Critical Technical Advantages
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Measurement in Extreme Environments: The FMP51 is built for durability, withstanding temperatures from -50 to +200°C and pressures up to 40 bar. Its robust design ensures long-term stability in reactors, distillation columns, and high-pressure storage vessels.
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Advanced Interface Measurement: Beyond simple level tracking, the FMP51 is a specialist in interface measurement (e.g., oil over water). It can detect the transition between two liquids with different dielectric constants, providing critical data for separators and settling tanks.
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Multi-Echo Tracking: Equipped with sophisticated echo evaluation, the device can filter out false reflections caused by heating coils, agitators, or ladders. This Multi-Echo Tracking ensures that the “true” level is always prioritized, even when the signal is weakened by foam or turbulent waves.
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Versatile Probe Options: The FMP51 offers the widest range of probe types. Coaxial probes are available for low-dielectric liquids or when the sensor is placed close to tank walls; rod probes (up to 10m) for high-accuracy applications; and rope probes (up to 45m) for extremely tall silos or vessels.
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Heartbeat Technology: This feature provides continuous self-monitoring and traceable verification of the device’s health. It can detect build-up on the probe or corrosion before they lead to a measurement error, allowing for predictive maintenance without process interruption.
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SIL3 Safety Integrity: Developed according to IEC 61508, the FMP51 meets SIL3 requirements (with homogeneous redundancy). The simplified proof-testing procedure allows for safety verification without pulling the sensor from the tank, reducing risk and operational costs.
Detailed Technical Performance Matrix
| Specification | Technical Details and Ranges |
| Measuring Principle | Guided Wave Radar (Time-of-Flight) |
| Measuring Range | Rod: 10 m; Rope: 45 m; Coax: 6 m |
| Measurement Accuracy | ±2 mm (0.08″) |
| Process Temperature | -50 to +200 °C (-58 to +392 °F) |
| Process Pressure | -1 to +40 bar (-14.5 to +580 psi) |
| Min. Dielectric Constant | DC ≥ 1.4 (Rod/Rope), DC ≥ 1.1 (Coax) |
| Communication | 4-20 mA HART, PROFIBUS PA, FOUNDATION Fieldbus |
| Safety & Approvals | SIL 2/3, WHG, ATEX, IECEx, FM, CSA, Marine Approvals |
Primary Applications
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Oil & Gas Separators: Reliable interface measurement between oil, emulsion, and water layers under pressure.
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Chemical Reactors: Continuous level monitoring in processes involving high temperatures, agitation, and varying chemical compositions.
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Distillation Columns: Precise tracking of liquid levels in reflux drums and column bottoms where vapors and temperature fluctuations are constant.
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High-Pressure Storage: Safe level measurement for liquefied gases or pressurized chemical feedstocks.
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Aggressive Media: Suitable for pastes and slurries in the mining or petrochemical industries where non-contact radar might be hindered by signal absorption.
