Safety & Explosion Protection in Level Measurement

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.

More information
Overview of Types of Explosion Protection:
https://www.uwtgroup.com/en/blog/post/safety-and-explosion-protection-in-level-measurement?ct=t(safety-explosion-protection)&mc_cid=17e3fc2e35&mc_eid=2d221d2d14#explosion-protection