Technical Characteristics and Sanitary Performance
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Hygienic Design and Finish: The FTL51H is constructed with electro-polished and passivated 316L stainless steel. It meets stringent global standards including 3-A, EHEDG, and ASME BPE. The extension tube is completely welded to prevent any crevices where bacteria could accumulate, making it ideal for CIP (Clean-in-Place) and SIP (Steam-in-Place) cycles.
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Functional Safety (SIL2/SIL3): Developed according to IEC 61508, the device is suitable for high-risk safety instrumented systems. It features continuous self-monitoring of the tuning fork frequency to detect mechanical damage or corrosion, ensuring the safety function is always ready.
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Extension Tube Versatility: The extension tube allows for precise positioning of the switching point at a specific distance from the process connection. This is essential for top-mounted high-level alarms in large vessels or for reaching through thick insulation.
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Media-Independent Reliability: The switching point remains accurate regardless of changes in product density, viscosity, or conductivity. It is effectively immune to the presence of air bubbles, foam, and turbulence.
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Maintenance-Free Durability: With no mechanically moving parts, the FTL51H eliminates the risk of wear or mechanical failure. The vibronic principle is inherently robust against external plant vibrations.
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Sanitary Process Connections: The device supports a wide variety of aseptic connections, including Tri-Clamp, Varivent, SMS, and Dairy Couplings, ensuring a flush-mounted, leak-proof integration into hygienic piping and vessels.
Technical Specification Matrix
| Feature | Technical Details |
| Measuring Principle | Vibronic (Tuning Fork) |
| Device Design | Extension tube version (hygienic) |
| Surface Roughness | Ra < 0.76 µm (standard) or Ra < 0.38 µm (electro-polished) |
| Process Temperature | -50 to +150 °C (-58 to +302 °F) |
| Process Pressure | -1 to +64 bar (-14.5 to +928 psi) |
| Sensor Material | 316L Stainless Steel |
| Output Signal | FEL52 (PNP), FEL54 (Relay), FEL58 (NAMUR), PFM |
| Safety & Compliance | SIL2/SIL3, 3-A, EHEDG, ASME BPE, FDA, WHG |
Primary Applications
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Dairy and Beverage Storage: Monitoring levels in milk silos, juice tanks, and beer fermentation vessels where high hygiene is required.
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Pharmaceutical Batching: Precise point level detection in mixing tanks for buffers, media, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (API).
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Sterile Water Systems: Level control for WFI (Water for Injection) storage tanks and distribution loops.
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Aggressive Cleaning Media: Monitoring levels of concentrated acids and alkalis used in industrial CIP stations.
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Safety-Critical Hygienic Processes: Serving as a high-level overfill alarm in processes that require a certified SIL rating.
