Designed for Liquids and Pasty Media
The Liquipoint FTW33 is a conductive point level switch developed for applications where liquids may be sticky, pasty or prone to building up around the sensor.
It can be used in pipes, storage vessels and mixing or process vessels, including vessels with an agitator. Its compact, flush-mounted construction keeps the sensing element closely integrated with the process connection.
For food and beverage applications, this design is particularly useful where hygienic installation and easy cleaning are part of the process requirements.
Flush-Mounted Design for Hygienic Process Lines
One of the most practical features of the FTW33 is its flush-mounted sensor design.
Because the probe does not significantly project into the pipe, the design is suitable for hygienic installations where smooth internal surfaces and cleanability matter. Endress+Hauser specifically highlights its suitability for pigging of pipes, making it a natural fit for appropriate hygienic process lines.
This is an important distinction from conventional point level probes that extend into the process.
Active Build-Up Compensation
Build-up can be a major source of false switching in sticky or viscous products.
The FTW33 uses active build-up compensation to help maintain reliable switching when material accumulates around the sensor. The device can also detect conductive foam, or the foam detection function can be switched off according to the application.
This makes the FTW33 particularly relevant for processes where keeping the sensor completely clean during operation is unrealistic.
No Individual Medium Adjustment Required
For its intended applications, the FTW33 is designed so that individual adjustment to each medium is not necessary.
The product is suitable for liquids with electrical conductivity above 1 μS/cm or a dielectric constant above 2, according to the manufacturer's specifications.
This keeps commissioning straightforward while still allowing the device to cover a broad range of water-based and oil-based media.
IO-Link for Easier Configuration
The FTW33 supports IO-Link, providing digital communication for device configuration and integration.
For plants already using IO-Link infrastructure, this can make commissioning and parameter management more convenient while also reducing the complexity of integrating the point level switch into the control system. Endress+Hauser specifically identifies IO-Link as a way to simplify configuration and integration.
Built for Hygienic Cleaning
The FTW33 is designed for food-industry applications and meets international hygiene requirements.
The sensor uses 316L with PEEK insulation, while the device supports CIP and SIP cleaning. Normal process temperatures range from -20 to +100°C, with cleaning temperatures up to 150°C for one hour.
The device also provides IP69 protection and is available with 3-A and EHEDG hygienic approvals.
Compact Installation in Tight Spaces
The FTW33 was designed to fit into installations where space is limited.
Its compact construction allows installation even where access around the process connection is restricted. A range of threaded and hygienic process connections is available, including G1, G1/2, G3/4 and M24, as well as hygienic clamp and DIN11851 connections.
Reliable Point Level Detection Without Unnecessary Complexity
The FTW33 is focused on one specific task: detecting a defined liquid level reliably.
It does not attempt to replace a continuous level transmitter. Instead, its value comes from combining a compact design with conductive measurement, build-up compensation and hygienic process compatibility.
For applications involving sticky liquids, pastes or frequent cleaning cycles, this straightforward approach can be a practical advantage.
Key Features
- Conductive point level switch for liquids and pasty media
- Compact flush-mounted sensor design
- Active build-up compensation
- Suitable for water-based and oil-based media
- Electrical conductivity: >1 μS/cm
- Dielectric constant: >2
- IO-Link communication
- DC PNP output
- Supply voltage: 10–30 V DC
- Process temperature: -20 to +100°C
- CIP/SIP cleaning: up to 150°C for 1 hour
- Process pressure: vacuum to 25 bar
- Ambient temperature: -40 to +70°C
- Sensor: 316L
- Sensor insulation: PEEK
- Protection class up to IP69
- 3-A and EHEDG hygienic approvals
- Conductive foam detection can be enabled or disabled
- Threaded and hygienic process connections
- Suitable for pipes, storage vessels and mixing/process vessels
Typical Applications
Food & Beverage Processing
The FTW33 is designed for hygienic process applications and can be used for point level detection in suitable food and beverage equipment.
Sticky and Pasty Products
Its conductive measurement and active build-up compensation make it particularly suitable for pasty, sticky or build-up-forming media.
Hygienic Process Pipes
The flush-mounted construction is well suited to process pipes where hygienic design and pigging capability are important.
Storage Tanks
Used for high- or low-level point detection in storage vessels containing suitable conductive liquids.
Mixing and Process Vessels
The FTW33 can be installed in mixing or process vessels with or without an agitator, making it suitable for a range of process configurations.
Applications with Heavy Build-Up
The active build-up compensation makes the FTW33 a suitable option when the process material tends to accumulate around the sensing area.
FAQ
What is the Liquipoint FTW33 used for?
The FTW33 is a conductive point level switch for liquids and pasty media. It is designed for pipes, storage vessels and mixing or process vessels.
What is the main advantage of the FTW33?
Its combination of flush-mounted construction and active build-up compensation makes it particularly suitable for sticky media, heavy build-up and hygienic process applications.
Is the FTW33 suitable for pasty products?
Yes. Endress+Hauser specifically lists pasty and sticky media and applications with heavy build-up.
Does the FTW33 require individual adjustment for each medium?
No individual medium adjustment is required for its intended applications. The specified media range includes liquids with electrical conductivity above 1 μS/cm or dielectric constant above 2.
Is the FTW33 a continuous level transmitter?
No. It is a point level switch, meaning it detects whether the process material has reached a defined level.
What is the measuring principle?
The FTW33 uses conductive level measurement.
Does the FTW33 support IO-Link?
Yes. IO-Link is available for digital communication, configuration and integration.
What is the process temperature range?
The standard process temperature range is -20 to +100°C. For CIP/SIP cleaning, the device can handle up to 150°C for one hour.
What is the maximum process pressure?
The specified process pressure range is from vacuum to 25 bar.
Can the FTW33 be used in hygienic applications?
Yes. The FTW33 was developed for the food industry and is available with 3-A and EHEDG hygienic approvals. It also supports CIP/SIP cleaning and IP69 protection.
Can the FTW33 be used in pipes?
Yes. Its flush-mounted design is particularly useful for process pipes, including applications where pipe cleaning or pigging is required.
Is the FTW33 suitable for media that create build-up?
Yes. Active build-up compensation is one of the key features of the FTW33 and is specifically intended to help maintain reliable switching in build-up-forming media.
What materials are used for the sensor?
The main sensor material is 316L, with PEEK used for sensor insulation.
What process connections are available?
Threaded options include G1, G1/2, G3/4 and M24. Hygienic options include ISO 2852 clamps and DIN11851 pipe unions, depending on the configuration.
