Technical Characteristics and Sanitary Performance
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Sanitary Extension Tube: Unlike compact hygienic switches, the FTL63 features an extension tube (up to 3 m) that is fully compliant with hygienic design principles. This allows for high-level or low-level switching in large process vessels while maintaining a sterile environment.
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Exceptional Surface Finish: To prevent bacterial growth and ensure full cleanability, the sensor is available with mechanical or electropolished surface finishes. It meets the stringent requirements of ASME BPE and holds certificates for FDA and EC1935/2004 material conformity.
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Media-Independent Reliability: The vibronic tuning fork technology works in all pumpable liquids. Whether the medium is a thick yogurt, a low-conductivity purified water, or a foaming cleaning solution, the switching point remains precise and stable without any need for media adjustment.
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Heartbeat Technology: This integrated system provides continuous self-diagnostics and documented on-demand verification. You can confirm the sensor’s health and the integrity of the safety loop without interrupting the process, which is critical for continuous production lines.
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CIP/SIP Resilience: The FTL63 is designed to withstand the harsh thermal and chemical shocks of Clean-in-Place and Sterilization-in-Place cycles, operating reliably in temperatures ranging from -50 to +150 °C.
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Smart Operation: Integrated Bluetooth connectivity allows for intuitive commissioning and status checks via the SmartBlue app. A bright, multi-colored LED provides immediate optical feedback on the process status directly at the device.
Technical Specification Matrix
| Feature | Technical Details |
| Measuring Principle | Vibronic (Tuning Fork) |
| Device Design | Extension tube version (up to 3 m / 10 ft) |
| Process Temperature | -50 to +150 °C (-58 to +302 °F) |
| Process Pressure | Vacuum to +64 bar (928 psi) |
| Viscosity | Up to 10,000 $mm^2/s$ ($cSt$) |
| Output Signal | FEL61 (AC), FEL62 (DC-PNP), FEL64 (Relay), FEL68 (NAMUR), IO-Link |
| Hygienic Certificates | 3-A, EHEDG, ASME BPE, FDA, EC1935/2004 |
Primary Applications
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Fermentation and Mixing: Precise level detection in large vessels where foam and agitators often cause errors in other sensor types.
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Storage and Buffering: Monitoring high and low levels in sterile storage tanks for dairy, juice, or pharmaceutical ingredients.
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Pump Protection in Pipelines: Ensuring that hygienic pumps do not run dry, even when handling highly viscous pastes or slurries.
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CIP System Monitoring: Detecting the presence or absence of cleaning agents in return lines or storage sets.
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Safety-Critical Hygienic Loops: Integration into SIL-rated safety systems for overfill prevention in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
