Level Measuring Instruments

Glass Level Gauge / Sight Glass Level Indicator

The Glass Level Gauge is a direct-reading liquid level measuring instrument designed for continuous visual monitoring of liquid levels in tanks, vessels, and pipelines. By utilizing a transparent glass tube or flat glass panel, operators can clearly observe the actual liquid level in real time, ensuring safe and reliable process control.

✔ Direct visual indication
✔ Simple structure, no power required
✔ Suitable for harsh industrial environments

  Level Measuring Instruments Description  

Glass Level Gauge-Product Features

1️⃣ Direct Visual Liquid Level Indication

The glass level gauge provides a true, real-time visual indication of the actual liquid level inside tanks and vessels. Unlike electronic sensors, it displays the liquid position directly through the sight glass, allowing operators to immediately identify level changes, foaming, or abnormal conditions.

2️⃣ Integrated Quick Shut-Off Safety Device

Designed with a built-in quick shut-off mechanism, the gauge automatically isolates the process in the event of glass breakage or leakage. This safety feature effectively prevents vapor or liquid escape, enhancing operator safety and minimizing process risks.

3️⃣ Robust & Practical Structural Design

The sight glass level gauge features a compact and well-engineered structure, ensuring easy installation on existing tanks or pipelines. Standard process connections allow for fast commissioning, while the modular design simplifies routine inspection and part replacement.

4️⃣ Low Maintenance & Cost-Effective Operation

With no power supply or signal components required, the glass level gauge offers long-term stable operation with minimal maintenance. The durable glass and metal components reduce downtime and spare part costs, making it an economical solution for continuous level monitoring.

Level gauge sight glass for boiler water level monitoring, with metal fittings and blue handwheels, ensuring clear visibility of boiler water levels for safe operation.
A liquid storage tank level gauge sight glass with metal fittings and blue handwheels, designed for use in liquid level monitoring systems, commonly found in petrochemical and large-scale liquid storage applications.

Sight Glass Level Gauge-Applications / Industries

The glass plate liquid level gauge is widely used in various industrial systems where reliable and direct liquid level monitoring is required. Typical applications include:

  • Chemical & Petrochemical Plants
    Ideal for corrosive or hazardous liquids. Provides real-time visual monitoring of reaction tanks, storage vessels, and process systems.

  • Boilers & Steam Systems
    Ensures accurate water level observation in boiler drums and steam vessels. High-temperature and pressure-resistant design with integrated safety protection.

  • Water Treatment Systems
    Enables continuous monitoring of water levels in filtration, storage, and circulation systems. Simple structure allows easy installation and maintenance.

  • Food & Pharmaceutical Processing
    Supports observation of liquid levels in clean and sanitary environments. Compatible with hygienic media and easy to sanitize.

  • Oil & Gas Storage and Transportation
    Provides safe and reliable monitoring for oil tanks, fuel storage, and pipelines. Robust design ensures stable operation under varying pressures and temperatures.

Glass Sight Glass Level Gauge-Working Principle

In general industrial systems such as water treatment units, oil tanks, and auxiliary process vessels, the glass plate liquid level gauge provides a simple and reliable method for liquid level observation. Once installed on the tank, the gauge chamber and vessel form a communicating structure, ensuring consistent liquid level indication.

The liquid level can be directly observed through the glass plate without external power supply or signal processing. The mechanical design allows stable operation under continuous service conditions, making it suitable for routine level monitoring across a wide range of industrial processes.

Installed on chemical tanks or reactors, the glass plate liquid level gauge forms a communicating vessel with the process system, enabling direct visual level observation. In case of glass rupture, the built-in safety steel ball automatically seals the flow path to reduce hazardous media leakage.

Connected to the steam and water spaces of the boiler drum, the gauge directly displays the actual boiler water level in real time. If the glass plate breaks, the automatic shut-off mechanism immediately isolates steam and water flow to ensure safe operation.

Boiler water level gauge sight glass with blue handwheels and pressure-resistant metal fittings, ensuring clear water level monitoring to prevent boiler accidents.
This image shows the structural diagram of a level gauge sight glass, including the layout and dimensions of the steam side valve, liquid side valve, stainless steel gland, glass, and drain valve, used in liquid level monitoring systems.

Level Gauge Sight Glass-Structure Comparison

TypeStructural CharacteristicsVisual EffectTypical Applications
Transparent TypeDouble transparent glass plates with sealed chamber; simple mechanical structureDirect and clear observation of actual liquid level and mediumWater, oil, non-toxic liquids, general industrial tanks
Reflex TypePrismatic glass surface with reflective structure; light reflection enhances contrastLiquid appears dark, vapor area appears brightSteam systems, boilers, high-temperature liquids
Mirror-TypeFlat glass with internal mirror-assisted visual enhancementImproved readability under limited lighting conditionsMedium-pressure vessels, indoor or low-light environments

  Level Measuring Instruments Parameter  

CustomSupport OEM/ODM
Mediumliquid or material that is generally or slightly corroded
Measuring Range5m, 10m, 15m, 30m, 50m, 60m,120m
Transducer MaterialCeramic
Measurement Error0.5%. 1.0%
Accuracy±3mm (no wave calm water surface)
Resolution3~5mm or 0.1% (take large value)
Display ModeLCD, parameters can be set through the panel buttons
Signal Output4~20mADC
Relay Output2 groups are optional, and the relay status is programmable
Working Temperature-25~80 ℃
Communication InterfaceRS232, RS485/Modbus
Electrical InterfaceM20*1.5, 1/2″PT
Explosion-proof GradeExiaIICT6Ga/ExdIICT6Gb
Protection level:IP67
Shell material:engineering-plastics, aluminum alloy, SS304
Ambient temperature:(meter) -20-60 ℃; (sensor) -20~80 ℃
Relative Humidity95%

  Level Measuring Instruments OEM/ODM

Sight Glass Level Gauge – OEM / ODM

Our Sight Glass Level Gauge provides direct and reliable visual monitoring of liquid levels in tanks and vessels. Designed for industrial applications, it is suitable for chemical, boiler, water treatment, and general industrial systems.

As an OEM/ODM manufacturer, we offer customizable solutions to meet specific process requirements:

  • Material Options: Borosilicate or quartz glass, stainless steel or carbon steel frames, corrosion-resistant coatings.

  • Pressure & Temperature Ratings: Adjustable to match your vessel’s operating conditions.

  • Connection Types: Flanged, threaded, or special connections for seamless integration.

  • Dimensions & Lengths: Tailored gauge length, chamber size, and installation orientation.

Key Features:

  • Direct visual liquid level observation without electricity.

  • Integrated safety steel ball for automatic shut-off in case of glass breakage.

  • Robust and low-maintenance construction for long-term reliability.

  • Flexible customization to suit unique industrial processes.

Applications:
Ideal for chemical tanks, boilers, water treatment systems, food and pharmaceutical vessels, and oil & gas storage, providing safe, accurate, and real-time liquid level monitoring.

Industrial instrument manufacturer production workshop showing large-scale manufacturing of level gauges and process instruments

  Related Product Recommendations  

A glass level gauge, also called a sight glass level indicator, allows direct visual monitoring of liquid levels in tanks and vessels. It works on the communicating vessel principle, where liquid in the gauge matches the level in the connected container, providing accurate, real-time observation without electrical signals.

Industrial glass level gauges are available in transparent, reflex, and mirror-type configurations. Transparent gauges suit clear liquids, reflex types enhance visibility for steam or high-temperature media, and mirror-type gauges improve readability under low light or medium-pressure conditions.

Sight glass level indicators are widely used in chemical, petrochemical, boiler, water treatment, food, pharmaceutical, and oil & gas industries. They are ideal for medium- and low-pressure vessels requiring reliable visual monitoring of corrosive, high-temperature, or hazardous liquids.

The gauge is mounted via standard flanges or threaded connections. After pressure testing, valves should be opened gradually. Inspect periodically for leaks, and if the glass becomes contaminated, drain the medium safely before cleaning. Proper maintenance ensures stable performance and long service life.

Modern glass plate liquid level gauges include a safety steel ball. If the glass breaks or vapor/liquid side pressure exceeds 0.3 MPa, the steel ball automatically seals the flow path, preventing medium leakage. This feature ensures safe operation in chemical, boiler, and industrial environments.

Glass level gauges offer direct, accurate, and real-time liquid level observation without electricity. They are durable, corrosion-resistant, and low-maintenance, with built-in safety features. Suitable for chemical plants, boilers, water treatment, and general industrial vessels, they provide reliable, long-term performance.

Why Choose Instrava

By choosing Instrava, you gain a partner with a deep understanding of industrial applications and the expertise to meet today’s operational challenges.
Our role extends beyond products—we support your success through dependable solutions and long-term commitment.

Engineering-Driven Innovation

Innovation at Instrava is guided by real industrial requirements. We continuously refine our technologies to address evolving operational challenges, ensuring practical and reliable performance in demanding environments.

Application-Specific Customization

We provide engineering-level customization to match specific process conditions. From measurement range and materials to output signals and installation options, our solutions are configured to fit real applications.

Proven Quality and Reliability

Quality and reliability are fundamental to every Instrava product. Manufactured under strict quality control and thoroughly tested, our instruments deliver accurate, stable, and long-term performance.

Global Capability with Local Support

Instrava combines global engineering expertise with responsive local support, ensuring our partners benefit from internationally aligned technology and timely regional service.

Comprehensive Product Portfolio

Our broad portfolio of measurement and control instruments enables us to address a wide range of industrial needs, providing integrated solutions from a single, reliable source.

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We work closely with our partners from technical consultation to after-sales support. Our focus is on delivering solutions that create lasting value and support long-term operational success.