Technical Characteristics and Mechanical Strength
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High Lateral Load Resistance: Unlike standard level probes, the FTI55 is built to endure the significant side-forces (up to 300 Nm) exerted by heavy, moving bulk materials during filling or discharging cycles.
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Active Build-up Compensation: The probe is designed to maintain switching accuracy even when covered in dust or sticky residues. It distinguishes between a “covered” probe caused by a full silo and mere material caking on the rod, ensuring maximum process reliability.
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Durable Insulation: Available in both fully and partly insulated versions, the rod is protected against abrasive materials and chemical influences. For partial insulation models, the rod can be easily shortened on-site to match the exact requirements of the measuring point.
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Static Discharge Protection: To prevent damage from the high static charges often generated in dry solids silos, the FTI55 includes a two-stage overvoltage protection system.
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Continuous Self-Monitoring: The device features permanent automatic monitoring of the electronics. Any malfunction is detected immediately, increasing the overall safety and availability of the plant.
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Simple Commissioning: Set-up is fast and user-friendly, with calibration performed at the press of a button, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustments.
Technical Specification Matrix
| Feature | Technical Details |
| Measuring Principle | Capacitance (Point Level) |
| Max. Lateral Load | 300 Nm |
| Probe Length | 200 to 4,000 mm (4 to 157″) |
| Process Temperature | -50 to +180 °C (-58 to +356 °F) |
| Process Pressure | -1 to +25 bar (-14.5 to +363 psi) |
| Safety | SIL2 (standard), SIL3 (with redundancy) |
| Output | Relay DPDT, 2-wire PFM, 3-wire PNP |
Primary Applications
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Heavy Industrial Silos: High or low level detection for cement, gravel, sand, and ore where mechanical impact is frequent.
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Food and Agriculture: Level monitoring in grain elevators and silos for flour or animal feed.
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Chemical Powders: Handling fine-grained powders that may be prone to static charge or dust explosions.
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Logistical Optimization: When combined with Fieldgate technology, it supports inventory control and supply chain management by providing reliable “reorder” signals.
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High Lateral Load Zones: Ideal for installation near the filling stream or in silos where material “bridging” and collapse can create sudden side-forces.
