Technical Characteristics and Tensile Strength
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Massive Tensile Capacity: The rope and internal mechanics are reinforced to survive downward pull forces up to 60 kN (approx. 6 tons). This is critical in deep silos where the “downdrag” of moving solids creates immense tension on the sensor.
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Flexible Reach: With a measurement range extending up to 22 meters, the FTI56 can be used for low-level alarms at the very bottom of industrial-scale storage vessels.
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Static Discharge Protection: High-speed filling of dry solids generates significant static electricity. The FTI56 features a two-stage overvoltage protection system to prevent these discharges from damaging the electronics.
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Active Build-up Compensation: The advanced capacitance circuitry ensures reliable switching even if the rope is coated with dust or fine particles, focusing only on the “bulk” material level for the switch point.
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On-Site Adaptability: The rope model is designed to be easily shortened on-site. This allows a single model to be adapted to different silo depths, significantly reducing the need for specialized spare parts inventory.
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Continuous Monitoring: The device includes automatic self-monitoring of the electronics, ensuring that any internal fault is immediately signaled to the control room, maintaining high plant availability.
Technical Specification Matrix
| Feature | Technical Details |
| Measuring Principle | Capacitance (Point Level) |
| Max. Tensile Load | 60 kN |
| Probe Length | 500 to 22,000 mm (20 to 866″) |
| Process Temperature | -50 to +180 °C (-58 to +356 °F) |
| Process Pressure | -1 to +25 bar (-14.5 to +363 psi) |
| Safety | SIL2 (standard) |
| Output | Relay DPDT, 2-wire PFM, 3-wire PNP |
Primary Applications
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Mining and Minerals: High/low level detection for heavy ores, rock, and crushed stone in deep primary crushers or tall storage bins.
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Cement and Clinker: Monitoring levels in massive raw meal or clinker silos where abrasion and high tension are constant factors.
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Power Generation: Level control in coal bunkers and fly ash silos where the material can exert significant friction on the rope.
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Agriculture: Inventory management in tall grain elevators and distribution centers.
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Inventory Logistics: Combined with Fieldgate technology, the FTI56 provides the “reorder” signals necessary for automated supply chain and material provisioning systems.
