Monday, 10 January 2011

Fluid level probe for hygienic environments

Sick has developed a new fluid level probe - the EHEDG-certified LFP - designed for use in hygienic environments, including pharmaceutical industries.

The new liquid level sensor, which has been designed using FDA-compliant materials, features a level display, level measuring and overfill/demand indicator in a cost-effective, durable and highly flexible device.

Darren Pratt, UK instrumentation product specialist, SICK, said: “The LFP has a robust design specifically developed to increase service life and functionality.

“If required the customer can trim the probe to the exact length needed, this, combined with its interchangeable connection concept, makes the LFP exceptionally adaptable and easy-to-use. The probe is also maintenance-free and quick to commission, allowing customers to make significant savings in terms of time and cost.”

The probe, which can be deployed in both conductive and non-conductive liquids, uses a field-proven Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) system to provide both overfill/demand indication and continuous level monitoring signals. The device has a standard measuring length of between 300 – 2,000mm, with a deadband of only 25mm, meaning the full level of a vessel is measured.

The LFP boasts a wide range of interchangeable process connectors, such as Triclamp, DIN11851, DIN11864, to meet the connection requirements of different industries and its modular connection system allows simple installation in any application.

The probe has a process temperature range of -20 to 150˚C and processes pressure up to 16 bar, allowing unrestricted use under CIP and SIP (cleaning-in-place and sterilisation-in-place) conditions. The LFP also meets the requirements of IP67 and IP69K for caustic washdown routines and does not require recalibration if the vessel fluid changes.

SICK