Technical Characteristics and Versatility
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Vibronic Measuring Principle for Solids: The tuning fork is piezo-electrically excited to its resonance frequency. When the fork is covered by solids, the amplitude of the vibration changes. The electronics detect this change and trigger the switching signal. This principle is ideal for powders like flour, sugar, or cement.
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SIL2 Functional Safety: Developed according to IEC 61508, the FTM50 is suitable for use in safety-instrumented systems, providing a high level of reliability for overfill prevention in dust-hazardous environments.
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Robust Material Options: The sensor is available in 316L stainless steel with various finishes, including polished versions for food applications (0.8 µm) or coated versions (PTFE/ETFE) to prevent aggressive media from sticking or causing corrosion.
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Advanced Diagnostics: The device features selectable displays for build-up and abrasion detection. It can alert the operator if the sensor is being worn down by abrasive materials or if extreme build-up is potentially affecting performance.
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Flexible Integration: With a wide range of electronic inserts—including NAMUR, relay, thyristor, and PFM—the FTM50 can be perfectly aligned with any plant control system or PLC architecture.
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Extreme Temperature Resilience: The FTM50 can handle process temperatures from -50 °C up to +280 °C, allowing it to be used in high-heat drying processes or cryogenic storage.
Technical Specification Matrix
| Feature | Technical Details |
| Measuring Principle | Vibronic (Tuning Fork for Solids) |
| Media | Fine-grained solids, Powders (Bulk density $\ge$ 10 g/l) |
| Process Temperature | -50 to +280 °C (-60 to +540 °F) |
| Process Pressure | -1 to +25 bar (-14.5 to +360 psi) |
| Sensor Material | 316L (optional PTFE or ETFE coating) |
| Surface Roughness | 3.2 µm or 0.8 µm (polished) |
| Output Signal | Relay, PNP, NAMUR, PFM, Thyristor |
| Safety & Compliance | SIL2, ATEX, IECEx, FM, CSA |
Primary Applications
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Food and Beverage: Reliable level detection for flour, cocoa, sugar, and cereals in silos and hopper systems.
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Animal Feed Production: Monitoring bins containing grain, pellets, or powdered additives.
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Chemical and Plastics: Detecting dye powders, plastic granules, or fine chemical catalysts.
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Construction Materials: Use in silos for chalk, gypsum, or fine cement powder.
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Dust Hazardous Areas: Certified for use in environments where combustible dusts (Zone 20/21/22) are present.
