Point Level Detection for Bulk Solids
The Solicap FTI55 is designed specifically for point level detection in bulk solids, from fine powders to coarser materials. Rather than measuring the material continuously, it provides a defined switching point for applications such as maximum or minimum level monitoring.
Built for Materials That Create Build-Up
Bulk solids can accumulate around a probe and make level detection more difficult. The FTI55 uses active build-up compensation to help maintain reliable switching even when material deposits form around the probe.
A Robust Rod Probe for Demanding Installations
The FTI55 uses a fully or partly insulated rod probe with a robust construction. It is designed for installations where the probe may experience significant mechanical forces, with the manufacturer specifying resistance to lateral loads up to 300 Nm.
Suitable for Fine and Coarse Materials
The same measurement principle can be applied across a broad range of bulk solids, making the FTI55 suitable for powders, granules and other dry materials with different particle characteristics.
Designed for Industrial Process Conditions
The FTI55 is specified for process temperatures from -50 to +180°C and process pressures from vacuum to 25 bar. A wide selection of certificates and approvals is available depending on the selected configuration.
Straightforward Level Switching
The FTI55 is intended for practical point-level applications where dependable switching is more important than obtaining a continuous level value. Its design makes it suitable for material storage, process vessels and inventory-related applications.
Key Features
- Product type: Capacitance point level switch
- Designed for fine- to coarse-grained bulk solids
- Robust rod probe
- Fully or partly insulated probe options
- Active build-up compensation
- Resistant to lateral loads up to 300 Nm
- Process temperature: -50 to +180°C
- Process pressure: Vacuum to 25 bar
- Suitable for demanding bulk-solid applications
- Wide range of certificates and approvals depending on configuration
- Designed for reliable minimum and maximum level detection
- Suitable for inventory and material-provisioning applications
Typical Applications
Powder and Granule Storage
The FTI55 can be installed in silos and storage vessels containing powders or granular materials where a reliable high- or low-level switching point is required.
Fine-Grained Bulk Solids
Its capacitance-based detection principle makes it suitable for fine powders and other small-particle materials where build-up around the probe may occur.
Coarse-Grained Materials
The robust rod construction also allows the FTI55 to be used with coarser bulk solids and in installations where the probe may experience higher mechanical loads.
Process Vessels
The FTI55 can provide minimum or maximum level detection in process vessels containing dry bulk materials, helping prevent overfilling or material starvation.
Material Inventory Monitoring
Endress+Hauser also positions Solicap together with Fieldgate solutions for material provisioning and logistical optimization, including inventory-control applications.
Demanding Industrial Environments
With its build-up compensation and mechanical robustness, the FTI55 is suitable for applications where material accumulation or mechanical loading makes simpler point-level probes less suitable.
FAQ
What type of level measurement is the Solicap FTI55?
The FTI55 is a capacitance point level switch for bulk solids. It detects whether the material has reached a defined level rather than continuously measuring the level.
What materials can the FTI55 detect?
The FTI55 is designed for fine-grained to coarse-grained bulk solids, making it suitable for a broad range of powders, granules and dry process materials.
Does the FTI55 handle material build-up?
Yes. Active build-up compensation is one of the key features of the FTI55 and is intended to maintain reliable point-level detection when material accumulates around the probe.
How mechanically robust is the FTI55?
The manufacturer specifies that the FTI55 can be used in applications with very high lateral loads up to 300 Nm, making mechanical robustness an important part of its design.
What are the process temperature and pressure limits?
The official product page lists a process temperature range of -50 to +180°C and process pressure from vacuum to 25 bar.
Is the FTI55 a continuous level transmitter?
No. The FTI55 is a point level detection device. It is intended to indicate whether bulk material has reached a defined switching point rather than provide a continuous level value.
Where is the FTI55 typically installed?
Typical installations include silos, storage vessels and process vessels containing fine- or coarse-grained bulk solids, particularly where build-up or mechanical loading needs to be considered.
Are hazardous-area approvals available?
Yes. Endress+Hauser provides a range of certificates and approvals for the FTI55, with the exact availability depending on the selected configuration. The official product page currently lists multiple approval documents for the product.
