Point Level Detection Without Process Contact
The Gammapilot FTG20 uses the radiometric measuring principle to detect a defined level point without placing the measuring element inside the process. This makes it particularly useful where conventional point level switches are difficult to install or where the process itself is too demanding for direct-contact instruments.
Built for Difficult Process Conditions
One of the main strengths of the FTG20 is that its measuring principle does not depend on direct contact with the process medium. Endress+Hauser specifies the instrument for applications involving high pressure, high temperature, corrosive, toxic or abrasive media, including process vessels where conventional level detection can be challenging.
Geiger-Mueller Detection with Flexible Sensitivity
The FTG20 can be configured with one, two or three Geiger-Mueller counters. The official specifications provide different sensitivity ranges depending on the number of counters, allowing the detector arrangement to be matched to the measurement conditions.
Fast Response for Point Level Monitoring
With a switching time of up to 0.4 seconds, the FTG20 can respond quickly when the monitored level reaches the defined measuring point. This makes it suitable for applications where dependable point-level detection is important to the process.
Suitable for Liquids, Solids and Slurries
The FTG20 is not limited to conventional liquid level applications. Endress+Hauser specifies it for liquids, solids, suspensions and sludges, making the same basic measuring principle useful across a wide range of industrial processes.
A Practical Solution for Extreme Applications
The FTG20 is particularly relevant for process vessels such as reactors, autoclaves, separators, acid tanks, mixers, cyclones and cupola furnaces, where temperature, pressure, corrosion or abrasion can make conventional point level instruments unsuitable.
Separate Transmitter Architecture
The FTG20 is designed as a Geiger-Mueller detector with a separate transmitter, rather than as a conventional self-contained point level switch. Depending on configuration, the system provides relay, 8/16 mA or 4...20 mA signal options.
Key Features
- Product type: Radiometric point level sensor
- Detection principle: Geiger-Mueller counter
- Counters: 1, 2 or 3 Geiger-Mueller counters
- Measurement: Non-contact point level detection
- Suitable for liquids, solids, suspensions and sludges
- Switching time: up to 0.4 s
- Sensor length: 140 mm
- Process temperature: no limitation from the non-invasive measuring principle
- Process pressure: no limitation from the non-invasive measuring principle
- Sensitivity options according to detector configuration
- Communication/output: Relay DPDT, 8/16 mA, 4...20 mA depending on configuration
- Cooling jacket option available
- International hazardous-area approvals available
- ATEX, CSA, CSA C/US, IECEx and NEPSI approvals available depending on configuration
Typical Applications
Point Level Detection in Process Vessels
The FTG20 can monitor a defined high or low level without installing a conventional level switch directly into the process.
Reactors and Autoclaves
For vessels operating under demanding temperature and pressure conditions, the non-contact radiometric principle avoids direct exposure of the detector to the process medium.
Corrosive or Toxic Media
The external measurement arrangement can be useful where direct-contact sensors would be exposed to aggressive or hazardous process media.
Sludge and Suspensions
The FTG20 can detect point levels in sludges and suspensions, extending radiometric point level measurement beyond clean liquids.
Solids and Bulk Materials
The detector can also be applied to point level detection of solids where conventional mechanical or contact-based switches may be difficult to use.
High-Temperature Industrial Equipment
Applications such as cyclones and cupola furnaces demonstrate the type of extreme industrial environment for which the radiometric measuring principle can be considered.
FAQ
What is the Endress+Hauser Gammapilot FTG20?
The FTG20 is a Geiger-Mueller counter for radiometric point level detection. It works with a separate transmitter and is designed for non-contact measurement.
What materials can the FTG20 detect?
The FTG20 can be used for point level detection in liquids, solids, suspensions and sludges.
Does the FTG20 contact the process medium?
No. The FTG20 uses a non-contact radiometric measuring principle, so the detector does not need to be inserted into the process medium.
What is the switching time of the FTG20?
The official Endress+Hauser specifications list a switching time of up to 0.4 seconds.
How many Geiger-Mueller counters can the FTG20 use?
The FTG20 can be configured with one, two or three Geiger-Mueller counters. The available sensitivity changes according to the detector configuration.
What outputs are available?
Depending on the selected configuration, the FTG20 system can provide DPDT relay, 8/16 mA or 4...20 mA output options.
Can the FTG20 be used in high-temperature and high-pressure processes?
Yes. Endress+Hauser specifically describes the FTG20 for extreme process conditions including high temperature and high pressure. Because the measurement is non-invasive, the product page lists the process temperature and pressure as having no limitation from the measuring principle itself.
Is the FTG20 suitable for hazardous areas?
Yes. International explosion protection approvals are available, including ATEX, CSA, CSA C/US, IECEx and NEPSI, depending on the selected configuration.
