Soliphant M FTM50

Summary

Product identification

• Product Name: Soliphant M FTM50
• Product Type: Universal point level switch for fine-grained bulk solids
• Technology: Vibronic

Application

The Soliphant M is a robust point level switch designed for silos containing fine-grained or dusty bulk solids, even those with low bulk weight. It offers various designs for a wide range of applications and is available with certificates for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Key features include:

• Compact design for installation in any position.
• Various device versions, including:
  • Polished short fork with stainless steel housing (F15) and Tri-Clamp connection.
  • Coated standard fork with aluminum housing (F17) and flange connection.
  • Standard fork with a process temperature rating up to 280 °C (536 °F) and aluminum housing (F13).

Benefits

• Market leader in bulk solids level detection.
• Functional safety up to SIL2 as per IEC 61508.
• No mechanically moving parts.
• Insensitive to external vibrations and buildup.
• Various electronic inserts available.
• Configurable density (bulk weight) setting and switching delay.
• Process temperature up to 280 °C (536 °F).
• Choice of coated or polished sensor.
• Provides warning in case of impending device failure due to buildup or abrasion.

Measuring Principle

The Soliphant M utilizes a piezoelectric drive to excite a tuning fork to its resonance frequency. When the tuning fork is covered by a medium, its vibration amplitude is attenuated. The electronics unit compares the actual amplitude to a target value to determine if the fork is vibrating freely or covered.

Measuring System

The measuring system can be configured with either compact instrumentation or separate instrumentation with a switching unit.

Available electronic versions include:

• FEM51: Two-wire AC version; switches the load directly in the power supply circuit via a thyristor.
• FEM52: Three-wire DC version; switches the load via a transistor (PNP) with a separate connection.
• FEM54: Universal current version with relay output; switches loads via two potential-free changeover contacts (DPDT).
• FEM55: Signal transmission 8/16 mA over two-wire cabling for connection to a separate switching unit or isolating amplifier.
• FEM57: PFM signal transmission with current pulses superimposed on the power supply over two-wire cabling; includes self-test capability from the switching unit.
• FEM58: Signal transmission via H-L edge (2.2 to 4.8/0.4 to 1.0 mA) as per EN 50227 (NAMUR) over two-wire cabling; allows connection testing via a key on the electronic insert.

Input

• Measured Variable: Level (dependent on orientation and fork length).
• Measuring Range: Dependent on medium, mounting location, and fork length. Detection occurs within the length of the tuning fork.
  • Standard fork: 155 mm (6.1 in) length, for media with bulk weight ≥ 10 g/l (0.62 lb/ft³).
  • Short fork: 100 mm (3.94 in) length, for media with bulk weight ≥ 50 g/l (3.12 lb/ft³), suitable for confined installations, high lateral load, or increased buildup.
• Input Signal:
  • Probes covered: Little to no vibrating amplitude.
  • Probes free: Large vibrating amplitude.
• Measuring Frequency Spectrum:
  • Standard fork: approx. 140 Hz (in air).
  • Short fork: approx. 350 Hz (in air).

Output

• Output Signal: Varies by electronic insert (FEM51, FEM52, FEM54, FEM55, FEM57, FEM58), providing status indications via LEDs and output signals (current, relay contact, or frequency).
• Signal on Alarm: Defined for each electronic insert to indicate power and device failure.
• Switching Delay:
  • Sensor covered: 0.5 s.
  • Sensor uncovered:
    • 150 °C (302 °F) version: 1.5 s (1.0 s for short fork).
    • 230 °C (446 °F) / 280 °C (536 °F) versions: 2 s (1.0 s for short fork).
    • Can be switched to 5 s for both covering and uncovering.
• Switching Behavior: Binary.
• Load Ratings: Specific to each electronic insert, with varying voltage and current limits for AC and DC loads.
• Galvanic Isolation: Provided between sensor and power supply, or between sensor, power supply, and load, depending on the electronic insert.

Power Supply

• Supply Voltage:
  • FEM51: 19 to 253 V AC.
  • FEM52: 10 to 55 V DC.
  • FEM54: AC 19 to 253 V, 50/60 Hz; DC 19 to 55 V.
  • FEM55: DC 11 to 36 V.
  • FEM57: DC 9.5 to 12.5 V.
  • FEM58: DC 8.2 V ±20 %.
• Power Consumption: Varies by electronic insert, from < 8 mW to max. 1.5 W.
• Current Consumption:
  • FEM52: max. 16 mA.
  • FEM57: 10 to 13 mA.

Electrical Connection

• Various connection types based on the electronic insert (AC 2-wire, DC PNP, AC/DC with relay, 8/16 mA, PFM, NAMUR).
• Terminal cross-section max. 2.5 mm².

Environment

• Ambient Temperature Range: –50 to +70 °C (–58 to +158 °F). Restricted to –40 to +70 °C (–40 to +158 °F) with F16 housing.
• Storage Temperature: –50 to +85 °C (–58 to +185 °F).
• Operating Height: Up to 2,000 m (6,500 ft) above sea level, extendable to 3,000 m (9,800 ft) with overvoltage protection.
• Pollution Degree: PD 1.
• Climate Class: As per DIN IEC 68 Part 2-38, Fig. 2a.
• Vibration Resistance: As per EN 60068-2-64: 0.01 g²/Hz.
• Degree of Protection:
  • F15, F16, F17 housing, separate housing: IP66/IP67, NEMA4X.
  • F13, T13, F27 housing: IP66/IP68, NEMA4X/6P.
• Shock Resistance: As per EN 60068-2-27: 30 g.
• Electrical Safety: Complies with IEC 61010, CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1-04, UL 61010-1.
• Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): Interference emission according to EN 61326 Class B; interference immunity according to EN 61326 Annex A and NAMUR Recommendation NE21.

Process

• Medium Temperature Range: Varies with ambient temperature and housing type. High-temperature versions allow process temperatures up to 280 °C (536 °F) with corresponding ambient temperature limits.
• Medium Pressure Range: –1 to +25 bar (–14.5 to +362.5 psi).
• Thermal Shock: Maximum 120 K; at high temperature, 260 K.
• Static Pressure: See Medium Pressure Range.
• Grain Size: ≤ 10 mm (0.39 in).
• Bulk Density: Configurable via electronic insert.
  • Standard fork: ≥ 10 g/l or 50 g/l.
  • Short fork: ≥ 50 g/l or 200 g/l.
• Lateral Load (static): Maximum permitted lateral load is dependent on the length of the fork. See the official PDF for exact tabulated values.
• Burst Pressure: 100 bar (1,450 psi).

Mechanical Construction

• Design, Dimensions: Available in various housing materials and designs (Polyester F16, Stainless Steel F15, Aluminum F17, Aluminum F13, Stainless Steel F27, Aluminum T13). Dimensions and process connections vary by housing type and connection method (thread, flange, Tri-Clamp).
• Weight: Depends on the specific type. Refer to the ordering information for details.
• Materials:
  • Materials in contact with process: 316L (1.4404, 1.4435) for process connections and tuning fork. PTFE or ETFE coatings available.
  • Materials not in contact with process: Various polymers (PBT-FR, PA12), EPDM, Silicone, PTFE, and stainless steel depending on the housing type.
• Surface Refinement: Options include electropolishing (Ra < 0.76 µm) for ease of cleaning and buildup prevention, or coating (PTFE, ETFE) for buildup or corrosion minimization.

Human Interface

• Display Elements: LEDs (Green for operational status, Yellow for switching status, Red for maintenance or device failure) are present on electronic inserts.
• Switches: Available on electronic inserts for configuration of safety mode (MAX/MIN), switching delay, bulk density, and diagnostics.

Certificates and Approvals

The Soliphant M FTM50 is available with various certifications and approvals. Please consult the Endress+Hauser website or Product Configurator for the latest information.

• CE mark: Meets EU Directives.
• RCM-Tick marking: Meets ACMA requirements.
• Ex approval: Available for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (details in a separate document or Product Configurator).
• Functional Safety: Up to SIL2 in accordance with IEC 61508.
• CRN approval: Available.
• ASME B 31.3: Design and materials comply.
• Process seal as per ANSI/ISA 12.27.01: Complies with North American installation practice.
• Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU (PED): Instruments without pressure-bearing housings are outside the scope of this directive.
• RoHS: Complies with Directive 2011/65/EU.
• EAC conformity: Meets EAC guidelines.
• Additional certifications: Material certificate as per EN 10204/3.1, AD2000 (on request), TSE Certificate of Suitability.

Ordering Information

Detailed ordering information is available via the Endress+Hauser Product Configurator or local sales organizations.

Accessories

• Disassembly tool.
• Protective cover for specific housing types.

Supplementary Documentation

• Operating Instructions (BA).
• Safety Instructions (XA) (provided based on device approval).

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Disclaimer: This extraction may miss figures, footnotes, or revisions. Contractual data must match the OEM PDF revision used on the project.

Official datasheet (PDF)

Lenntech datasheet mirror