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E+H Minicap FTC260 Capacitance Level Switch
Minicap FTC260
The Endress+Hauser Minicap FTC260 is a compact capacitance point level switch engineered for reliable limit detection in light bulk solids and fine powders. Featuring maintenance-free electronics, high build-up immunity, and dust-ignition proof certification, it delivers robust operation without requiring medium-specific calibration.
Reliable Bulk Solid Point Level Detection with Endress+Hauser Minicap FTC260
The Endress+Hauser Minicap FTC260 is an economical and ultra-compact capacitance point level switch designed for continuous limit detection in light bulk materials, fine powders, and coarse granulates. Built to ensure operational safety across grain storage, plastics processing, chemical handling, and animal feed manufacturing, the FTC260 offers a plug-and-play solution for preventing overfill or dry-running in storage bins, hoppers, and conveying systems.
Advanced Capacitive Measurement & Build-Up Compensation
Operating on the capacitive measurement principle, the Minicap FTC260 detects changes in electrical capacitance as bulk solids come into contact with the integrated probe rod. The sensor treats the probe and container wall as a capacitor. Thanks to its sophisticated internal electronics, the FTC260 incorporates active build-up compensation, allowing the sensor to distinguish between actual medium coverage and sticky dust or material scaling on the probe face. This guarantees reliable switching performance without false alarms caused by powder adhesion.
Key Features & Technical Advantages
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Maintenance-Free Solid-State Design: Mechanical wear-free operation eliminates the routine servicing and recalibration costs associated with traditional rotary paddle switches.
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Plug-and-Play Pre-Calibration: Factory calibrated for light bulk solids, requiring no complex site adjustments prior to commissioning.
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Dust-Ignition Proof Enclosure: Certified with international ATEX and IECEx explosion-proof ratings for safe operation in combustible dust atmospheres (Zone 20/21/22).
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Robust Weatherproof Body: IP66-rated housing built from high-grade, chemical-resistant polymers to withstand harsh weather, vibration, and dust exposure.
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Mechanical Build-Up Protection: High immunity to build-up prevents nuisance switching caused by flour, grain dust, or plastic powder adherence.
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Clear On-Site Status Indication: Integrated visual LED indicator provides immediate field verification of power and switching status.
Ideal Replacement for Mechanical Paddle Switches
Unlike traditional rotary paddle level switches that suffer from mechanical motor burn-out or jammed paddles due to heavy material loads, the Minicap FTC260 features a completely static, solid-state construction. This makes it an ideal upgrade for automated hoppers, plastic resin feed systems, and flour processing facilities seeking zero-maintenance level detection.
Applications
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Agriculture & Grain Handling: Grain silos, seed hoppers, flour mills, rice processing bins, and animal feed storage tanks.
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Plastics & Chemicals: Plastic granule (pellet) hoppers, resin storage silos, powdered dye tanks, and detergent bins.
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Food Industry: Powdered milk, sugar, starch, coffee beans, and spice processing vessels.
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Construction & Aggregates: Light gypsum powder, lime silos, fly ash hoppers, and sawdust collection bins.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter / Feature | Specification Details |
| Measuring Principle | Capacitive point level detection |
| Suitable Media | Light bulk solids, granulates, powders (grain size < 30 mm) |
| Medium Grain Size | Up to 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Grain Dielectric Constant (DC) | Min. DC ≥ 1.6 |
| Process Temperature | -20 °C to +80 °C (-4 °F to +176 °F) |
| Process Pressure (Abs.) | Vacuum up to 25 bar (362 psi) |
| Supply Voltage Options | 20–253 V AC / 20–55 V DC or 10.8–45 V DC |
| Output Options | Relay (SPDT) or PNP transistor switch |
| Wetted Materials | High-grade polymer (FDA-listed options) / 316L Stainless Steel |
| Process Connection | Thread G 1″, NPT 1″ |
| Ingress Protection | IP66 (NEMA 4X) |
| Dust Explosion Protection | ATEX / IECEx Dust-Ex certified (Zone 20/21/22) |
FAQ
Q1: Can the Minicap FTC260 be used in flour or fine grain dust environments?
Answer: Yes, the FTC260 is specifically engineered for light powders and fine grains, featuring ATEX/IECEx dust-ignition protection for safe deployment in Zone 20/21 dust hazard areas.
Q2: Does the Minicap FTC260 require calibration during installation?
Answer: No, the FTC260 comes factory-calibrated for standard bulk materials with a dielectric constant DC ≥ 1.6, enabling true plug-and-play installation.
Q3: How does the FTC260 handle material buildup on the probe?
Answer: The FTC260 features built-in active build-up compensation that effectively ignores thin material layers or dust coatings clinging to the sensor body.
Q4: What is the maximum process temperature for the FTC260?
Answer: The FTC260 operates reliably in process temperatures ranging from -20 °C to +80 °C (-4 °F to +176 °F).
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