RF Admittance Level Switch Successfully Replaces E+H Solicap FTI56

RF Admittance level switch, such as E+H Solicap FTI56, plays a vital role in industrial automation and process control. Precise level measurement is essential for operational safety, efficiency, and optimized process flows, especially in dust-prone bulk material storage and handling, such as ash and fly ash silos, where reliable and accurate monitoring directly affects equipment protection and continuous production.

Recently, Shenzhen Jiwei Automations Ltd. received inquiries from major domestic thermal power and cement plants seeking a domestic replacement solution for their existing E+H (Swiss brand) Solicap FTI56 capacitive level switches. The goal was to reduce costs, improve maintenance efficiency, and ensure reliable operation in tall silos and challenging process conditions.

Jiwei Automations proposed a replacement solution using the Cape-11R RF admittance level switch (cable type) alongside domestic Solicap FTI56 capacitive level switches, successfully achieving a domestic alternative for previously imported equipment.

Project Background

The client originally used E+H Solicap FTI56 capacitive level switches to monitor high and low levels in ash and fly ash silos. As production capacity expanded and equipment aged, the client faced multiple challenges:

• High maintenance costs: Imported devices required long repair cycles, costly downtime, and slow spare parts delivery.
• Complex high-level conditions: In 6 m high silos, high dust concentration, strong material adhesion, and frequent air disturbances occasionally caused false alarms or delayed responses.
• Interface and control system mismatch: Retrofit modifications created interface compatibility issues with existing control cabinets, complicating installation and commissioning.

The client sought a domestic replacement that could maintain high performance, provide rapid delivery, and offer comprehensive on-site technical support to ensure uninterrupted level monitoring and operational safety.

Replacement Solution – Cape-11R RF Admittance Level Switch (Cable Type)

Jiwei Automations configured the Cape-11R RF admittance level switch and domestic Solicap FTI56 capacitive switches to address the characteristics of ash and fly ash silos:

• Process interface compatibility: EN10226 R1-1/2 threaded steel interface allows direct replacement without additional modification.
• Probe and material design: Fully insulated polyamide-coated cable probe tolerates high temperatures (up to 120 °C), heavy dust, and corrosive environments.
• High-protection enclosure: F17 aluminum housing rated IP66/67 and NEMA4X, suitable for both indoor and harsh dusty environments.
• Electrical compatibility: FEI54 DPDT relay output supports AC 19–253 V / DC 19–55 V, fully compatible with existing control systems.
• Flexible probe length: Customizable for silos up to 6 m, ensuring reliable detection of high and low-level points.

Compared with the original E+H devices, the Cape-11R shows improved stability under high-dust and high-adhesion conditions while simplifying installation and commissioning.

Installation and Commissioning

Jiwei’s technical team worked closely with the client on-site to ensure accurate installation and commissioning. Detailed evaluations included silo height, diameter, material properties (dust concentration, adhesion, conductivity), and control system power type (AC 220 V or DC 24 V) to guide selection and installation.

A 6 m cable-type Cape-11R probe was installed at the top and sidewalls of the silo to ensure stable measurement under full or empty conditions. The EN10226 R1-1/2 threaded probe interface allowed direct installation into existing openings, significantly simplifying construction.

Relay outputs were wired directly to the control cabinet, with configurable NO/NC contacts for alarm or interlock functions. Multiple tests at empty, full, and intermediate levels confirmed reliable alarm response and minimal false triggers. Even in high dust and 6 m silos, the Cape-11R probe demonstrated excellent anti-adhesion and interference resistance, ensuring continuous, safe, and reliable operation.

Project Results

Following replacement, the client reported significant improvements:

• Installation efficiency: Standard interfaces enabled direct replacement without modification, cutting installation time by approximately 50%.
• Operational stability: In 6 m ash and fly ash silos under high dust, adhesion, and air turbulence, the Cape-11R maintained continuous measurement, with reliable relay action and virtually no false alarms or signal drift. The client noted clear advantages over the previous imported devices.
• Maintenance cost reduction: Domestic equipment allowed easy access to spare parts and fast on-site support, extending maintenance intervals and reducing operational costs.
• Enhanced safety: Fully insulated probes combined with high-protection enclosures ensured long-term safe operation in high-temperature, high-dust environments, mitigating risks from material clogging, static, or dust accumulation.

Summary and Advantages

This case demonstrates the successful replacement of imported E+H equipment with Jiwei Automations’ domestic Cape-11R RF admittance and Solicap FTI56 capacitive level switches:

• Domestic alternative: Fast delivery with local support reduces lead times and cost pressures.
• High compatibility: Standardized interfaces and flexible electrical design easily adapt to existing control systems.
• Durable and reliable: Fully insulated cable probe and high-protection enclosure handle complex ash and fly ash environments.
• Cost-effective: Performance is maintained while lowering total cost of ownership.

This replacement not only resolved the client’s maintenance challenges but also validated the reliability and substitutability of domestic RF admittance and capacitive level switches under high-dust, tall-silo conditions, providing a reliable domestic solution for future ash and similar bulk material storage projects.

Keywords: Level switch replacement, Cape-11R, Solicap FTI56, capacitive level switch, RF admittance, ash silo measurement, fly ash monitoring, domestic alternative, industrial automation