Hydrostatic liquid level sensor suited for sanitary and wash-down environments

Level transmitter complies with 3A standards and is ideal for food, beverage, dairy and pharmaceutical applications.

September 14, 2010

The Deltapilot FMB 70 hydrostatic level pressure transmitter from Endress+Hauser is designed for food, beverage, dairy, and pharmaceutical applications. Its watertight Contite pressure measuring cell and 316L stainless steel housing with polycarbonate sight glass withstand harsh wash-down environments in the food industry. The unit can be configured to measure level in units of pressure, height, volume, or mass with an accuracy of ±0.1%.

The Deltapilot FMB 70 can be used to measure level in silos, holding tanks, mixing tanks, filler bowls, balance tanks, and other vessels. It meets 3A sanitary standards, has a watertight NEMA 6P-rated (temporarily submersible) housing, and operates in process temperatures from 14 to 212 °F (-10 to 100 °C).

An optional remote housing can be located up to 25 ft. away from the sensor, ensuring easy access and protection when a measurement is needed in an extra-harsh environment. The remote version has cable connections and is rated to IP69K for high-pressure, high-temperature wash-down sprays.

The measuring cell is hermetically sealed for protection against condensation, aggressive gases, and wash-down environments. The membrane is thick, corrosion-resistant alloy C276 for protection against mechanical damage. Temperature sensors are located between the process diaphragm and the measuring element for continuous temperature compensation of the measurement.

Built-in temperature compensation responds quickly to temperature changes during batch processing and CIP/SIP cycles. E+H says this capability makes the instrument ideal for balance tank applications where rapid temperature changes can lead to process upsets or product losses. The FMB70 also helps optimize the use of milk silos or other large storage tanks where an interlock prevents filling product into the tank until CIP fluids have been fully drained. Accurate measurements in combination with temperature compensation ensure correct empty tank readings.

The transmitter can be programmed with strapping tables for nonlinear tanks. A linearization table with up to 32 points can be entered to make accurate level measurements in spheres, horizontal cylindrical tanks, and vessels with a conical outlet. Density and tank linearization tables can be programmed from the display to calculate mass or volume. The instrument can be programmed to measure level in units of pressure, height, volume, or mass.

Communication options include a 4-20 mA two-wire signal with HART, Profibus PA, Foundation fieldbus, or WirelessHART.

Edited by Peter Welander, pwelander@cfemedia.com