1. Overview
- Product: Levelflex FMP51
- Type: Guided‑wave radar level transmitter (Time-of-Flight)
- Manufacturer: Endress+Hauser
- Application: Continuous level measurement for liquids, slurries, pastes, and interface measurement.
- Probe Types: Rod, rope (cable), or coaxial probes.
2. Key Specifications
Here are the main specs for FMP51:
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Parameter
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Value / Range
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Accuracy
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± 2 mm for rod and short rope; ± 10 mm for long rope (>15 m)
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Process Temperature
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–50 °C to +200 °C
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Process Pressure
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Vacuum to +40 bar
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Maximum Measuring Range
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- Rod: up to 10 m (with dielectric constant DK > 1.6) - Rope: up to 45 m (depending on dielectric) - Coax: up to 6 m
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Wetted Materials (Probe)
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316L stainless steel, Alloy C, Ceramic; for rope/coax versions also PFA for coax.
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Certifications / Safety
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Explosion protection (ATEX, IECEx, etc.), SIL up to SIL 3, overfill prevention (WHG), marine approvals.
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3. Key Features & Advantages
- Reliable Measurement in Challenging Conditions
Works well under changing process conditions — even with surface turbulence, foam, or internal tank baffles.
- HistoROM Data Management
Stores device parameters, commissioning and calibration history for quick maintenance and diagnostics.
- Multi‑Echo Tracking Evaluation
Uses advanced echo signal evaluation (multi-echo) to improve measurement reliability, especially in complex environments.
- Heartbeat Technology
Enables safe and cost‑effective proof testing (functional check) throughout the instrument’s life cycle.
- Easy Integration and Operation
Intuitive, menu-guided operation. Can integrate with control systems or asset management systems.
- SIL / Safety
Designed and certified up to SIL 3 per IEC 61508.
4. Applications / Use Cases
- Industrial Process Level Measurement: For liquids, slurries, pastes in chemical, petrochemical, or processing plants.
- Interface Measurement: Can detect liquid-liquid interface levels (e.g., oil/water).
- Harsh Conditions: High-temperature or high-pressure tanks; vessels with foam or vapors.
- Safety Critical Systems: Applications needing overfill protection or SIL-rated instrumentation.
5. Communication & Options
- Outputs / Communication Protocols:
- 2-wire: 4–20 mA with HART
- Optionally: FOUNDATION Fieldbus, PROFIBUS PA
- Remote / Wireless Commissioning:
- Bluetooth® option + SmartBlue app for configuration and diagnostics.
- Process Connection Types: Threaded or flanged.
6. Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Very reliable even with difficult surface conditions (foam, turbulence)
- Excellent temperature and pressure tolerance
- Long measuring range (especially with rope probe)
- Safety features (SIL, overfill) make it suitable for critical applications
- Good diagnostics & maintenance support via HistoROM and Heartbeat
Cons / Considerations:
- Rope version requires careful handling / installation (long probes)
- Initial cost likely higher than simpler level sensors
- Requires correct setup for dielectric constant (DK) to ensure accuracy for longer rope version
7. Example Product
One variant: Endress+Hauser Levelflex FMP51
8. Summary
The Levelflex FMP51 is a high-performance guided-wave radar (Time-of-Flight) level transmitter, designed for demanding industrial applications. With its flexibility (rod, rope, coax), strong process tolerances, advanced echo tracking, and safety certification, it's a very reliable choice for continuous level measurement under harsh or critical conditions.