, technical know-how and good cooperation with customers, suppliers and partners. What is particularly important to the managing directors Uwe Niekrawietz, Markus Schalk and Andreas Haug is the well-being of the 200 employees worldwide: ”Healthy and happy employees can achieve incredible things”.  The product portfolio is developed further every year and enables holistic solution concepts for a variety of industries. In addition to level and point level measurement, UWT offers monitoring and visualisation systems and complete project planning. Well-known plant manufacturers and end customers worldwide appreciate the customised solutions as well as the easy handling and durability of UWT sensors. In order to be able to pass on the best possible added value to customers in the future, UWT’s corporate strategy is consistently geared towards steady and sustainable growth.
Last update: 18.11.2025

Related trade show

More items

Safety first: UWT level measurement for dusty grain silos Explosion protection in grain storage: Level measurement & monitoring
silos – reliable and certified for Ex zones
Safety first: UWT level measurement for dusty grain silos
Explosion protection in grain storage: Level measurement & monitoring silos – reliable and certified for Ex zones Fine dust, explosive atmosphere – challenging conditions are part of everyday operations in grain processing. Especially in mills, where large quantities of grain, meal or flour are handled and processed, the risk of dust explosions is real – and often underestimated. This makes the use of reliable, ATEX/ IECEx-certified level measurement technology all the more important. Challenge: Level measurement in Ex zone 20/21 At a grain mill in Austria, intermediate storage in a 12-meter (39-foot) high silo had to be reliably monitored. The task: a combination of continuous level measurement and precise point level detection – to effectively prevent overfilling and material shortage. Key requirements also included easy integration into the existing control system, low maintenance, and full compliance with explosion protection regulations for zones 20 and 21. Additional challenges: heavy dust generation and temporary overpressure during the filling process. The
15.04.2025  |  1500x  |  Product description  |   | 
Unique Signal Light by UWT for Maximum Safety in Ex Zones NivoLED® – NL 9000 – Tough in any environment, flexible in every application
Unique Signal Light by UWT for Maximum Safety in Ex Zones
NivoLED® – NL 9000 – Tough in any environment, flexible in every application In many industries, safety and monitoring are top priorities – especially in hazardous areas where every moment matters, and mistakes are not an option. This is where the NivoLED® - NL 9000 sets new standards: as the only signal light of its kind, it combines cutting-edge technology with uncompromising reliability. Whether visualising operating conditions, enabling precise fault diagnostics, or ensuring seamless process monitoring – the NivoLED® doesn’t just provide a solution; it delivers the answer to the highest demands. Reliable Support for Point Level Sensors In process plants, silos, or tanks, precise monitoring of fill levels is essential to prevent downtime, overfills, failures, or hazardous situations. The NivoLED® reliably signals whether a threshold has been reached. With its 360° visibility and dual-colour LED display, critical conditions can be identified at a glance, allowing prompt action to be taken. This ensures enhanced safety and
03.04.2025  |  2345x  |  Product news  |   | 
Tailored Level Monitoring Solutions for the Synthetics Industry With UWT for Greater Efficiency and Durability in the Synthetics Industry to effectively help overcome sustainability challenges
Tailored Level Monitoring Solutions for the Synthetics Industry
With UWT for Greater Efficiency and Durability in the Synthetics Industry to effectively help overcome sustainability challenges The synthetics industry finds itself balancing between innovation and the growing demands for sustainability and efficiency. Synthetics are ubiquitous and play a vital role in our everyday lives. At the same time, there is increasing pressure to make processes more efficient and environmentally friendly. UWT provides tailored level measurement solutions to effectively help overcome these sustainability challenges. Requirements and Solutions Accurate level monitoring is essential in the synthetics industry – whether for the storage of granules, further preparation and processing in production facilities, or quality assurance. UWT sensors minimise production downtime, optimise material flows, and ensure consistent product quality. Your Advantages with UWT * Reliability and Flexibility*NEWLINE*UWT sensors deliver precise measurement results even under challenging conditions – whether for granules, powders, or flakes. Thanks to Plug & Play functionality, they
06.02.2025  |  1629x  |  Press release  |   | 
UWT Sensor Combination for Efficient Level Control in the EPS Industry Customized Dual-Sensor Solution for Low-Density Bulk Material
UWT Sensor Combination for Efficient Level Control in the EPS Industry
Customized Dual-Sensor Solution for Low-Density Bulk Material A prominent expanded polystyrene (EPS) manufacturer from the USA was faced with major challenges when it came to fill level measurement due to the special properties of the material. The very low bulk density and the particular storage conditions made it difficult for conventional sensors to accurately recognise and detect the fill levels. UWT offered an effective solution by installing two different level sensors: a rotary paddle level switch and a vibrating fork in combination. The challenge: Material properties and storage conditions Two major challenges had to be overcome in the EPS production plant in order to ensure effective and reliable operation: Low bulk density: Due to the very low bulk density, EPS materials settle at the bottom of the silos and compact there. This compaction can create a more dense material layer, which facilitates the operation of level sensors. However, as the material level increases, the density and compression decreases,
28.01.2025  |  1640x  |  Product description  |   | 
Level Measurement and Monitoring for Enhanced Safety Precise level measurement is a key factor for efficiency and safety in modern industry. UWT offers a comprehensive range of solutions that combine various technologies and measurement principles.
Level Measurement and Monitoring for Enhanced Safety
Precise level measurement is a key factor for efficiency and safety in modern industry. UWT offers a comprehensive range of solutions that combine various technologies and measurement principles. From LED digital displays to web server modules with visualisation software – the systems are flexibly adaptable and highly versatile. Versatile Measurement Principles Depending on the medium and application, different measurement principles are employed. Reliable point level measurement is ensured by level switches such as tuning fork sensors, rotary paddle detectors, capacitive sensors, or vibration rods. For continuous level measurement, guided wave radar systems or non-contact radar sensors are suitable. Additionally, interface measurement enables the precise detection of phase boundaries between different media, such as liquids of varying densities or solid and liquid phases, contributing to the optimisation of complex processes. Flexibility in Visualisation Visualisation solutions deliver information exactly where it is needed – whether in the production hall, the office, on mobile devices, or at external locations. Depending on the requirements, the
15.01.2025  |  8389x  |  Product description  |   | 
PORTALS
BulkSolids-Portal Schuettgut-Portal Recycling-Portal
Related
Bulkgids.nl
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER
Newsletter archive
Service and contact
ContactDisclaimerPrivacyAdvertising
FOLLOW US
Linked