Vibronic Point Level Detection

Vibronic Point Level Detection

Endress+Hauser’s vibronic point level detection portfolio provides fail‑safe min/max switching in liquids and bulk solids using the resonant tuning‑fork principle. A piezo drives the fork at its natural frequency; immersion in product shifts frequency (liquids) or amplitude (solids), which the electronics evaluate into a clean on/off signal. Because the effect is mechanical at the tip, switching is independent of conductivity, dielectric, color, turbulence, foam, bubbles, and vibration, with no calibration and continuous self‑monitoring. The range is built around Liquiphant (liquids) and Soliphant (solids), with devices certified for SIL functions and hazardous areas, plus a “second line of defense” concept for environmental protection.

For compact liquid duties and hygienic plants, Liquiphant covers everything from utility skids to sanitary vessels. FTL31 is the rugged, stainless, small‑body workhorse for OEM/utility service; it adds IO‑Link for parameterization and diagnostics and operates to 150 °C / 40 bar. For hygienic lines and tanks, the new FTL43 brings a compact hygienic design with IO‑Link or HART, Bluetooth® setup, 3‑A/EHEDG conformity, and an envelope of –40…+150 °C and up to 64 bar. In both cases, switching remains stable despite changing products, aeration or agitation, ideal for overfill prevention, dry‑run protection, and leakage alarms on CIP, fillers, and general process tanks.

Where process conditions or compliance demands escalate, the latest Liquiphant “B‑generation” and specialists broaden capability. FTL51B targets the process industries with IEC 61508 SIL2/3 application use, guided proof‑test wizards (SmartBlue), Heartbeat Technology for online verification/diagnostics, and second line of defense sealing, while covering –50…+150 °C and up to 100 bar with threaded, flanged, and hygienic connections. FTL62 focuses on aggressive liquids, combining digital comms with SIL/WHG/API 2350 alignment for overfill protection. For hot service, FTL64 pushes to +280 °C and 100 bar, keeping the same safety toolset (SIL, API 2350, WHG) and offering PFA‑coated options. These devices slot cleanly into SIS loops and asset‑management systems to reduce proof‑test effort and document compliance.

For high‑integrity shutdown and tank‑farm protection, Liquiphant FailSafe FTL80 delivers single‑device SIL3 point level with permanent internal diagnostics, fork‑health monitoring, and proof‑test intervals up to 12 years. It retains the extreme envelope (≈ –60…+280 °C, 100 bar), marine and Ex approvals, and integrates via 4–20 mA (NE 43) to certified switching units or directly to safety PLCs. Typical uses include API 2350 overfill prevention, reflux receiver high‑high, pump minimum level, and safeguard interlocks where a simple, verifiable on/off is required, without the drift or fouling risks of floats or capacitance.

For bulk solids, Soliphant provides the same vibronic certainty in silos, hoppers, and chutes. FTM20 is the compact choice for fine‑ to coarse‑grained, non‑fluidized materials (–40…+150 °C, up to 25 bar). The Soliphant M family (FTM50/51/52) tackles demanding dust-laden silos and long insertions, with versions for low bulk density and options such as rope/rod extensions and polished forks. Typical applications include cereals, flour, sugar, cocoa, animal feed, dye powder, and chalk; international dust/gas Ex certificates enable installation across mills, cement, and chemical plants. Use Soliphant for full/empty alarms, chute blockage detection, and feeder empty confirmation where optics or capacitance struggle with dust and build-up.

Across the portfolio, the value proposition is consistent: no moving parts, no recalibration, and predictable switching that is broadly media‑independent. Selection is straightforward: FTL31/FTL43 for compact and hygienic liquids; FTL51B/FTL62/FTL64 where digital verification, higher pressure/temperature, or aggressive media are in play; FTL80 for SIL3 FailSafe overfill prevention; and Soliphant FTM20/50/51/52 for powders and granulates. With Heartbeat Technology, Bluetooth® access, and IO‑Link/HART options, these instruments shorten commissioning, simplify proof testing, and lower lifecycle cost while raising safety margins.

Vector, your Authorized Endress+Hauser Representative