Point Level Detection for Deep Silos

The Soliphant FTM52 is designed for point level detection of fine-grained and powdery bulk solids, particularly where the switching point is located deep inside a silo or vessel.

Its defining feature is the rope extension, allowing sensor lengths from 750 mm up to 20,000 mm. This gives the FTM52 considerably more installation flexibility than a compact point level switch and makes it suitable for tall storage vessels.

Designed for Fine-Grained and Low-Density Solids

The FTM52 is intended for bulk solids with relatively low density. The standard fork can detect media from 10 g/L, while the short fork version is specified for media from 50 g/L.

Typical materials include cereals, flour, cocoa, sugar, animal feed, dye powder and chalk.

The vibronic principle provides a straightforward way to monitor whether material has reached a defined level without requiring continuous level measurement.

A Practical Solution for Long Measuring Points

In deep silos, the challenge is often not the measuring principle itself but reaching the required switching point.

The FTM52 addresses this with its rope extension, covering sensor lengths from 750 mm to 20 m. The rope can therefore extend the detection point significantly into the vessel while keeping the electronics and process connection outside the bulk material.

Stable Detection in Everyday Bulk Handling

Bulk solids can accumulate around a sensor or create vibration through nearby machinery. The FTM52 is designed so that measurement is not affected by build-up or external vibration.

Build-up and corrosion detection are also available, while density settings and switching delay can be selected according to the application.

This makes the FTM52 well suited to storage and handling systems where operating conditions are not always perfectly clean or stable.

Simple Installation Without Calibration

The FTM52 does not require calibration for normal commissioning. The switch value can be viewed from outside, making the device straightforward to check during operation.

With no mechanically moving parts, the measuring principle also avoids the mechanical wear associated with conventional moving-level switches.

Flexible Sensor and Connection Options

The FTM52 is available with polished or coated fork sensors. Sensor materials include 316L with 3.2 μm or 0.8 μm surface finish, as well as PTFE-coated versions.

Process connection options include threads, flanges and hygienic Tri-Clamp connections.

The long rope extension and different connection options allow the FTM52 to be adapted to different silo designs and installation requirements.

Multiple Output Options for Plant Integration

The FTM52 is available with different electronic inserts, allowing it to be matched to the existing plant control system.

Depending on the selected configuration, signal options include DC PNP, AC thyristor, DPDT relay, 8/16 mA, NAMUR and PFM.

This flexibility is particularly useful when replacing an existing point level switch without redesigning the complete control system.

Ready for Hazardous-Area Applications

The FTM52 is available with international explosion protection certificates for appropriate dust or gas hazardous areas.

It also carries SIL2 safety approval in accordance with IEC 61508, making it suitable for applications where point level detection forms part of a safety-related process.

Key Features

• Vibronic point level switch for fine-grained and powdery solids
• Rope extension for deep silos and vessels
• Sensor length: 750 mm to 20,000 mm
• Standard fork minimum density: 10 g/L
• Short fork minimum density: 50 g/L
• Process temperature: -40 to +80°C
• Process pressure: Vacuum to 2 bar
• Up to 6 bar for EExd/EExde versions
• Measurement not affected by build-up or external vibration
• No calibration required
• No mechanically moving parts
• SIL2 according to IEC 61508
• Polished or coated fork options
• 316L and PTFE-coated sensor options
• Threads, flanges and Tri-Clamp process connections
• Multiple electronic insert options
• International hazardous-area approvals
• Build-up and corrosion detection options

Typical Applications

Deep Storage Silos

The long rope extension makes the FTM52 particularly suitable for tall silos where the required high- or low-level switching point is several meters below the process connection.

Grain and Cereal Storage

Used for point level detection in silos containing cereals and other grain-based bulk materials.

Flour and Powder Handling

Suitable for flour and fine powders, including applications where low bulk density can make conventional point level detection more challenging.

Food Ingredient Storage

Applications include storage of sugar, cocoa and animal feed, as specified by Endress+Hauser.

Chemical Powder Handling

The FTM52 can be used for fine-grained materials such as dye powder and other suitable bulk solids.

Hazardous-Area Silos

Available with international certificates for appropriate dust or gas hazardous areas, depending on the selected configuration.

FAQ

What is the Soliphant FTM52 used for?

The FTM52 is a vibronic point level switch for fine-grained and powdery bulk solids, mainly used in silos and storage vessels.

What is the main difference between FTM50 and FTM52?

The most obvious difference is the sensor design. The FTM52 uses a rope extension and is designed for significantly deeper installation points, with sensor lengths from 750 mm to 20 m.

How long can the FTM52 sensor be?

The specified sensor length range is 750 to 20,000 mm.

What is the minimum material density?

The standard fork is specified for a minimum density of 10 g/L, while the short fork version is specified for 50 g/L.

What type of materials can it detect?

The FTM52 is designed for fine-grained and powdery bulk solids. Typical applications include cereals, flour, cocoa, sugar, animal feed, dye powder and chalk.

Is the FTM52 affected by material build-up?

The measurement is designed to be unaffected by build-up. Build-up and corrosion detection can also be selected depending on the configuration.

Can it be installed in a vibrating environment?

Yes. Endress+Hauser specifies that measurement is not affected by external vibration, which is useful around bulk-material handling equipment.

Does the FTM52 require calibration?

No. The device is designed for operation without calibration.

What is the process temperature range?

The specified process temperature range is -40 to +80°C.

What is the process pressure range?

The standard process pressure range is vacuum to 2 bar. For EExd/EExde versions, the maximum specified pressure is 6 bar.

What output options are available?

Depending on the selected electronic insert, the FTM52 can use DC PNP, AC thyristor, DPDT relay, 8/16 mA, NAMUR or PFM signals.

Can the FTM52 be used in hazardous areas?

Yes. International explosion protection certificates are available for appropriate dust and gas hazardous-area applications, depending on the selected version.

Does the FTM52 have safety approval?

Yes. The FTM52 has SIL2 safety approval according to IEC 61508.