E+H Soliswitch FTE20 Paddle Level Switch

Reliable Bulk Solid Point Level Control with Endress+Hauser Soliswitch FTE20

The Endress+Hauser Soliswitch FTE20 is an economical and robust electromechanical paddle level switch engineered for continuous limit detection in bulk solids, coarse powders, granules, and agricultural materials. Designed to maintain process reliability across grain handling, plastics processing, cement storage, chemical processing, and mining facilities, the FTE20 offers a time-tested, cost-effective solution for preventing silo overfill, blocking, or empty-run conditions in storage vessels and feed hoppers.

Proven Electromechanical Operating Principle

Operating on a well-proven electromechanical principle, the Soliswitch FTE20 features a motor-driven paddle that continuously rotates at a low speed. When bulk material rises and contacts the rotating paddle, its movement is mechanically stopped. The resulting motor torque triggers a microswitch that shifts the electrical contact signal and disconnects the motor. Once the material level drops clear of the paddle, a spring mechanism restores the paddle’s rotation and resets the switch. This simple yet effective physical mechanism ensures immunity to electrical interference, material dielectric variations, or airborne dust.

Key Features & Technical Advantages

• Dielectric-Independent Measurement: Unaffected by variations in conductivity, moisture, or dielectric constant (DC) of the bulk material, ensuring universal limit detection.

• Rugged Aluminum Enclosure: Built with a durable die-cast aluminum housing rated IP66 / NEMA 4X, designed to withstand mechanical impacts, outdoor weather, and dusty industrial atmospheres.

• Selectable Switching Sensitivity: Adjustable spring tension allows customization for light powders or heavy, coarse bulk materials to prevent false switching.

• Dust-Ignition Proof Certifications: Certified with international ATEX, IECEx, and CSA approvals for safe deployment in hazardous combustible dust zones (Zone 20/21/22).

• Multiple Paddle Configurations: Flexible selection of standard, foldable, or heavy-duty stainless steel paddles simplifies installation through standard vessel nozzles without requiring large mounting cutouts.

• Visual Status Feedback: Optional integrated LED indicator provides clear visual confirmation of power supply and switching state on the factory floor.

Ideal Point Level Solution for Silo Automation

Whether installed as a top-mounted high-level alarm, a mid-level demand indicator, or a bottom-mounted low-level cutoff switch, the Soliswitch FTE20 integrates seamlessly into automated plant control architectures. Its robust mechanical construction withstands material impact and vibration, providing long service life in demanding solids-handling environments.

Applications

• Agriculture & Grain Storage: Grain silos, seed hoppers, flour mills, rice bins, and animal feed manufacturing lines.

• Plastics & Petrochemicals: Plastic granule (pellet) storage silos, resin hoppers, and compounding feed bins.

• Construction & Building Materials: Cement silos, lime hoppers, sand bins, gypsum storage, and fly ash pits.

• Chemical & Food Industry: Powdered additives, sugar bins, starch hoppers, and detergent powder vessels.

• Mining & Minerals: Aggregates, crushed stone bins, coal hoppers, and mineral processing units.

Technical Specifications 

Parameter / Feature	Specification Details
Measuring Principle	Electromechanical rotating paddle
Suitable Media	Bulk solids, powders, granules (Grain size ≤ 50 mm)
Bulk Density Range	Min. 80 g/l (80 kg/m³)
Process Temperature	-20 °C to +80 °C (-4 °F to +176 °F)
Ambient Temperature	-20 °C to +60 °C (-4 °F to +140 °F)
Process Pressure (Abs.)	0.5 bar to 1.8 bar (7.25 psi to 26 psi)
Supply Voltage Options	230 V AC, 115 V AC, 24 V AC, or 24 V DC
Output Signal	Changeover contact (SPDT microswitch), max. 250 V AC, 6 A
Wetted Materials	316L Stainless Steel / PBT / NBR
Process Connections	Thread G 1½”, NPT 1½”, M20x1.5 (Flange adapters available)
Ingress Protection	IP66 (NEMA 4X)
Hazardous Approvals	ATEX, IECEx, CSA C/US, EAC Ex (Dust-Ex Zone 20/21/22)

 Key Features & Benefits

• Unaffected by Material Properties: Operates independently of moisture, dust, or dielectric changes in the bulk solid.

• Adjustable Spring Tension: Easily tailored to detect light powders or heavy aggregates without false tripping.

• Durable Weatherproof Housing: IP66 die-cast aluminum body resists outdoor weather and harsh dust environments.

• High Dust-Explosion Protection: Fully certified for combustible dust atmospheres in grain, cement, and chemical facilities.

• Versatile Paddle Options: Choice of standard or foldable paddles allows rapid installation into existing process nozzles.

FAQ

Q1: Can the Soliswitch FTE20 detect light powders and low-density bulk solids?

Answer: Yes, the FTE20 features an adjustable internal spring tension mechanism that can be set for light bulk materials with densities as low as 80 g/l (80 kg/m³).

Q2: Is the Soliswitch FTE20 certified for hazardous dust environments?

Answer: Yes, the FTE20 is available with international Dust-Ex certifications, including ATEX, IECEx, and CSA for safe operation in combustible dust hazard areas (Zone 20/21/22).

Q3: Does the FTE20 require dielectric calibration when changing materials?

Answer: No, because it operates on a mechanical torque principle, the FTE20 is completely independent of the dielectric constant or moisture content of the bulk solid.

Q4: What process connections and mounting options are available?

Answer: The FTE20 features standard G 1½” or NPT 1½” male threaded process connections, with optional mounting flanges and foldable paddles for small vessel openings.

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