Products Solutions Services

The Liquiphant familyPoint level detection in liquids using the vibronic measuring principle

Leve

l

2 Liquiphant Family

Innovation with a superb background

Liquiphant, the original from its inventorWhen Endress+Hauser invented the vibronic principle 30 years ago it paved the way to safe and reliable level monitoring. Within a very short period of time, the point level switches of the Liquiphant line became classics. More than 4.0 million vibronic point level switches installed worldwide emphasize the competence and experience of Endress+Hauser.

Quality, safety and reliability are firm cornerstones for us. The latest simulation and manufacturing processes are used from development through to production in order to meet the high demands of our customers.

Endress+Hauser is a family-owned company with over 12,000 employees, serving customers in 40 countries worldwide. The international solution provider has offered a large range of products and services for all process automation sectors for 60 years.

Functional principlePoint level switches using the vibronic principle are

used in process automation applications everywhere. A sensor in form of a tuning fork is exited to its resonance frequency by a piezoelectric drive. The frequency changes as liquid covers the fork. This change is analyzed and converted into a switching signal.

The instruments of the Liquiphant family reliably monitor point levels of all liquids in tanks, vessels and pipes. Applications are varied and range from simple operational point level detection (minimum and maximum monitoring) and leakage monitoring or overfill prevention through to protective facilities in plant parts subject to disturbance regulations.

Mechanics combined with electronics (mechatronics) –approved point level detection

Piezo drive – the heart of Liquiphant

Resonant circle

Analysis electronicsDetection of

frequency shift

Frequency shift upon immersion into the media

3Industries

Universal range of application

Unaffected by turbulence and external vibration

Universal applications in all pumpable liquids up to a viscosity of 10,000 cSt (mm2/s)

Universal applications and no calibration required in changing liquids

Universal applications in air bubbles and foam (foam is not recognized as liquid)

For universal use across the process industriesA distinct advantage of the vibronic principle is its mode of operation. Point levels are detected unaffected by the physical properties of the medium, like:

• Conductivity •Dielectric constant•Viscosity•Density changes• Pressure• Temperature In addition, turbulence, foam or bubbling liquids do not impair the operation either. These unique performance features permit the instruments of the Liquiphant family to be employed in all process engineering sectors.

The most important industries are:

• Chemicals•Oil & Gas• Power & Energy• Life Sciences / Pharmaceuticals• Food & Beverages•Machine building

Vibronic point level switches excel by the absence of any mechanically moved parts in the process. Functional calibration to the respective medium is not required. Combined with integrated self-monitoring, a system is created which has prevailed in process automation by its reliability. This safeguards an operation free of calibration and maintenance. In turn, money is saved and thus operating costs.

Due to its universal nature, Liquiphant has proved itself in millions of the most varied applications and every year new measuring points are added worldwide.

4 Liquiphant Family

Convincing properties

Continuous self-monitoringCompared to other physical measuring principles, e.g. float switches, the vibronic point level switches of the Liquiphant family offer a decisive advantage – frequency evaluation facilitating automatic self-monitoring of the fork. The frequency of the fork is continually monitored. A change in oscillation above or below a permitted variable indicates irregularities of the fork, e.g. inadmissible corrosion. This automatically triggers a safety-oriented switching of the instrument. All of the vibronic point level switches of the Liquiphant family work with such a frequency evaluation and offer users basic safety in plant operation already in their standard design.

Intelligent sensor without calibrationEvery fork has its own characteristic frequencies. These specific parameters of the instrument must be available during the entire life cycle. Intelligent, electronic components firmly connected to the fork safeguard the availability of these parameters at any time.

When changing electronics, the fork parameters are automatically uploaded to the new electronic insert. The instrument calibrates itself and can be used immediately after the exchange. Time-consuming, manual instrument calibration, e.g. by potentiometer, is not required.

Continuous frequency monitoring

Build-up on the fork Corrosion on the fork

Sensor alarmSensor alarm Normal operation Corrosion alarm

0 400 fa15 % fa+6,5 %fa 1500 f [Hz]

0

25

Immersion depth [mm]

fa15 % Switch point at approx. 850Hz

fa Oscillation in air approx. 1kHz

ALARM

ALARM

5Liquiphant Portfolio

Always the fitting instrument

The Liquiphant vibronic point level switches are available in different lines in order to meet the industry-specific requirements of our customers. In addition, the instruments are of a modular design. This enables users to select an instrument tailored exactly to their application.

The modular design includes a variety of options, for example:

• Customized lengths•Numerous process connections•Diverse electronic interfaces•Different sensor materials and

coatings• International approvals and

certificates• Custom-made instruments

Hygiene Line Process Line

FTL33 FTL50H

FTL51H

FTL31

FTL80FTL51

FTL70

FTL50

The most important technical data of the Liquiphant familyLiquiphant M (FTL50/FTL50H/FTL51/FTL51H/FTL51C)• Process temperature

-50 to +150°C/-58 to +300°F• Process pressure

up to max. 100bar/1,450psi• International Ex-approvals•Approvals for the food (3-A, EHEDG)

and life sciences industry (ASME BPE)

• Safety applications SIL2/3

Liquiphant Basic Line (FTL31/FTL33)• Process temperature

-40 to +150°C/-40 to +300°F• Process pressure

up to max. 40bar/580psi• CIP/SIP cleanable• Ingress protection IP 69 always

tight, also in intensive cleaning and submersion

Liquiphant S (FTL70/FTL71)• Process temperature

-60 to +280°C/-76 to +536°F• Process pressure

up to max. 100bar/1,450psi•All industry-relevant approvals• Safety applications SIL2/3

Liquiphant FailSafe (FTL80/FTL81/FTL85)• Process temperature

-60 to +280°C/-76 to +536°F• Process pressure

up to max. 100bar/1450psi• Functional safety up to SIL3

with one device• Proof test interval up to 12 years

The point level switches of the Hygiene Line meet the requirements of the life sciences and food industry.

Point level switches superbly suited to all processes of the chemical industry, oil & gas, power and energy as well as machine building.

6 Liquiphant Family

Experts for hygienic applications

Hygienic designPollution or contamination of products can cause very high consequential costs and a tremendous loss of image. Furthermore, the health of people may be impaired. For these reasons, the food and life sciences industry place high demands on plants and equipment. A hygienic design, suitable materials and good cleanability are important basic prerequisite in this respect. International and national directives, norms and standards control the requirements of such plants and equipment.

The point level switches of the Liquiphant Hygiene Line can cope with these challenges. Electropolished surfaces free of grease, aseptic process connections, easy cleanability of housing and sensor (CIP/SIP-cleanable), approved materials – all of these demands are entirely met by the Hygiene Line. Certificates of the listed independent organizations confirm these properties which make Liquiphant excellently suited to point level detection in the relevant industries.

3.1certifiedmaterialsProcess safety and traceability are important cornerstones in all hygienic processes. Therefore, Endress+Hauser offers the option of certified material quality for all parts in contact with the process, i.e. sensor and welded accessories. A 3.1 material certificate according to EN 10204 confirms the material composition. Different sealing materials are also available for welded accessories (e.g. seals conforming to FDA or USP Class VI).

Numerous connectionsHygienic process connections are imperative to meet the complex challenges. Numerous standards have been established. The Hygiene Line offers a wide selection of common hygienic connections, e.g. dairy fitting, Varivent, DRD, Tri-Clamp, SMS, etc. – the adaptation to existing standards is thus guaranteed.

A large selection of hygienic process connections

Accessories: Welding necks

FTL33 FTL50H FTL51H

7Hygiene Industry

External cleaningThe stainless steel housings (standard and compact housing) excel with particular chemical resistance against aggressive cleaning agents. In addition, they offer further hygienically relevant benefits: They are free of dead space, condensation resistant and easily cleaned. Liquiphant is available in ingress protection IP 66 to IP 69. The sealing concept of Endress+Hauser is approved and guarantees high operational safety in all hygienic applications in which external cleaning with chemical agents and cleaning devices is required.

Performance

Price

FTL50H / FTL51H

FTL33

The point level switches of the Hygiene Line

Liquiphant Liquiphant MFTL33 FTL50H FTL51H

Design Compact/short tube version

Compact Pipe extension up to 3,000mm

Process temperature (°C/°F) -40 to +150/ -40 to +300

-50 to +150/-58 to +300

Process pressure (bar/psi) -1 to 40/-14.5 to 580 -1 to 64/-14.5 to 930Hygienic approvals EHEDG, 3-A EHEDG, 3-A, ASME BPEMaterial of wetted parts 316LSurface quality Ra 0.7 to 1.5µm

mechanically polishedRa < 0.38µm

electropolishedDelta ferrite content according to 316L < 1%Seals FDA-listed FDA-listed accord. to USP Class VI

8 Liquiphant Family

Important hygienic standards

In the Life Sciences / Biopharmaceutical industry

ASME BPEThe ASME BPE standard (American Society of Mechanical Engineers, BioPharmaceutical Equiqment) describes the high requirements of plants, processes and procedures in the relevant industries. Materials, design instructions, fabrication, inspection, test instructions and many other items are precisely outlined in this standard.Liquiphant M FTL50H and FTL51H fully meet these high requirements which are imperative in the areas of biotechnology, life sciences or cosmetics.

The most important properties of the Hygiene Line are:• Electropolished surfaces with a roughness of up to

Ra < 0.38µm• Easily cleanable and corrosion resistant•Materials in contact with the process of stainless steel

316L/1.4435 with a delta ferrite content < 1%• Sealing materials according to FDA and USP Class VI• Certificate of Compliance according to ASME BPE

USP Class VIThe industry demands FDA-tested (US Food and Drug Administration) sealing materials listed according to USP Class VI (United States Pharmacopeia) for many applications. The standard defines six classes in which the most sophisticated tests are performed for Class VI. The USP tests mainly concern biological reactivity examination.The seals of Liquiphant accessories are optionally qualified according to USP Class VI and thus suited to highly hygienic processes in an optimum fashion.

In the Food & Beverages industry

3-A Sanitary Standards3-A Sanitary Standards Inc. is an independent organization domiciled in the United States. It defines specifications and regulations for the development, production and use of hygienic plants in the food and beverage industry. 3-A Standard compliance is confirmed by a certificate and recognized worldwide.

EHEDGThe European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group (EHEDG) was founded in 1989. Its members work in the food industry and are plant or equipment suppliers, scientific institutes and official authorities.The goal is the implementation of EU Directives 98/37 and 93/43 in the industry on a secured basis. Both directives describe the hygienic production of food and the use of equipment. EHEDG provides the basis for standards created by CEN (European Committee for Standardization). The compliance with the standard is confirmed by a certificate.

Free of TSEThe point level switches of the Liquiphant family are free of TSE and do not contain any substances of an animal origin. The production process evidentially does not use any substances of an animal origin either. This guarantees that so-called prions cannot enter the production process which makes Liquiphant an expert in hygienic processes with the highest demands.

Explanation: TSE refers to a number of brain diseases which are transmitted by prions. Prions are organic toxics of an animal origin with virus-type properties.

Initially Issued: 10/17/1985 Authorization No.: 459

This Is To Certify That Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG

2340 Endress Place, Greenwood, IN 46143

Is hereby authorized to continue to apply the 3-A Symbol to the models of equipment, conforming to 3-A Sanitary Standards for:

Sensors and Sensor Fittings and Connections, Number: 74-03, set forth below: Model Designations: See Attached

Valid through: December 31, 2010

Timothy R. Rugh_______________________Executive Director, 3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc.

*****The issuance of this authorization for the use of the 3-A Symbol is based upon the voluntary certification, by the applicant for it, that the equipment listed above complies fully with the 3-A Sanitary Standards designated. Legal responsibility for compliance is solely that of the holder of this Certificate of Authorization, and 3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc. does not warrant that the holder of an authorization at all times complies with the provisions of the said 3-A Sanitary Standards. This in no way affects the responsibility of 3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc. to take appropriate action in such cases in which evidence of nonconformance has been established.

Next TPV Inspection/Report due: August 2014

R

9Hygiene Industry

10 Liquiphant Family

Experts for the process industry

A decisive advantage of the vibronic measuring principle is its safe and universal operation in any kind of liquid. Point level detection is not affected by the physical properties of the medium and commissioning does not require any calibration in relation to the medium. These unique performance characteristics qualify the instruments of the Liquiphant family for all process engineering industries.

The point level switches of the Process Line are especially used in the following industries:• Chemicals•Oil & gas• Power & energy•Machine building

The most important properties of the Process Line are:•Materials in contact with the process are of stainless

steel 316L/1.4435 or optionally Alloy C22• Coatings for aggressive acids•Different housings of stainless steel, aluminium and

plastic material• International approvals for Ex-zones•Overfill prevention and leakage approval• Suitable for safety systems according to SIL2/3

Antistatic coatingDifferent sensor materials are often used in chemical processes or when storing mixed substances. Coating is applied where stainless steel is not sufficient to protect instruments against corrosion.Coating of wetted parts with a conductible surface (PFA) reliably prevents electrostatic charging of the sensor.Therefore, Liquiphant is not subject to any limitations in relation to the operation of systems with plastic coating in Zone 0/1.

Coating materials:• Plastic PFA material• Plastic ECTFE material • Enamel

11Process Industry

Extended process temperaturesPoint level measurement in process temperatures up to +280°C/+536°F (+300°C/+572°F for brief periods) do not present any problem for Liquiphant S! The requirements of instrument material and development rise drastically in the process temperature range above +200°C/+392°F. These extreme requirements can only be realized by the careful selection of suitable materials, the latest technologies and strain simulations.Process and environmental safety are of paramount importance. Liquiphant S (high temperature) takes all requirements into consideration in its special design, safety and certification concept.

Design• Electrical connector for every process control• Threads starting at G/NPT ¾“, flanges starting at

DN 25, ANSI 1“•Different materials for all parts in contact with media:

Stainless steel 316L /1.4435 or Alloy C22

Safety•Materials matched to each other for the entire

temperature range, including extreme temperature fluctuations

• Integrated, gastight process feedthrough (welded) - second line of defence

• 3.1 certified materials for process safety and traceability

Liquiphant FailSafe – for the highest degree of process safety

• Proof test cycles up to 12 years• Simplified proof test by merely pressing a button, also for

downstream plant parts (e.g. valves)•Highest degree of safety and availability by internal

redundancy• Safety Integrity Level up to SIL3 with only one

instrument

User-friendly and application-orientedThe significantly extended application limits and the approved advantages of the vibronic principle make Liquiphant S the expert for rough conditions.

A few typical applications for Liquiphant S FTL70 and FTL71:•Vessels with chemical processes at temperatures above

+150°C/+300°F – for e.g. secondary amine products in an agitated tank. Density changes of different products do not affect the switching properties of the sensor

•High-temperature heating systems – thermal oil in buffer tanks.

• Textile fibre melting – polyethylene, nylon processing• Insulated tanks in steam applications – water expansion

vessels (63bar/914psi steam pressure corresponding to +278°C/+532°F)

•Media reaching minimum viscosity only at high temperatures – processing of resins, bitumen or sulphur

•Applications in which mechanical systems need frequent cleaning or corrosion checks

12 Liquiphant Family

Safety in process industry

OverfillpreventionOverfilling of storage, process or buffer tanks may cause serious consequences for the health of people and/or the protection of the environment. Plant operators are responsible for safety and also liable in case of an incident. Consequential losses can run into millions of Euros. Storage tanks with liquids hazardous to water require an overfill prevention. This is often demanded by law or at least recommended.

Liquiphant, as a point level switch, is excellently suited to overfill prevention systems and is also certified.The operation of overfill prevention systems must be periodically checked. Operators are responsible for the type of annual inspections implemented. Taking the liquid up to the response level of the switch, the so-called „wet procedure“, or the disassembly of the point level sensor and immersion in a comparable liquid is recommended. If these procedures are not feasible a

substitute test may be performed. Liquiphant, equipped with PFM electronics, can be checked via a test button at the transmitter (Nivotester FTL325P) from the control cabinet. Overfill prevention can thus be checked easily and quickly from the control room. Onsite inspection on tanks is superfluous. This saves time and costs.

Functional safety (SIL - Safety Integrity Level)Classified and evaluated devices provide an important contribution to the safety of people, the environment and plants in process industries.In most countries, the safety requirements are legally stipulated in accordance with the best possible state of the art. The standard is IEC 61508/IEC61511 (“Functional safety of electrical, electronic and programmable systems“).Liquiphant M and Liquiphant S meet these functional safety requirements and are at home in all safety-relevant processes. An individual instrument can be used up to safety level SIL2 or even up to safety level SIL3 in redundant designs. Liquiphant FailSafe operates on safety level SIL3 as an individual instrument.

Functional safety

SIL2 SIL3

FEL51, 2-wire ACFEL52, 3-wire DC-PNPFEL54, AC/DC DPDT RelayFEL55, 8/16 mA

Liquiphant M FTL50/51/51CLiquiphant S FTL70/71

Recurring tests byoperation or disassembly

Liquiphant M FT50/51/51CLiquiphant S FTL70/71

Recurring tests via button(test generator)

Liquiphant FailSafe

Recurring tests up to 12 years

Liquiphant M FTL50/51/51CLiquiphant S FTL70/71

Recurring tests by operationor disassembly

Liquiphant M FTL50/51/51CLiquiphant S FTL70/71

Recurring tests viabutton (test generator)

PFM

PFMNAMUR

13Process Industry

Second line of defence provides the highest degree of safetyProcess, storage or buffer tanks with poisonous/toxic or otherwise dangerous substances require the highest degree of plant safety to protect people and the environment.

Liquiphant may be equipped with a second mechanical process separation – second line of defence. A process connection, usually a thread or flange, separates the process atmosphere (temperature, pressure, aggressiveness, toxicity) from the external environment. Passive failures, e.g. pitting corrosion or mechanical damage of the fork could result in the release of toxic/poisonous process media. The second barrier of a pressure- and gas diffusion-tight feedthrough – second line of defence – prevents this in a safe and reliable manner.In Liquiphant, this second process separation is a glass seal set in metal. It ensures the electric connection to the fork drive and is provided pressure-proof (O-ring) or even diffusion-proof (welded) behind the process connection. Liquiphant M offers the second process separation as an option – in Liquiphant S FTL70 and FTL71 it is part of the standard scope of delivery.

Liquiphant S -cut model with gastightglass feedthrough

Performance

Price

FTL80/81/85

FTL70/71

FTL50/51/51C

FTL31

Point level switches of the Process Line

Liquiphant Liquiphant M Liquiphant S Liquiphant FailSafe

FTL31 FTL50/51 FTL51C FTL70/71 FTL80/81/85

Design Compact/short tube version

Compact/pipe ext.

Pipe ext. Compact/pipe ext.

Process temperature (°C/°F)

-40 to +150/-40 to +300

-50 to +150/-58 to +300

-60 to +280/-76 to +536

-60 to +280/-76 to +536

Process pressure (bar/psi)

-1 to 40-14.5 to 580

-1 to 64/100-14.5 to 930/

1,450

-1 to 40-14.5 to 580

-1 to 100-14.5 to 1,450

-1 to 100-14.5 to 1,450

Approvals WHG overfill, CSA C/US leakage

WHG overfill, ATEX, CSA, FMIEC Ex, NEPSI, TIIS, INMETRO

Functional safety — SIL2/3 SIL3

Material of wetted parts

316L/1.4435 316L/1.4435

Alloy C22

Coating ECTFE,

PFA, Enamel

316L/1.4435

Alloy C22

316L/1.4435 Alloy C22, Coating ECTFE,

PFA, Enamel

14 Liquiphant Family

Experts in machine buildingLiquiphant Basic Line

Be it dry-run protection, leakage or simple minimum/maximum monitoring - the unique product properties and the compact design of Liquiphant FTL31 make it an expert in any area of mechanical engineering.

Dry-run protection of pumpsDry-running pumps can cause considerable damage within a very short period of time, they can become defective or even stop the plant. Point level switches of the Liquiphant family are used for minimum monitoring to avoid such incidents. A respective setting at the electronic insert (minimum safety) guarantees reliable instrument and plant operation. The attractive price-performance ratio of the Liquiphant vibronic point level switch creates optimum conditions for the price-sensitive mechanical engineering industry.

Minimum and maximum monitoringCoolants, machine oils, metal cleaning facilities, galvanic baths and many other applications in mechanical engineering require precise monitoring and timely reporting of point levels. This is the only way to protect plants and equipment against cost-intensive damage and downtimes. Liquiphant FTL31 with its compact design and reliable operation is well suited to such applications, particularly in confined space conditions.

Leakage monitoringUnrecognized leakages can have serious consequences for people, machines and plants. Early recognition and spotting of leakages is thus extremely important. Liquiphant is an expert in leakage monitoring and recognizes such incidents safely and reliably irrespective of the properties of the released product. Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik (DIBT) has certified the reliable leakage monitoring of Liquiphant in liquids hazardous to water.

Minimum detergent monitoring at a cleaning facility for parts Installation in confined space conditions

15Life Cycle

Know-how across the entire life cycle

Being the world market leader in level instrumentation with more than three million installed vibronic point level switches worldwide, Endress+Hauser has the experience of many years at its disposal – from planning and commissioning, maintenance through to plant management.

•Universal measuring principle•Measurement unaffected by medium properties•Operation in safety systems SIL2/3

• Endress+Hauser, being the world market leader in level instrumentation, guarantees the safety of investments

•Worldwide support and service

•No special tools required

• Easy connection of common installation cables

• Reverse polarity and overload protection of electronics

• Simple and fast commissioning

•No calibration required

•Operation in minimum or maximum monitoring

• Safe function due to self-monitoring (active frequency monitoring of the fork)

•No mechanically moved parts, free of maintenance

• Easy recurring function test via test magnet or directly from the control room by simply pressing a Nivotester button

• RoHS-conforming (limitation of hazardous substances)

• Environmentally friendly recycling concept

Engineering Procurement

Installation

Retirement

Maintenance Operation

Comm

issio

ning

www.addresses.endress.com

ApplicatorThe online engineering tool for the entire product spectrum of Endress+Hauser.This convenient selection and sizing tool serves the determination and selection of the correct product for the respective measuring task. You select fitting instruments and solutions by the entry of specific application param-eters already during the planning process.

www.endress.com/applicator

Are you looking for a Liquiphant which fits your application?

CP00

051F

/00/

EN/1

5.16