The Endress+Hauser Deltapilot series is a family of transmitters designed to measure the level of liquids and suitable pasty media using the hydrostatic pressure principle. These instruments support continuous level monitoring in open or closed tanks, water storage systems and wastewater applications.
In hydrostatic measurement, the sensor measures the pressure generated by the liquid column. This pressure is related to the liquid height and density:
Hydrostatic pressure:
[
p=\rho \cdot g \cdot h
]
Where:
p: Hydrostatic pressure generated by the liquid column
ρ: Liquid density
g: Gravitational acceleration
h: Liquid height
For this reason, accurate level measurement requires more than knowing the tank height. Liquid density, process pressure, measuring range and sensor installation method must also be considered.
Not all Deltapilot models have the same mechanical connection or installation arrangement. Therefore, selection should be based not only on the product family but also on the specific model and complete order code.
These models belong to the Deltapilot M family and use a Contite measuring cell for hydrostatic level measurement. Their main differences include mechanical design, mounting method and process connection.
|
Model |
Basic design |
Typical application considerations |
|
FMB50 |
Compact pressure sensor |
Level measurement applications requiring a compact design and fixed process connection |
|
FMB51 |
Rod-type design |
Applications using a rod-type installation with a fixed process connection |
|
FMB52 |
Cable-type design with fixed process connection |
Level measurement applications requiring cable-based installation |
|
FMB53 |
Cable-type design with suspension clamp |
Level measurement applications where the instrument is suspended using a clamp |
Manufacturer product information identifies the FMB50 as a compact model, the FMB51 as a rod-type model, the FMB52 as a cable-type model with a fixed process connection, and the FMB53 as a cable-type model with a suspension clamp. Measuring ranges, process temperatures, connections and certificates must be verified for the selected variant.
The manufacturer's published product information includes the following technical values for the FMB50, FMB51, FMB52 and FMB53. These values do not mean that every variant is available with the same configuration under all conditions.
|
Technical parameter |
Value stated in manufacturer product information |
|
Measuring principle |
Hydrostatic pressure |
|
Measuring cell |
Contite |
|
Measuring cell range |
100 mbar–10 bar |
|
Reference accuracy |
Standard ±0.2%; optional ±0.1% |
|
Maximum measuring distance |
100 m H₂O |
|
Maximum overpressure limit |
40 bar |
|
Communication options |
4–20 mA HART, PROFIBUS PA or FOUNDATION Fieldbus, depending on configuration |
Important technical note: The measuring cell range, the maximum permissible process pressure and the tank's measurement height are different parameters. They must not be used interchangeably. Final selection should be based on the current technical information for the relevant model and its complete order code.
The Contite measuring cell used in the Deltapilot family features a hermetically sealed design that the manufacturer associates with condensation resistance and reduced effects from low temperatures.
These characteristics may be relevant in applications where ambient temperatures fluctuate or condensation is possible. However, measurement performance does not depend on sensor technology alone. Installation conditions, correct measuring range, liquid density, instrument calibration and process connection also affect the result.
The manufacturer identifies applications involving liquids and suitable pasty media, including conditions where foam may be present, among the intended uses of Deltapilot instruments. The actual application must still be evaluated against the properties of the medium and the process conditions.
Monitoring levels in storage tanks and open tanks
Pump stations and water collection chambers
Continuous level monitoring in wastewater and environmental processes
Cable-type models may be suitable where the mounting arrangement and tank design support this installation method.
Tanks containing chemical liquids
Process and intermediate storage tanks
Applications requiring careful material compatibility assessment
For corrosive media, the materials in contact with the process, diaphragm material, seals and connection options must be checked. No material should be assumed to be compatible with every chemical.
Water storage tanks
Condensate and auxiliary liquid tanks
Continuous liquid-level monitoring within industrial facilities
Applications involving high temperatures or special process-pressure requirements require additional verification against the instrument's limits.
For hygienic processes, the appropriate variant must be selected with the required connections, materials and certifications. The suitability of a product family for hygienic applications does not mean that every order configuration automatically carries the same hygienic approvals.
CIP/SIP suitability and requirements such as 3-A or EHEDG approval must be verified against the project specification and the selected configuration.
The following parameters should be evaluated together when selecting a hydrostatic level transmitter.
The required hydrostatic pressure depends on liquid height and density. The maximum tank height and minimum measurable level should be considered when determining the appropriate measuring range.
If level calculations rely on an assumed or constant density, changes in density can affect the measurement result. This is particularly relevant in processes where density varies with temperature or product composition.
In open tanks, atmospheric pressure at the liquid surface generally provides the reference condition. In closed tanks, gas-space pressure can affect the measurement. The required measurement arrangement may therefore differ from a standard single-point hydrostatic measurement.
Threaded, flanged, hygienic and special connections, as well as rod-type or cable-and-suspension-clamp arrangements, must be evaluated according to the mechanical design. When replacing an existing instrument, a similar connection size alone is not sufficient to establish compatibility.
Wetted parts, process diaphragms, seals and, where applicable, cable materials must be compatible with the medium. Material selection should be based on the technical specification, particularly for corrosive or high-purity applications.
Power supply, output signal, control-system compatibility and communication protocol must be checked. The availability of HART, PROFIBUS PA or FOUNDATION Fieldbus must be confirmed for the selected configuration rather than assumed for every instrument.
Requirements such as ATEX, IECEx, SIL, drinking-water approvals or hygienic certifications must be defined for the project. Where certification is mandatory, verify the certificate and operating conditions for the exact instrument variant instead of relying solely on general product-family information.
Correct installation and commissioning are as important as instrument selection for achieving reliable measurement performance.
Installation position: Confirm that the sensor is installed in accordance with the tank geometry and process connection.
Measuring range: Ensure that the level range, measured pressure and control-system scaling are consistent.
Density setting: Where pressure is converted into level units, verify that the density value used matches the process conditions.
Electrical connection: Check the power supply, signal wiring, grounding and communication settings according to the relevant instrument manual.
Calibration and zero point: During commissioning, account for the actual installation conditions and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Certification requirements: In Ex or functional-safety applications, installation and commissioning must comply with the applicable standards and instructions.
When replacing an existing Deltapilot instrument or sourcing an older model, a decision should not be made solely on the basis of the FMB50, FMB51, FMB52 or FMB53 model name.
The following details should be compared during replacement and cross-reference evaluations:
Complete order code and existing instrument nameplate information
Measuring range and calibrated range
Process connection and mechanical mounting arrangement
Wetted materials and seal options
Output signal, communication protocol and power supply
Process temperature, pressure limits and ambient conditions
Required Ex, SIL, hygienic or other certifications
Compatibility with the control system and existing wiring
Important: Models within the same product family may have different mounting arrangements and connection designs. Compatibility with a newer model must not be assumed until the complete order code and technical documentation have been compared. Product availability and current alternatives should also be verified separately.
When requesting a quotation or alternative-product assessment for a Deltapilot instrument, providing the following information helps facilitate the evaluation:
Model name and complete order code, if available
Photograph of the instrument nameplate
Required quantity
Measuring range and application details
Process connection and material requirements
Output signal and communication protocol
Required certifications
Project country and delivery expectations
If the existing order code is unavailable, a nameplate photograph, technical specification or documentation for the installed instrument can provide a starting point. Missing information should be identified clearly so that technical verification can be carried out appropriately.
Deltapilot measures the hydrostatic pressure generated by a liquid column to determine liquid level. Accurate level calculation requires consideration of liquid density and application conditions.
The main differences concern mechanical design and mounting arrangement. The FMB50 is a compact model, the FMB51 is rod-type, the FMB52 is a cable-type model with a fixed process connection, and the FMB53 is a cable-type model with a suspension clamp. Final selection should be verified against current technical documentation and the order code.
Manufacturer product information lists 4–20 mA HART, PROFIBUS PA and FOUNDATION Fieldbus options. However, the supported protocol depends on the selected instrument variant. It should not be assumed that every model supports every protocol.
No. The complete order code, measuring range, process connection, materials, electrical characteristics and required certifications must be checked together.
The Endress+Hauser Deltapilot series offers different mechanical designs and mounting options for hydrostatic liquid-level measurement. Selecting the appropriate FMB50, FMB51, FMB52 or FMB53 model depends on tank design, measuring range, liquid properties, process connection and control-system requirements.
For technically sound selection and reliable replacement assessment, the model name alone is insufficient. Current technical documentation, the complete order code and actual application requirements must be verified together.
Yeşil Grup Enerji is not an official distributor or authorized representative of Endress+Hauser. As an independent, brand-independent industrial supplier, we can support customers with:
Deltapilot model and complete order code verification
Alternative-product research for legacy instruments
Technical documentation and configuration comparison
Cross-reference research and global sourcing
RFQ management and project-specific quotation support
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