Hygenic switch for high temperatures

Baumer describes its FlexLevel Switch 4401 as a new hygienic level switch, suitable for high temperatures up to 180°C.

It can be configured on pc via the FlexProgrammer 9701. A blue light on top of the switch shows when a media is detected and the indicator can be seen even if the sensor is mounted on top of a tank. The FlexLevel Switch 4401, available from June 2009, has been developed for hygienic applications and all wetted parts are made of FDA approved acid proof stainless steel or PEEK thermoplastic. The level switch complies with EHEDG demands and is prepared for the 3A approval which makes it suitable for use in the food and beverage industry. For applications in hazardous areas zone 0, zone 1 and zone 2, the level switch is available in an ATEX version. The switch detects the level of liquids, viscous fluids and 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. The level switch can be connected to a PC and configured via the FlexProgrammer 9701 enabling a visual fine adjustment as well as gating out or zooming in on a certain medium, for example to separate a medium from a CIP cleaning preparation. In the standard version, the FlexLevel Switch is designed for permanent process temperatures from -40 up to 85°C. However, according to Baumer, it is suitable for the use in CIP and SIP facilities with short term temperatures of up to 140°C (max. one hour). With an optional 100 or 250mm cooling neck, the FlexLevel Switch can be used at process temperatures of up to 180°C. The cooling necks are designed with sliding connections, so can serve as an extension, for example if the sensor tip has to reach deeper into the tank with viscous media, or if the media has to be reached through a tank insulation.