Flow and Liquid Level Interface Switch Receives SIL-2 Compliance Rating

April 5, 2008

Fluid Components International's FLT93 Switch Series is rated Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 2 compliant. The SIL-2 compliance rating is designated in the failure analysis report with FMEDA techniques by testing laboratory TUV NORD CERT GmbH. The FLT93 Switch Series has been classified as Type A subsystem in accordance to IEC 61508-1 with a hardware failure tolerance of 0. The Probability of Failure on Demand (PFD) meets SIL-2 capability standards.

FCI's new SIL-2 safety compliance ensures its customers that the third-party testing organization (TUV NORD) has tested the FLT93 Switch Series and when the product is in use, the process risk is reduced to the designated level.

FCI's advanced thermal mass flow switches and flow meters are recognized worldwide for their precision flow measurement, high reliability in rugged operating conditions, low maintenance, long-life and low cost-of-ownership. Their highly intelligent microprocessor-based designs feature a no-moving parts thermal mass flow sensor, which makes them ideal for a broad range of industries including: chemical, energy and power, food/beverage, oil/gas, pharmaceutical, water/wastewater treatment and more.

The advanced FlexSwitch FLT Series features a unique design that monitors flow, level or interface and can perform flow and level sensing simultaneously. The Flow/Level (FLT) Flow Switch reliably monitors the flow, level and interface of liquids, gases, slurries, syrups, lubricants, coolants and more. It is ideal for tank level monitoring and pump low-flow protection applications. The FLT features a wide set-point range, which varies according to service media (liquid, gas or foam), beginning from 0.01 to 5 SFPS (0.003 to 1.5 SMPS) in hydrocarbon-based liquids.

This instrument is ideal for heavy duty industrial environments (FLT93S), pump protection and small process connections requiring a fast, high responsive switch (FLT93L-F Style). Applications for these switches include pump protection for low flow levels and empty pipe, wet/dry detection, sump level detection, high/low level alarm and control, interface control in separation vessels, foam and sediment interface control, and agitation detection.

The FLT is hydrostatically proof pressure tested to 3500 psig [240 bar (g)] at 70°F (21°C).  Derated with temperature, the maximum operation service recommended is 2350 psig [162 bar (g)] at 500°F (260°C). Higher pressure ratings and temperature ratings up to 850°F (455°C). are available with special construction and test certification.

A wide selection of standard and custom process connections can be provided. The electronic control circuit can be integrally-mounted with the sensing element, or it can be located in a remote location. The standard enclosure is made from a coated aluminum alloy. It is suitable for use in hazardous (FM, CSA, and ATEX classified) locations and is rated for NEMA Type 4X (IP66) environments. The FLT93 Series comes with a three-year warranty and is competitively priced.