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22.04.2026  |  8x
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Precision That Lasts: UWT Level Sensors Prove 35-Year Durability

After three decades in continuous operation, a recent site inspection of five plastic granule silos revealed that UWT’s level sensors, manufactured in 1990, still provide flawless measurement signals for the plastics industry.

Solving Inefficiency in Granule Storage Management

At an industrial facility with 9-meter silos for plastic granules, operators struggled with unreliable level data for years. This lack of transparency forced reactive ordering rather than strategic planning, leading to increased costs and wasted effort during periods of fluctuating plastic prices. Accurate data isn’t just a technical requirement; it’s a financial necessity for modern supply chain management.

A Surprising Discovery of 1990s Engineering

A technical audit by UWT’s service team revealed that the silos were equipped with SLS 100 mechanical plumb bob systems; the direct predecessor to the current NivoBob series. These units, manufactured on February 13, 1990, had survived over 35 years of continuous industrial use. The discovery underscores a technical design so robust that it remains functional well beyond typical industry life cycles.

Root Cause Analysis Vindicates Sensor Performance

The technical inspection confirmed the UWT sensors were operating perfectly, using a reliable steel cable and sensing weight to generate precise pulses per decimeter. The ”unreliable” readings were actually caused by a third-party evaluation system misinterpreting the signals. This case proves that UWT’s mechanical rope-operated technology delivers consistent, stable data even under demanding real-world process conditions.

Company information

UWT GmbH
UWT GmbH
The UWT has become one of the leading suppliers of measurement technology on the world market today for the level detection in silos and tanks for material manufacturing processes. When UWT started, almost 50 years ago, with the development of ingenious products. UWT supply level limit and content measurement sensors for bulk solids and liquids. A company reaches such a position only if the following key elements interact: Sound management, good understanding of the needs of the markets, innovative product solutions, skillful investment and above all, committed and dedicated employees. Different measurement techniques are used within a variety of industries depending on the medium and application in question.UWT products represent quality, flexibility and reliability in over 90 countries across the world. Having successfully solved several million applications have now been deployed in the field within the bulk solids sector, UWT has expanded still further by introducing a new and innovative product range for the liquids market which is delivering reliable solutions for applications in this area. The company is certified ISO 9001:2015 and constantly expands its portfolio of product certifications (ATEX, EHEDG, FM, CSA, INMETRO, etc.) particularly with regard to the international markets. The development, production and sales departments are located at our headquarters in Germany, with a further production site in Malta. UWT has also established successful sales offices in the USA, China, India, Brazil, Mexico, UK, Spain and Poland. With this global orientation, it is possible to serve and support customers with complete competence and flexibility. From development through production to final assembly and comprehensive technical advice, UWT can offer a complete service from a single source. The strongly held belief by the CEO`s Uwe Niekrawietz, Markus Schalk and Andreas Haug is for the welfare of over 200 employees world-wide: „Healthy and happy employees can make the unbelievable happen“. Our portfolio includes sensors for liquids: * Capanivo® 7000/8000 - capacitive sensors * RFnivo® 8000 - capacitive sensors * NivoCapa® 8000 - capacitive sensors * NivoGuide® 8000 - TDR guided radar * NivoRadar® 7000 - non contact radar sensor Sensors for bulk solids: * Rotonivo® - rotary paddle * Vibranivo® - vibrating fork * Mononivo® vibrating rod * Capanivo® 4000 - capacitive sensors * RFnivo® 3000 - capacitive sensors * NivoBob® 3000/4000 - electromechanical lot system * NivoRadar® 3000/4000 - contact free radar sensor * NivoGuide® 3000 - guided radar sensor (TDR) NivoTec® - visualisation systems NivoLED® - signal lamp Maximum Safety for Hazardous Areas
Last update: 18.11.2025

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