Q: 4. What is the measuring technology?

PL15 Ceramic capacitive technology PCB microprocessor evaluates capacitance and converts into a pressure value Ceramic capacitive base Outer ceramic diaphragm Applied pressure forces plates together and changes capacitance which is proportional to pressure PL54 Stain gauge technology Strain gauge attaches to the stainless steel measuring cell Fluid behind diaphragm transmits pressure to the measuring cell Flexible stainless steel wall of diaphragm provides the process interrface Applied pressure changes resistance within the strain gauge proportional to the pressure

Q: 10. Can the PL15 sensors be used with all abrasive media?

The ceramic cell of the PL15 sensor is very durable. However, media such as concrete or other high concentrations of sand / water mixtures is too abrasive for the sensor and should be avoided.

Question 1

1. What are the measuring ranges for the PL family?

Accepted Answer

-1.81...36 psi	PL1506	-
-14.5...87 psi	PL1515	-
-14.5...145 psi	PL1504	-
-14.5...232 psi	PL1514	-
-14.5...363 psi	PL1503	-
-14.5...580 psi	PL1543	-
0...870 psi	PL1523	PL5423
0...1450 psi	PL1502	PL5402
0...2320 psi	PL1512	PL5412
0...3625 psi	-	PL5401
0...5800 psi	-	PL5400

Question 2

2. What mounting accessories are available?

Accepted Answer

PL15 accessories
-1.81...36 psi	PL1506	-
-14.5...87 psi	PL1515	-
-14.5...145 psi	PL1504	-
-14.5...232 psi	PL1514	-
-14.5...363 psi	PL1503	-
-14.5...580 psi	PL1543	-
0...870 psi	PL1523	PL5423
0...1450 psi	PL1502	PL5402
0...2320 psi	PL1512	PL5412
0...3625 psi	-	PL5401
0...5800 psi	-	PL5400

PL54 accessories
	E30503	Welding adapter, Ø35 mm
	E30508	Welding mandrel
	E30521	½" NPT adapter

Question 3

3. What are the part numbers for replacement seals?

Accepted Answer

PL15 replacement seals
-1.81...36 psi	PL1506	-
-14.5...87 psi	PL1515	-
-14.5...145 psi	PL1504	-
-14.5...232 psi	PL1514	-
-14.5...363 psi	PL1503	-
-14.5...580 psi	PL1543	-
0...870 psi	PL1523	PL5423
0...1450 psi	PL1502	PL5402
0...2320 psi	PL1512	PL5412
0...3625 psi	-	PL5401
0...5800 psi	-	PL5400

PL54 replacement seals
	Front sealing ring ID Ø8.5 mm, OD Ø11.5 mm
	E30510	FKM
	E30511	EPDM
	E30512	FFKM
	Rear sealing ring ID Ø11.6 mm, OD Ø16.5 mm
	E30492	FKM
	E30451	EPDM
	E30513	FFKM

Question 4

4. What is the measuring technology?

Accepted Answer

-1.81...36 psi	PL1506	-
-14.5...87 psi	PL1515	-
-14.5...145 psi	PL1504	-
-14.5...232 psi	PL1514	-
-14.5...363 psi	PL1503	-
-14.5...580 psi	PL1543	-
0...870 psi	PL1523	PL5423
0...1450 psi	PL1502	PL5402
0...2320 psi	PL1512	PL5412
0...3625 psi	-	PL5401
0...5800 psi	-	PL5400

Question 5

5. Can the sensor be used in hygienic applications?

Accepted Answer

No, it does not have the necessary approvals. However, flush installation is possible with ifm adapters.

Question 6

6. Can the PL15 be used in welding adapters of competitors?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use the PL15 in competitive welding adapters with radial sealing up to 60 bar. The inner diameters of the adapters vary and sealing may not be satisfactory in these cases.

In higher pressure ranges, sealing with an O-ring is not possible; the seal between housing and process connection is used (the sensors with measuring ranges up to 100 or 160 bar do not permit installation of an O-ring). This means that, in higher pressure ranges, the medium could enter the thread area and harden or cause cross-contamination. The same can happen if the adapter is too wide for the O-ring of the sensor. To ensure the most flush solution > 60 bar, it is recommended to use ifm’s weld adapter, E30509, instead of an existing weld adapter.

Question 7

7. What is the best choice in terms of process sealing?

Accepted Answer

If possible, our adapters should be used. This will ensure a flush metal-to-metal seal.

Question 8

8. When would the PL54 sensor be used over the PL15 sensor?

Accepted Answer

It is always recommended to use the PL15 sensor unless a ¼” connection is required or the pressure range is greater than 2320 psi. The PL15 is superior due to the robust and accurate ceramic measuring cell and provides more application insight through IO-Link.

Question 9

9. What does the IO-Link device status indicate?

Accepted Answer

The PL15 sensor has many self-diagnostic functions and automatically communicates warnings and faults via IO-Link. Please see below for a table detailing the possible cause of a warning or error.

Event	Type	Description	**Output status	IO-Link process value	Device status	Troubleshooting
Hardware failure (HWF)	Error	Unit faulty / malfunction	FOU	Not valid	4	Replace device
Parameter setting fault	Error	Parameter setting outside the valid range	FOU	Not valid	3	Repeat parameter setting
Component error	Error	Error in pressure measurement	FOU	Valid	3	Check pressure measurement, replace device.
Component error	Error	Error in temperature measurement	FOU	Valid	3	Check temperature measurement, replace device.
Process variable range over-run	Warning	Pressure range exceeded (≥ 105 %VMR*) or temperature range exceeded (≥ 115°C / 239°F)	OU	Valid	2	Check the pressure range / temperature range
Process variable range under-run	Warning	Below pressure range (≥ -5 %VMR*) or below temperature range (≥ -30°C / -22°F)	OU	Valid	2	Check the pressure / temperature range
Below measuring range	Error	Critically below temperature range (≤ -35°C / -31°F)	FOU	Valid	3	Check the temperature range
Measuring range exceeded	Error	Temperature range critically exceeded (≥ 125°C / 257°F)	FOU	Valid	3	Check the temperature range
Device temperature exceeded	Warning	Device temperature exceeded (> 125°C / 257°F)	OU	Valid	2	Check device temperature
Below device temperature	Warning	Below device temperature (< -25°C / -13°F)	OU	Valid	2	Check device temperature
Faulty voltage supply	Error	Supply voltage too low	Off	Off	Off	Check the supply voltage

*VMR = final value of the measuring range
**Output status: in case of a fault the analogue output behaves according to the setting at [FOU2]. In case of a warning the analogue signal is as defined in the parameters [OU].

Question 10

10. Can the PL15 sensors be used with all abrasive media?

Accepted Answer

The ceramic cell of the PL15 sensor is very durable. However, media such as concrete or other high concentrations of sand / water mixtures is too abrasive for the sensor and should be avoided.

Frequently asked questions about the PL industrial flush pressure sensor