The WITT flashback arrestor celebrates its 65th anniversary

An ingenious idea that was born 65 years ago has meanwhile revolutionised gas welding and cutting technology. Together with the flashback arrestor, WITT also became the epitome of safety in welding technology.

When Paul Witt introduced the first “dry flashback arrestor” in 1945, no one could have known that it was to become the worldwide standard. Today, it even is a legal standard in Germany and many other countries. Meanwhile referred to as “safety device” in autogenous technology, it protects individual bottles, outlet points and piping systems against flashbacks, unintended gas mixtures and explosion accidents.Its core component is an element made of sintered stainless steel. The device is subject to the ISO 5175 international standard, while in Europe, the DIN EN 730-1 standard applies in addition.

 Based on this success, WITT soon extended the product range with more gas safety equipment, gas filters and pressure regulators. Mechanical and electronic gas mixing systems have been added continuously over the past forty years. 25 years ago, developments in the electronics industry resulted in stationary and portable gas analysis devices, now the company’s third product range. WITT is also among the leading manufacturers of leak detection equipment since 2003.

Today, WITT technology is deployed in virtually all industries and applications.The family business with approx. 200 employees managed by Dr. Richard Benning in third generation is now concentrated at the company’s headquarter in Witten. Products meeting with the highest technological standards are manufactured at the 8000m² production facility – partially under clean-room conditions.

 The company was among the first to receive a certification according to the ISO 9001 quality standard in Germany in 1990; followed by a multitude of other certifications. Around 75 percent of its production output is exported. WITT has established subsidiaries and branch offices in more than 60 countries.

Download Picture "Flashback Arrestor Super 78"