Hygienic level switch for high temperatures

There is no doubt that one of the leading areas in Europe for beer or lager is the state of Bavaria in Germany. So there is little surprise that Brau Beviale, in Nuremberg, is THE exhibition with "a shot of emotion for the European beverage industry!" It is scheduled for 10th till 12th November 2010.

Baumer’s level switch LFFS, which will be on display at the show (hall 4, stand 338), is suitable for high process temperatures of up to 200 °C. A bright blue light on top of the switch shows when a media is detected. The indication can be seen easily even if the sensor is mounted on top of a tank. Thanks to the DN38 process connection, the sensor is excellently suitable for food and beverage industry applications. For the use in hazardous areas, different ATEX versions are available. It can be easily configured on PC via the FlexProgrammer 9701.

The LFFS detects the level of liquids, viscous fluids and even dry media. For particularly difficult media like adhesive substances, the teach-in function enables a manual adjustment of the level to be detected. The switching status can be chosen as “normally opened” or “normally closed”. The output type can be chosen as PNP, NPN or digital out by the programming unit. All wetted parts are made of FDA-approved acid-proof stainless steel or PEEK thermoplastic. The LFFS complies with the EHEDG demands and 3A approval. For the use in open or closed tanks, the device withstands a pressure of up to 40 bar. Since the switch does not contain any moveable parts and its electronic unit is completely integrated, it is practically maintenance-free.

When used with a cooling neck, the level switch is suitable for process temperatures from -40 °C to up to +200 °C. The optional sliding connection is available in 100 and 250 mm length and can serve as a cooling neck or extension, for example if the medium has to be reached through the tank insulation or the level detection has to be adjusted to a certain height. In the standard version, the LFFS is designed for permanent process temperatures from -40 °C up to +85 °C as well as for the use in CIP and SIP facilities with short-term temperatures of up to 140 °C (max. one hour).

For applications in gaseous and dusty surroundings, the LFFS is available in different ATEX versions which enable a safe level detection of explosive gas or dust mixtures, which appear e. g. in the chemical, pharmaceutical or food industry. The ATEX certifications cover the zones 0, 1 and 2 as well as the zones 20, 21 and 22.