FailSafe Level Detection When Safety Matters
The Liquiphant FTL80 is designed for applications where point level detection is not simply about knowing whether a tank is full or empty, but also about making sure the level switch itself remains dependable when it is needed.
Its vibronic measuring principle provides reliable point level detection for MIN and MAX safety applications up to SIL3. The FTL80 continuously monitors its own safety function and uses a failsafe design with internal redundancy, giving it a particularly strong position in safety-related level applications.
Reliable Even When Process Conditions Change
One of the advantages of the FTL80 is that its measurement is not easily disturbed by common process conditions.
According to Endress+Hauser, the measurement is not affected by:
- Changing media properties
- Flow and turbulence
- Gas bubbles
- Foam
- Vibrations
- Build-up
This makes the FTL80 a practical choice for applications where process conditions are less predictable and a dependable switching point is important.
Designed for High-Temperature and High-Pressure Applications
The FTL80 is built for demanding process conditions, with a process temperature range of -60 to +280 °C (-76 to +540 °F).
Process pressure can range from vacuum to 100 bar (1,450 psi), while the minimum medium density is 0.4 g/cm³.
These capabilities make the FTL80 suitable for a broad range of industrial liquid applications where conventional point level switches may not provide the required operating range.
Permanent Monitoring for Functional Safety
The FTL80 features a permanent LIVE signal that monitors the functional safety of the device.
It also monitors the fork for conditions such as damage, corrosion, build-up and mechanical blocking. Combined with its failsafe design and internal redundancy, this provides continuous insight into the health of the level switch rather than relying only on the switching signal itself.
SIL3 Safety with Straightforward Integration
The FTL80 is designed for safety systems requiring functional safety up to SIL3 according to IEC 61508 Ed. 2.0, IEC 61511-1 / ISA 84-1 and DIN EN ISO 13849.
Its 4–20 mA interface according to NAMUR NE 06 / NE 43 allows integration through the Nivotester FailSafe FTL825 or directly into a safety PLC, depending on the system architecture.
No Mechanical Moving Parts
The vibronic design has no mechanically moving parts, which helps avoid mechanical wear and reduces maintenance requirements.
Endress+Hauser also specifies a proof-testing interval of up to 12 years, with slave devices testable at the press of a button. This is especially useful in safety applications where regular proof testing is part of the operating concept.
Built for Hazardous and Demanding Environments
The FTL80 is available with a broad range of international approvals, including ATEX, FM, CSA, CSA C/US, IECEx, NEPSI and EAC.
Safety-related approvals include WHG overfill protection, leakage protection and SIL3, while marine approvals include GL, ABS, LR, BV and DNV.
Practical Process Connections and Materials
The FTL80 is available with threaded and flanged process connections.
Depending on configuration, threaded connections include G3/4, G1, R3/4, R1, MNPT3/4 and MNPT1, while flange options include DN25 to DN100, ASME 1" to 4" and JIS 10K to 20K.
Main wetted parts are available in 316L and Alloy C.
Key Features
- FailSafe vibronic point level switch for liquids
- Designed for MIN and MAX safety applications
- Functional safety up to SIL3
- Permanent self-monitoring
- Failsafe design with internal redundancy
- Measurement not affected by changing media properties, flow, turbulence, gas bubbles, foam, vibration or build-up
- Process temperature -60 to +280 °C
- Process pressure vacuum to 100 bar
- Minimum medium density 0.4 g/cm³
- 2-wire 4–20 mA interface
- No mechanically moving parts
- Proof-testing interval up to 12 years
- WHG overfill protection
- Dual sealing / second line of defense
- Main wetted parts: 316L / Alloy C
- Threaded and flanged process connections
- Wide range of hazardous-area and marine approvals
Typical Applications
The Liquiphant FTL80 is particularly suitable for:
- Safety-related point level detection
- Tank overfill protection
- MIN/MAX level monitoring
- Process vessels containing liquids
- Hazardous-area liquid level applications
- High-temperature liquid applications
- High-pressure process vessels
- Applications requiring SIL3 functional safety
- Applications where foam, bubbles, turbulence or build-up may affect conventional level switches
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Endress+Hauser Liquiphant FTL80 used for?
The Liquiphant FTL80 is a FailSafe vibronic point level switch for liquids, primarily used for MIN/MAX safety applications and overfill protection. It supports functional safety applications up to SIL3.
What is the maximum process temperature of the FTL80?
The FTL80 supports a process temperature range of -60 to +280 °C (-76 to +540 °F).
What is the maximum process pressure?
The specified process pressure range is vacuum to 100 bar (1,450 psi).
What is the minimum medium density for the FTL80?
The minimum medium density is 0.4 g/cm³ (0.4 SGU).
Does the Liquiphant FTL80 support SIL3?
Yes. The FTL80 is designed for functional safety applications up to SIL3 and is developed according to the relevant functional safety standards specified by Endress+Hauser.
Does the FTL80 provide overfill protection?
Yes. Suitable FTL80 configurations provide WHG overfill protection.
What output or communication does the FTL80 use?
The FTL80 uses a 2-wire 4–20 mA interface, with the interface specified according to NAMUR NE 06 / NE 43.
Is the FTL80 suitable for hazardous areas?
Yes. Endress+Hauser lists approvals including ATEX, FM, CSA, CSA C/US, IECEx, NEPSI and EAC, depending on configuration.
Can the FTL80 be used where foam or gas bubbles are present?
Yes. Endress+Hauser states that the reliable measurement values are not affected by gas bubbles, foam, flow, turbulence, vibration or build-up, making the FTL80 suitable for challenging process conditions.
What process connections are available?
The FTL80 is available with threads and flanges. Thread options include G3/4, G1, R3/4, R1, MNPT3/4 and MNPT1; flange options include DN25–DN100, ASME 1"–4" and JIS 10K–20K.
