Hygienic level detection

Level measurement in hygiene-sensitive industries such as food is claimed to have become simpler, safer and more accurate with the release of Endress+Hauser’s Levelflex M FMP43.

The probe features a polished easy-to-clean surface, is unaffected by SIP and CIP cycles and may be used in small tanks. High pressure, hot water washdowns may be safely carried out as it meets IP69K.

A calibration kit allows the FMP43’s accuracy to be validated in minutes without interrupting the process.

The device uses guided microwave principle. A low-energy electromagnetic (microwave) signal is pulsed down the probe to the liquid, the signal is reflected from the surface of the medium and the level accurately calculated using the time-of-flight.

The stainless steel probe (SS 1.4435) has been electro-polished to Ra = 0.38 µm, said to make it the only product of its kind to meet the highest FDA regulations 21 CFR Part 177.2600 for hygienic applications as well as biocompatibility USP Class VI.

Probes are available in lengths from 300 mm to 4 m.

The company has used an extremely narrow frequency band to reduce the ‘blocking distance’ at the top of the vessel and the minimum distance from the probe end to the bottom of the vessel has been reduced to 10 mm.

The unit may also be used in vessels of 300 mm and work at process temperatures of -20 to +150°C. The use of spray balls and strong cleaning agents typically employed in the food and pharmaceutical industries has no adverse impact on the operation of the probe.