Endress+Hauser Liquiphant FTL33 – Hygienic Vibronic Level Switch
The Liquiphant FTL33 is a compact vibronic point level switch for liquids, specifically designed for hygienic applications in the food and beverage industry.
Unlike continuous level transmitters, the FTL33 detects whether liquid has reached a defined switching point. Its compact stainless steel construction, hygienic process connections and available hygienic approvals make it suitable for applications where reliable level detection and cleanable process design are essential.
Hygienic Design for Food & Beverage Applications
The FTL33 is designed around the requirements of hygienic processing. It is available with hygienic process connections and M24 process adapters, while surface finishes of 0.76 μm or 1.5 μm are available depending on configuration.
The device also offers 3-A and EHEDG hygienic approvals, supporting its use in hygienically sensitive process environments.
Key Advantages
Vibronic point level detection
Designed specifically for hygienic liquid applications
Compact stainless steel housing
No calibration required
Reliable switching largely independent of media properties
Continuous self-monitoring
Plug-and-play commissioning
IO-Link connectivity
Hygienic process connections available
3-A and EHEDG approvals
Surface finish down to 0.76 μm
Process temperature -40 to +150 °C
Process pressure from vacuum to 40 bar
Minimum medium density >0.7 g/cm³, with optional version for >0.5 g/cm³
WHG overfill protection and leakage detection options
EN 10204 3.1 documentation available depending on configuration
Reliable Point Level Detection Without Calibration
The FTL33 uses a vibronic measuring principle to detect the presence or absence of liquid at the switching point.
A major advantage is that the device does not require calibration, while switching remains reliable even when relevant media properties change. This makes commissioning straightforward and reduces the need for application-specific adjustment.
Designed for Overfill and Pump Dry-Run Protection
The FTL33 can be used as a dedicated protection device in hygienic process systems.
Typical functions include:
Overfill protection
Pump dry-run protection
High-level detection
Low-level detection
Leakage detection
The switching principle provides a simple binary signal when the liquid reaches or leaves the sensing point, making it suitable for protective functions where continuous level measurement is not required.
Compact Design for Hygienic Equipment
The compact construction of the FTL33 makes it suitable for small tanks, skids, machinery and process equipment where installation space is limited.
Its stainless steel housing and available hygienic connections allow the sensor to be integrated into process equipment while maintaining the design requirements of hygienic production environments.
IO-Link Connectivity
The FTL33 can be equipped with IO-Link, providing digital communication for parameter setting and device integration.
This allows the point level switch to be incorporated into modern automation architectures while simplifying commissioning and parameter management.
Suitable for Demanding Hygienic Process Conditions
The FTL33 supports process temperatures from -40 to +150 °C and process pressures from vacuum to 40 bar.
The standard minimum medium density is greater than 0.7 g/cm³, with an optional configuration supporting media above 0.5 g/cm³.
For hygienic installations, the available surface finishes and process connection options can be selected according to the requirements of the application.
Main Technical Parameters
Measurement principle: Vibronic / vibration
Measurement type: Point level detection
Application: Liquids
Primary industry: Food & Beverage
Process temperature: -40 to +150 °C
Process pressure: Vacuum to +40 bar
Minimum medium density: >0.7 g/cm³
Optional density: >0.5 g/cm³
Supply: 20–253 V AC/DC, 2-wire; 10–30 V DC-PNP, 3-wire
Communication: AC/DC, DC-PNP, IO-Link
Process connections: Threaded, hygienic connections, M24 process adapter
Surface finish: 0.76 μm or 1.5 μm
Housing: Stainless steel
Ambient temperature: -40 to +70 °C
Hygienic approvals: 3-A, EHEDG
Safety options: WHG overfill protection, leakage detection
Documentation: EN 10204-3.1 available depending on configuration
Typical Applications
The Liquiphant FTL33 is particularly suitable for:
Food and beverage processing
Hygienic storage tanks
Small process vessels
Filling and cleaning systems
Pump dry-run protection
Overfill protection
Hygienic skids and machinery
Liquid detection in sanitary process equipment
Its combination of compact construction, vibronic measurement and hygienic design makes it especially suitable when both reliable point level detection and sanitary installation are required.
FAQ
What is the Liquiphant FTL33 used for?
The FTL33 is a hygienic point level switch for liquids, mainly used for overfill protection and pump dry-run protection in food and beverage applications.
Is the FTL33 a continuous level transmitter?
No. It is a point level switch. It detects whether liquid is present at a defined switching point rather than continuously measuring the liquid level.
Does the FTL33 require calibration?
No. The vibronic measuring principle allows the FTL33 to operate without calibration, helping simplify commissioning.
Is the FTL33 suitable for food and beverage applications?
Yes. The FTL33 was specifically designed for hygienic applications, particularly in the food industry, and hygienic process connections and 3-A/EHEDG approvals are available.
What is the maximum process temperature?
The FTL33 supports process temperatures from -40 to +150 °C.
What is the maximum process pressure?
The process pressure range extends from vacuum to 40 bar.
Does the FTL33 support IO-Link?
Yes. IO-Link connectivity is available for parameter setting and digital integration.
What is the difference between FTL31 and FTL33?
Both are compact vibronic point level switches for liquids, but the FTL33 is specifically optimized for hygienic applications, with hygienic process connections, surface finish options and 3-A/EHEDG approvals.
