E+H Liquipoint FTW33 Point Level Switch

Introduction to Endress+Hauser Liquipoint FTW33

The Endress+Hauser Liquipoint FTW33 represents the pinnacle of industrial point level measurement instrumentation, designed to deliver high-performance limit detection across diverse process industries. Whether deployed in food and beverage production, chemical processing, or water management, this compact sensor ensures absolute operational safety and precise switching behavior. By integrating modern digital communication via IO-Link alongside traditional switching modes (SIO), the FTW33 offers unprecedented flexibility, remote diagnostics, and effortless device replacement.

Operating Principle & Advanced Adaptability

At the core of the FTW33 is a responsive wetted sensor that detects changes in medium capacitance. It supports preconfigured profiles tailored to specific media characteristics:

• Standard Setting: Optimized for water- or alcohol-based media (εr ≥ 10) such as milk, dairy products, beer, and soft drinks.

• Extended Setting: Specially calibrated for oil-based media (εr > 2.4), viscous fluids, and applications prone to heavy build-up or adhering layers (e.g., oils, ketchup, mayonnaise, honey).

• User-Defined Setting: Allows fully customizable switch points, hysteresis, and delay times through the IO-Link interface to match unique fluid properties.

Key Features & Industrial Benefits

• SensorFusion & Buildup Resistance: Expertly differentiates between actual product coverage and light-to-heavy build-up, preventing false switching.

• IO-Link Integration: Enables seamless system integration, cyclic transmission of process data (including 10% to 100% coverage tracking), and acyclic parameter configuration via ISDU.

• Robust Mechanical Design: Available with durable plastic or metal housing covers (up to IP69 protection), making it resistant to aggressive cleaning agents and demanding washdown environments.

• Local Status Monitoring: Equipped with bright LED indicators on the housing cover and M12 plugs for immediate visual confirmation of switch status, warnings, and error diagnostics.

• Function Monitoring (XOR Operation): When dual outputs (MIN/MAX) are wired, the device provides continuous self-monitoring and safe de-energization in the event of a cable break or power failure.

Versatile Installation Options

The FTW33 supports universal process connections, including thread options (G 1/2″, G 3/4″, G 1″, and M24x1.5) as well as specialized weld-in and hygienic adapters. This ensures smooth, flush-mounted integration in pipes and tanks, eliminating dead spaces and complying with stringent industrial standards.

Applications

• Food & Beverage Industry: Detection of milk, beer, soft drinks, yogurt, and viscous condiments (ketchup, mayonnaise, honey) in storage and mixing vessels.

• Chemical & Pharmaceutical Plants: Level monitoring of solvents, acids, and chemical additives where build-up resistance is critical.

• Water and Wastewater Treatment: Overfill prevention in dosing tanks and dry-running protection for transfer pumps.

• General Industrial Automation: Coolant and lubricant level monitoring in machine tools and hydraulic reservoirs.

Technical Parameters

• Device Type: Conductive and Capacitance Point Level Switch

• Measured Variable: Limit state / Point level of liquids and pastes

• Switch Output: 2 DC-PNP outputs, freely configurable (SIO mode and IO-Link)

• Max. Load Current: 200 mA (1 output active) / 105 mA per output (both outputs active, short-circuit proof)

• Supply Voltage:

  • SIO mode: 10 to 30 VDC

  • IO-Link mode: 18 to 30 VDC

• Media Dielectric Constant (εr): εr > 2.4 (adjustable via IO-Link)

• Process Temperature Range: -20 °C to +100 °C (-4 °F to +212 °F); up to +150 °C (+302 °F) for max. 1 hour (CIP/SIP cleaning)

• Process Pressure Range: -1 to +25 bar (-14.5 to +362.5 psi)

• Accuracy / Repeatability: ±1 mm in accordance with DIN 61298-2

• Degree of Protection: IP65/67 (plastic cover) or IP66/68/69 (metal cover)

• Communication Protocol: IO-Link (version 1.1, COM2 38.4 kBaud, Smart Sensor Profile)

• Housing Materials: Polycarbonate/Plastic, Stainless Steel (316L)

 FAQ

• Q1: Can the FTW33 handle media with heavy build-up or foam?

  A: Yes. The device features an “Extended” setting specifically designed for adhesive, viscous media and foaming liquids, utilizing advanced algorithms to ignore residual build-up and prevent false switching.

• Q2: How is the device configured without a physical display?

  A: The FTW33 supports digital configuration via IO-Link using standard engineering tools and IODD files, allowing remote setup of switch points, delays, and operating modes (MIN/MAX).

• Q3: Is the sensor suitable for CIP/SIP cleaning processes?

  A: Yes. The FTW33 can withstand process temperatures up to +150 °C (+302 °F) for up to 1 hour, making it fully compatible with standard Clean-In-Place and Sterilization-In-Place procedures.

• Q4: What happens in the event of a power failure or cable break?

  A: Operating under the quiescent current principle (MAX/MIN safety modes), the electronic switch automatically opens during a power outage or alarm condition to ensure fail-safe system behavior.

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