Endress+Hauser FTL43 Liquiphant Hygienic Point Level Switch

Endress+Hauser FTL43 Liquiphant hygienic point level switch

The Endress+Hauser FTL43 is a Liquiphant vibronic point level switch from the Compact Line, developed for hygienic and aseptic vessels and pipes. A tuning fork at the probe tip vibrates at its resonant frequency and the electronics detect whether liquid is covering it. Because the principle works in any pumpable liquid regardless of conductivity, dielectric constant, foam or build-up, the FTL43 is used as a high, low or pump-protection signal in tanks and pipelines. The technical information covered here is the HART version; a separate document exists for the IO-Link version. Seven Star LLC supplies the FTL43 in Oman and the GCC as an independent supplier in Muscat.

The compact housing, plug-and-play commissioning and Bluetooth operation make the FTL43 an easy device to fit and to maintain on food, beverage, pharmaceutical and fine-chemical lines.

FTL43 technical specifications

How the FTL43 vibronic sensor switches

A piezo drive excites the fork. In air the fork vibrates at its natural frequency; when liquid covers it, the frequency falls and the electronics switch. Density and viscosity within the permitted range do not prevent switching. The device also monitors its own vibration, so a broken fork, corrosion of the fork or a failed electronics path is detected and reported. The minimum density is 0.5 g/cm³ (0.4 g/cm³ optional) according to the page, and the document defines low viscosity as below 2 000 mPa·s and high viscosity as 2 000 to 10 000 mPa·s.

FTL43 process data and electrical data

Process temperature is −40 to +150 °C and the pressure range is vacuum to 64 bar. Ambient temperature is −40 to +85 °C, with the permitted value reduced at higher process temperatures. The HART version supplies SIO mode (8/16 mA) for switching or continuous 4 to 20 mA output with NAMUR NE43 behaviour (3.8 to 20.5 mA by default), with HART response typically 590 ms acyclic and 350 ms cyclic (burst). Supply is 24 V DC ±3 V DC through an M12 plug connection that reaches IP66/68/69 with the mounted cable.

Process connections and materials of the FTL43

The document lists hygienic and industrial connections including flange per ASME B16.5 RF and EN 1092-1, ISO 228 G thread, Ingold, flush-mounted tank connection, DIN 11851 and DIN 11864-1 pipe unions, DRD, SMS 1145, Varivent and Clamp/Tri-Clamp. Wetted parts are 316L (1.4404 or 1.4435) with a delta-ferrite content of 1 % or less that can be certified. The compact version can be ordered with an extension up to 1.5 m, and the surface can be mechanically or electropolished. Hygienic design certificates include 3-A, EHEDG and ASME BPE, and the manufacturer lists materials conformity such as EC 1935/2004 and FDA.

Installing the FTL43

Choose the mounting position from the required switching direction: side-mounted for min/max in a vessel, top-mounted with an extension for high-level, or in a pipe where the fork must lie in the flow with the fork orientation marked. The switch point shifts a little with density and viscosity, so use the switching-point correction table in the document. Keep the fork away from agitator blades and filling streams. In a pipe, check the fork does not create a dead space for hygienic cleanability.

Commissioning and diagnostics

An LED ring shows state at the device, and Bluetooth lets a phone read diagnostics. Heartbeat Technology provides verification without removing the device. After installation, test the switching by raising and lowering the liquid and compare with the expected output state. HART allows the integration into asset-management tools.

FTL43 in Oman and GCC plants

Gulf dairies, juice and bottling plants, breweries, pharmaceutical packing and cosmetics factories use hygienic vibronic switches for overfill, dry-run and pipe-full detection, and the same compact switch is practical on clean utility tanks where a sealed housing and washdown resistance matter. For crude oil, chemical and Ex-rated process tanks, the stainless Liquiphant FTL51B or FTL64 families are usual, so confirm approvals before ordering an FTL43.

FTL43 compared with other Liquiphant models

Information to send with an FTL43 RFQ

• Liquid, density and viscosity
• Process temperature, pressure and cleaning cycle
• Connection standard and extension length
• Output (HART or IO-Link)
• Hygienic certificate requirements
• Quantity and delivery location

Maintenance of the FTL43 and spare planning

Vibronic switches have no moving parts apart from the fork itself, so maintenance is limited to inspecting the fork for deposits or damage and checking the seal on the process connection. Keep a spare gasket or seal from the document list and record the order code from the nameplate so an identical device can be supplied if one is replaced.

Documents and quotation

A copy of the manufacturer technical information for the FTL43 is attached on this page so you can check ranges, connections and ordering codes against your specification. The attached document is the HART version.

Send the full order code or the process data (fluid, temperature, pressure, line size or tank data, output and approvals) and Seven Star LLC will prepare a quotation and confirm lead time. We are an independent supplier in Muscat and do not represent the manufacturer.