Reliable Point Level Detection for Bulk Solids
The Soliphant FTM50 is designed for point level detection of fine-grained and powdery bulk solids. Its vibronic measuring principle makes it a practical solution for applications where reliable switching is more important than continuous level measurement.
It is particularly useful in silos containing materials with relatively low bulk density, including powders and fine-grained products.
Designed for Fine Powders and Low-Density Materials
The FTM50 can detect materials with a minimum density of 10 g/L using the standard fork, while the short fork version is specified for media from 50 g/L.
This makes it suitable for many materials that can be difficult to handle with conventional point level switches.
Typical materials listed by Endress+Hauser include cereals, flour, cocoa, sugar, animal feed, dye powder and chalk.
Less Concern About Build-Up and Vibration
Bulk solids can create two common problems for point level detection: material build-up on the sensor and vibration from surrounding equipment.
The FTM50 is designed so that measurement is not affected by build-up or external vibration, helping maintain dependable switching in everyday process conditions.
The device can also provide build-up and corrosion detection, while density settings and switching delay can be selected according to the application.
A Robust Design Without Mechanical Moving Parts
The vibronic fork provides point level detection without mechanically moving parts. This gives the FTM50 a straightforward and robust construction with no routine mechanical wear mechanism.
Endress+Hauser describes the device as maintenance-free for typical applications.
No calibration is required for normal commissioning, making installation relatively straightforward.
Flexible Sensor and Process Connection Options
The FTM50 is available with polished or coated sensors, allowing the sensor construction to be matched more closely to the process material.
Wetted parts are available in 316L, including 3.2 μm and 0.8 μm surface finishes, as well as PTFE-coated and ETFE-coated versions.
Process connections include threads, flanges and Tri-Clamp hygienic connections. Sensor lengths are available in 145 mm and 200 mm versions.
Ready for Different Plant Control Systems
Rather than being limited to a single output arrangement, the FTM50 can be configured with different electronic inserts according to the control system.
Depending on the selected version, available signal options include NAMUR, relay, thyristor, PFM and DC PNP.
This gives the FTM50 useful flexibility when integrating point level detection into existing plant instrumentation.
Suitable for Demanding Industrial Environments
The FTM50 supports process temperatures from -50 to +280°C and process pressures from vacuum up to 25 bar.
International explosion protection certificates are available for appropriate dust or gas hazardous-area applications, and the device has SIL2 safety approval according to IEC 61508.
Key Features
- Vibronic point level switch for bulk solids
- Designed for fine-grained and powdery materials
- Minimum density:Standard fork: 10 g/LShort fork: 50 g/L
- Process temperature: -50 to +280°C
- Process pressure: Vacuum to 25 bar
- Measurement not affected by build-up or external vibration
- No calibration required
- No mechanically moving parts
- SIL2 according to IEC 61508
- Polished or coated sensor options
- 316L, PTFE-coated and ETFE-coated sensor options
- Sensor lengths: 145 mm / 200 mm
- Thread, flange and Tri-Clamp process connections
- Multiple electronic insert options including NAMUR, relay, thyristor and PFM
- International explosion protection certificates available
Typical Applications
Flour and Grain Handling
Point level detection in silos containing flour, cereals and other fine-grained food materials, particularly where low bulk density can make level detection more challenging.
Sugar and Cocoa
Suitable for point level monitoring of powdered food ingredients such as sugar and cocoa.
Animal Feed
Used for high- and low-level detection in storage and processing systems for animal feed and similar bulk materials.
Chemical Powders
The FTM50 can be used with various powdery process materials, including dye powder and other fine-grained solids.
Mineral and Powder Handling
Suitable for materials such as chalk and other dry bulk solids where reliable point level detection is required.
Hazardous Areas
Available with international explosion protection certificates for appropriate dust or gas hazardous-area applications.
FAQ
What materials can the Soliphant FTM50 detect?
The FTM50 is designed for fine-grained and powdery bulk solids. Endress+Hauser specifically lists applications including cereals, flour, cocoa, sugar, animal feed, dye powder and chalk.
Is the FTM50 designed for liquids?
No. The FTM50 is a point level switch for solids. For liquid point level detection, Endress+Hauser uses the Liquiphant product family.
What is the minimum detectable density?
The standard fork is specified for a minimum medium density of 10 g/L, while the short fork version is specified for 50 g/L.
What is the maximum process temperature?
The specified process temperature range is -50 to +280°C.
What is the maximum process pressure?
The FTM50 is specified for process pressures from vacuum up to 25 bar.
Is calibration required?
No. The FTM50 is designed for operation without calibration.
Is the FTM50 affected by material build-up?
The measurement is designed to remain unaffected by build-up. The device can also be configured with build-up detection.
Can it be used in an environment with vibration?
Yes. Endress+Hauser specifies that measurement is not affected by external vibration, which is useful around equipment such as conveyors and other vibrating machinery.
What sensor materials are available?
The sensor can be selected in 316L with different surface finishes, as well as PTFE-coated or ETFE-coated versions.
What signal options are available?
Depending on the selected electronic insert, options include NAMUR, relay, thyristor, PFM and DC PNP. The exact signal should therefore be selected according to the plant control system.
Can the FTM50 be used in hazardous areas?
Yes. The product is available with international explosion protection certificates, including ATEX, FM, CSA, IEC Ex, JPN, INMETRO, NEPSI and EAC, depending on the selected configuration.
