Endress+Hauser Levelflex FMP55 – Multiparameter Guided Radar for Level and Interface Measurement
The Endress+Hauser Levelflex FMP55 is a multiparameter guided radar level transmitter designed for continuous level and interface measurement of liquids. Its key technology, SensorFusion, combines guided radar and capacitance measurement principles in a single instrument, allowing reliable measurement even when an emulsion layer is present.
The FMP55 is particularly suited to oil & gas, chemical and petrochemical processes, where accurate detection of both the overall liquid level and the interface between two liquids is important for process control and separation.
One Device for Level and Interface Measurement
A major advantage of the FMP55 is its ability to provide level and interface layer signals simultaneously.
This makes it particularly useful for applications where two immiscible liquids form separate layers, such as oil/water separation. The SensorFusion concept helps maintain reliable measurement when the interface is affected by emulsions or changing process conditions.
Key benefits include:
Simultaneous level and interface measurement
SensorFusion technology combining guided radar and capacitance principles
Reliable measurement in emulsion layers
Measurement accuracy up to ±2 mm
Minimum dielectric constant DK >1.4
Suitable for changing product and process conditions
Guided Radar Measurement with High Accuracy
The Levelflex FMP55 uses the guided radar Time-of-Flight principle. Radar pulses travel along the probe and are reflected by the product surface or interface.
The instrument supports several probe configurations, allowing it to adapt to different vessel geometries and process requirements.
Measurement performance:
Rod probe: ±2 mm accuracy, up to 4 m
Rope probe: ±2 mm accuracy, up to 10 m
Coaxial probe: ±2 mm accuracy, up to 6 m
Minimum dielectric constant: DK >1.4
Process pressure: Vacuum to +40 bar
Process temperature: up to +200°C depending on configuration
Reliable Interface Measurement in Emulsion Layers
Interface measurement becomes particularly challenging when two liquids do not form a clean boundary.
An emulsion layer can produce weak or unclear measurement signals, making it difficult to determine the actual interface position.
The FMP55 addresses this challenge through SensorFusion, combining two measurement principles to improve the reliability of level and interface detection. This makes the instrument especially valuable in separators and other applications where the interface position directly affects process operation.
Designed for Oil & Gas and Chemical Processes
The FMP55 is designed for demanding process applications where reliable interface information is essential.
Typical applications include:
Oil and water separators
Liquid-liquid interface measurement
Chemical separation processes
Petrochemical processing
Oil & gas process vessels
Storage and process tanks
Applications with changing product conditions
Its combination of guided radar and capacitance measurement makes the FMP55 particularly well suited to processes where a conventional single-parameter level measurement may not provide sufficient information.
Flexible Probe Designs
The FMP55 can be configured with rod, rope or coaxial probes.
Rod Probe
The rod probe supports measurement distances up to 4 m and is suitable for many standard vessel configurations.
Rope Probe
The rope probe provides measurement distances up to 10 m, making it suitable for taller vessels and longer measuring ranges.
Coaxial Probe
The coaxial probe provides a controlled measurement environment and supports ranges up to 6 m, making it useful for applications where stable signal conditions are important.
Advanced Diagnostics and Digital Functions
The Levelflex FMP55 incorporates several technologies intended to simplify commissioning, diagnostics and long-term operation.
Available functions include:
Multi-Echo Tracking for reliable echo evaluation
Heartbeat Technology for verification and diagnostics
HistoROM data management
Optional Bluetooth® wireless technology
SmartBlue App for mobile operation
RFID TAG for easier instrument identification
Menu-guided operation and system integration
Suitable for Safety-Critical Applications
The FMP55 is available with a range of safety and industrial approvals depending on configuration.
These include:
SIL
WHG overfill prevention
ATEX
IECEx
FM / CSA
INMETRO
NEPSI
EAC
JPN Ex
UK Ex
Marine approvals
The device can also be supplied with EN 10204-3.1, NACE and other design approvals depending on the selected configuration.
Communication and System Integration
The FMP55 supports common industrial communication technologies for integration into process control and asset management systems.
Communication options include:
4–20 mA HART
PROFIBUS PA
FOUNDATION Fieldbus
Optional Bluetooth® wireless communication
This allows the instrument to be integrated into both conventional process control systems and modern digital maintenance environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Endress+Hauser Levelflex FMP55 used for?
The FMP55 is primarily designed for continuous level and interface measurement of liquids, especially where reliable detection of the boundary between two liquids is required.
What is SensorFusion in the FMP55?
SensorFusion combines guided radar and capacitance measurement principles in one instrument. It is designed to improve measurement reliability, particularly in applications involving emulsion layers or changing process conditions.
Can the FMP55 measure both level and interface?
Yes. The FMP55 can provide level and interface layer signals simultaneously, making it suitable for liquid-liquid separation processes.
What is the maximum measuring range of FMP55?
The maximum measuring distance depends on the probe: 4 m for rod probes, 10 m for rope probes and 6 m for coaxial probes.
What is the accuracy of the FMP55?
The specified accuracy is ±2 mm for rod, rope and coaxial probes.
What process conditions can FMP55 handle?
Depending on configuration, the FMP55 supports process temperatures up to 200°C and pressures from vacuum to 40 bar.
