Soliswitch FTE20

Summary

Product identification

Product Name: Soliswitch FTE20 Product Type: Rotary paddle point level switch for bulk solids

Applications

The Soliswitch FTE20 is designed for point level detection in bulk solids silos, suitable for:

• Full sensor
• Empty sensor
• Refill requisitioning signalling

Its polymer housing and compact design make it robust and suitable for use in hazardous atmospheres formed by combustible dust.

Measuring principle

The device operates by a motor-driven synchronous motor rotating a shaft with a paddle. If bulk material obstructs the paddle, the motor's pivot movement triggers two switch contacts: one for external level indication and one to shut off power to the motor. When the material recedes, the paddle rotates again, and the contacts return to their rest position. An optional automatic rotation monitoring feature detects blockages or drive unit failures.

Measuring system

• Principle: Rotary paddle point level switch.
• Components: Shaft (optionally with shortenable rope extension), synchronous motor, slip clutch, and a single pole changeover contact.
• Typical materials detected: Cereals, sugar, cacao, animal feeds, washing powders, chalk, dry plaster, cement, granulates, and wood chips.

Input

• Measured variable: Level (in line with orientation and length).
• Measuring range:
  • Shaft: 75 to 300 mm (2.95 to 11.81 in).
  • Rope extension: Up to max. 2,000 mm (6.56 ft).

Output

• Output signal: Binary.
• Switch output: Floating changeover contact.
• Switching behavior: On/off.
• Switching time: 3.5 s (from paddle standstill until signal output).
• Switching capacity:
  • According to EN 61058: 250 V AC 5E4, 6(2) A.
  • According to UL 1054: 125 to 250 V AC, 5 A.
  • 24 V DC, 3 A.
  • Minimum switching load: 300 mW (5 V/5 mA).

Electrical

• Supply voltage:
  • 24 V DC ±15%.
  • 24 V AC ±10%, 50/60 Hz.
  • 115 V AC ±10%, 50/60 Hz.
  • 230 V AC ±10%, 50/60 Hz.
• Power consumption: Max. 3.5 VA.
• Terminals: Spring terminal design.
  • Permitted cable cross-sections: 0.2 to 2.5 mm² (24 to 14 AWG).
• Overload protection: An element with a rated current ≤ 10 A is required for the power cable.

Performance characteristics

• Shaft speed: 1 min⁻¹.
• Sensitivity: Adjustable in three stages (low, medium, high) based on bulk solid density. Minimum: 80 g/l (4.99 lb/ft³).
• Mechanical operating life: 500,000 switching operations.

Mechanical / hydraulic

• Mounting: Various installation positions are supported, including vertical, angled, and from the side or bottom. Incorrect positions include installing in the direction of solids flow, with a coupling that is too long, or horizontally with a shaft length >300 mm.
• Side load on shaft: Max. 60 N.
• Load on rope: Max. 1,500 N.
• Operating pressure (abs.): 0.5 to 2.5 bar.
• Housing rotation: 360° for cable entry adjustment.
• Cable entries: 2 x M20 x 1.5 glands (or 1 x gland and optional indicator lamp).
  • Permitted cable diameter: 5 to 9 mm (0.2 to 0.35 in).
• Process connections: NPT 1¼", NPT 1½", G 1½".
• Shaft length: 75 to 300 mm (2.95 to 11.81 in).
• Rope extension length: Up to max. 2,000 mm (6.56 ft).
• Weight:
  • With 100 mm axis, plastic process connection: 800 g (1.76 lb).
  • With 100 mm axis, metal process connection: 1,600 g (3.53 lb).
  • Hinged rotary paddle: 110 g (0.24 lb).
  • Rope extension: 755 g (1.66 lb).

Materials

• Housing: Polycarbonate.
• Shaft: 1.4305 / 303.
• Rope extension: 1.4401 / 316.
• Rotary paddle (standard / hinged): 1.4301 / 304.
• Process connections: Stainless steel 1.4305 / 303 or PBT.

Environment

• Ambient temperature range: –20 to 60 °C (–4 to 140 °F).
• Storage temperature: –20 to 60 °C (–4 to 140 °F).
• Climate class: EN60654-1, Class C2.
• Degree of protection: IP66.
• Shock resistance: 30g (as per EN 60068-2-27).
• Vibration resistance: 0.01g²/Hz (as per EN 60068-2-64).
• Electromagnetic compatibility: In accordance with EN 61326 series (Interference immunity: IEC 61326-1, industrial environment; Interference emission: IEC 61326-1, Class B).
• Electrical safety: Class I, overvoltage category II, pollution degree 2.
• Altitude: < 2,000 m (6,560 ft) over MSL.

Process

• Medium temperature range: –20 to 80 °C (–4 to 176 °F).
• Process pressure range: ≤ 1.5 bar overpressure.
• Solids weight: ≥ 80 g/l (4.99 lb/ft³).
• Grain size: ≤ 50 mm (1.97 in).

Accessories

• Flanged version (incl. seal and nut).
• Weather protection cover.
• Resistive coupling element for line monitoring (1 kΩ/10 kΩ).
• RLN22 NAMUR isolating switch repeater for line monitoring.

Supplementary documentation

Available documentation includes Technical Information (TI), Brief Operating Instructions (KA), Operating Instructions (BA), Description of Device Parameters (GP), and Safety Instructions (XA).

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