Rosemount 2160 vibrating fork liquid level switch

The Rosemount 2160 vibrating fork liquid level switch is a IEC 62591 (WirelessHART) point level switch, which enables level detection to be made in locations previously inaccessible or too costly for wired devices.

It combines Emerson’s wireless expertise with the Rosemount vibrating short fork technology. It has all the same features as the wired level switches in the Rosemount 2100 series, but without the complication and cost of wiring.

Suitable for almost all liquid applications, the 2160 liquid level switch is virtually unaffected by flow, bubbles, turbulence, foam, vibration, solids content, coating, liquid properties and product variations. It is designed for use in extreme temperatures and performs in harsh process conditions that are unsuitable for other switches. Typical applications include overfill protection, high- and low-level alarms, pump control (limit detection) and pump protection or empty pipe detection.

The Rosemount 2160 is a component of PlantWeb digital architecture, wirelessly communicating switch output state, diagnostics and PlantWeb alerts. The wireless switches operate in the WirelessHART self-organising mesh network which enables the switches to automatically find the best communication path, with greater than 99% data reliability, to the Smart Wireless Gateway.

The ‘fast drip’ fork design of the Rosemount 2160 and other products in the 2100 series means that any remaining liquid is drawn away from the fork tips, enabling quicker and more reliable detection, especially in high-density liquids. Two models are available, covering the temperature range -68 to 260°C.

The wireless point level switch uses an intrinsically safe power module that utilises Emerson’s SmartPower technology to provide long battery life.

An integral LCD showing switch output states and diagnostics provides real-time, accurate verification of process conditions. The product is suitable for horizontal or vertical installation via a flange or threaded process connection. The omnidirectional antenna and rotatable housing enable the mounting to be adjusted for optimum signal and best viewing of the display.

The product is easy to install and maintain as there are no moving parts. Any build-up, fork blockage or excessive corrosion is shown immediately by a change in fork sensor frequency, indicating that maintenance may be required and alerted back to operations via the wireless network.

The switch can be supplied with a hand-polished wet side suitable for food and beverage applications.