Level limit switch for bulk solids

Endress+Hauser has released a high-temperature Soliphant M level limit switch for bulk solids to deliver reliable operation in sustained process conditions at temperatures up to 280°C, and for short periods, up to 300°C. This represents a significant advance on competitor products, which routinely fail at 250°C.

The high-temperature Soliphant M is the latest addition to Endress+Hauser's Soliphant family of vibrating-fork level switches, first launched in 1967. The vibrating-fork level switch principle is a safe and proven technology, and the Soliphant has proved to be extremely robust and trouble free. Even in Zone 20 explosion hazard areas, the Soliphant provides safe operation with IECEx certification. As the product in the bin or silo starts to cover the vibrating fork, the vibration amplitude changes and a switching signal is triggered. This has the benefit that the properties of the bulk solid (such as particle size, density, dust and magnetism) are not critical to the reliability of the switch. Products with densities as low as 10 g/L can be detected. The fork can be mounted vertically or horizontally.

Soliphant M is available in a choice of finishes - a standard finish (Ra<=3.2 µm), a PTFE or ETFE coating for corrosion resistance which is suitable for the mining and chemical industries, and a polished version (Ra<= 0.8 µm) to ensure a bacteria-free finish for hygienic applications.

While coffee beans, sugar, flour, cereals, sand, instant coffee, mineral ore, cement and fly ash are routine applications, the high-temperature capability and IECEx hazardous area certification will further extend the range of applications of this technology.