Level sensors for hygienic areas with reliable suppression of deposits or foam
In the boiling chamber, the polluted medium evaporates at around 40°C under vacuum, and is thus separated into clean distillate and concentrate. LMT sensors monitor the level in the chamber at different heights.
The LMTxxx is a family of point level sensors.
- For the reliable level control in tanks and containers
- Hygienic design for the requirements of the food and beverage industry
- Use in liquid and viscous media and bulk materials
- Differentiation of media by parameterisation of the switching outputs
- Reliable suppression of deposits or foam
- User-friendly communication and parameterisation via IO-Link
Product advantages of the LMT
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Reliable even if covered in residues |
LMT series point level sensors have been designed for the monitoring of the levels of liquids, viscous media and powders in food applications. The sensor uses high-frequency capacitance spectrum profiling technology to effectively eliminate challenges with deposits, residue and foam build-up that commonly cause traditional point-level sensors to output false results. |
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Suited for food and hygienic applications |
The sensor’s 316 stainless steel body and smooth food-grade PEEK sensing tip ensure chemical compatibility even with the harshest cleaning agents. The high protection rating of IP 68 / IP 69K prevents liquid ingress. |
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Media Adjustment |
Units are factory set for specific use (see datasheet for details) no media adjustment is required. However, if a different media is required, the units can be set to almost any liquid or viscous medium and bulk material via IO-Link. Each of the two switching outputs can be set independently of each other so it is also possible to differentiate between two different media. |
Use in the food industry
The importance of food safety and quality during the manufacturing process is paramount for the food industry. As consumers demand faster, safer and more efficient services, food manufacturers are adopting innovative new ways of processing.
In the food industry, deposits and foam often make level detection challenging. The LMT sensor overcomes these issues by suppressing such interference, ensuring accurate point level detection for applications like tank filling and run-dry protection. With 3A-approved sanitary construction and the ability to distinguish between media and surface residue, the LMT sensor is perfect for handling viscous and sticky materials, solving tough level monitoring challenges in the food and beverage industry.
(A) The LMT sensor monitors the level of mayonnaise using the high-frequency capacitance spectrum profiling technology. (B) Despite deposits on the sensor the empty tank is detected reliably.
Welding adapters for difficult conditions
High wall thicknesses and unfavourable and difficult welding conditions often present a challenge. During welding, the high temperatures often cause the sealing edge to warp. This warping is a thing of the past with our new welding adapters.
Key points include:
- Welding adapters for quick and uncomplicated welding
- Flexibility at the weld seam and maximum dimensional stability on the inside weld area
- Optimum sensor fitting even with thicker metals and multiple welding layers
- Useful accessories for post-processing and leak checking
Product Comparison
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Technology |
Principle of Operation |
Pros |
Cons |
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Tuning Forks |
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Sensor Vibrates at a certain frequency. Frequency changes when submerged in media. Change is detected and output switches |
Unaffected by variations in density, viscosity, etc. Available in different process connectors, materials, and output configurations |
Material can build up and bridge between forks causing false signal. Forks are easily damaged and difficult to clean. They also obstruct the flow path. |
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Capacitive |
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Capacitive field principle |
Low cost |
Inconsistent operation. Requires frequent adjustment |
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Ultrasonic |
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Time of flight principle / change in signal strength |
Good in many environments |
High cost, inconsistent operation, involved tuning process |
Added value thanks to IO-Link
LMT level sensors are used in a tank application. They detect and signal when the level in a tank drops below or exceeds the set limits. They also prevent run dry conditions of the pumps. Typically, the switching output will be "active" when the media is present and "inactive" when there is no media.
- The level sensor can be configured quickly and easily via IO-Link. This is supported by a simulation function, among other things.
- Transparent sensor monitoring thanks to logging of the diagnostic values
By using IO-Link, additional information is accessible. With IO-Link, the real digital process value is available to differentiate between simple media, such as water or milk, and suppress build-up or foam formation. For example, these functions can be used to determine the current tank content and implement an efficient cleaning process. The sensor detects when pure water is in the tank. The rinsing process can be stopped and the next production process can be started immediately to maximise production time.
Find the right hygienic level sensor for you
The level sensors of the LMT series monitor levels in vessels and tanks or ensure run-dry protection of pumps.
The units can be used in almost all liquids, viscous media and bulk materials. They even detect extremely adhering (e.g. ketchup) or non-conductive media (e.g. vegetable oil). Deposits and foam are suppressed reliably.
The sensors are offered with different probe lengths. Each LMT sensor is factory-set to a specific medium. For special requirements, the sensitivity and further functions can be adjusted to the corresponding application. Splashes, wave movements and air bubbles can be compensated, e.g., by setting a switching delay.
The LMT in action
Learn how our customers use ifm systems and how former challenges have become real success stories. Get inspired and find out how you can implement your requirements on an automated system using our solutions, easily and reliably.
Every day, millions of ifm sensors are used in a variety of plants and machines worldwide. Our communication and control systems are the basis for a problem-free process flow.
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| Ferraz Máquinas is the market leader in the equipment production for extruded feed manufacturing and currently use a wide range of ifm products in their machines and equipment. | A variety of individual beers - this characterises the regional brewery Skanderborg Bryghus in the Danish town of Skanderborg, which opened in 2015. | Meckatzer has been a family-run brewery in western Swabia since 1853. Beer connoisseurs from near and far appreciate Meckatzer’s beer specialities. When it came to modernising, the company relied on IO-Link components from ifm. | The Doemens Brewing School trains technical managers for the brewing industry and the beverage and food industry. | Greencroft Bottling is a leading UK contract wine packer known for its innovation, personal service, and outstanding quality. With a prestigious BRC AA+ accreditation, the company highlights the advantages of UK bottling for wine producers, consumers, and the environment. |
