IFM LMT102 Hygienic Capacitive Point Level Switch

LMT102 (LMCCE-A12E-QSKG-2/US) は IFM’s hygienic capacitive point level detection sensor. It has no vibrating tuning fork structure and features foam and build-up suppression, specially designed for food and pharmaceutical CIP cleaning applications.

✅ Core Overview

Measuring principle: Capacitive (not tuning fork)

Probe length: 38 mm (measured from the cone sealing surface)

プロセス接続: G1/2 hygienic cone seal, dead-zone free hygienic design

Factory preset: Aqueous media (beer, beverages, cleaning solutions and other water-based liquids)

コミュニケーション: IO-Link V1.1 COM2, 38.4 kBaud. パラメータの読み取り/書き込みをサポート, media teach-in and diagnostics

応用: High/low level alarm, overfill prevention, empty tank detection; capable of two-media differentiation (例えば. distinguish product from CIP cleaning fluid)

📋 Key Technical Specifications

電気

供給: 18…30 VDC, 逆極性保護, 短絡 / 過負荷保護

出力: 2 configurable switching outputs, PNP/NPN選択可能; NO/NC configurable via software

Max load per channel: 100 ミリアンペア

応答時間: ＜0.5 s

温度

Continuous medium temperature: -20 ～ +100 ℃

Short-term CIP resistance: まで 150 ℃ (1 時間)

Wetted Materials

本体: 316L (1.4404) ステンレス鋼

Probe tip: PEEK (low adhesion, resistant to material build-up)

シール: FKM fluororubber

Hygiene certifications: EHEDG, 3-あ, EC 1935/2004, compliant for food contact

機械式 & 保護

寸法: Φ30, total length 125 mm, 重さ 202 g

保護クラス: IP67

取り付け: Hygienic cone seal; requires matching hygienic adapter, no stagnant dead zones

✨ Core Advantages (Compared with Tuning Fork)

Foam / sediment suppression: Algorithm compensation prevents false triggering caused by foam and tank wall deposits, ideal for beer, dairy and sugar liquid applications
No mechanically vibrating components, no fatigue fracture; longer service life under frequent CIP cleaning cycles
Dual threshold teach-in: Media calibration via IO-Link or Teach input to differentiate two media with different dielectric constants
Full parameters remotely readable/writable: Switch point SP, reset point rP, 出力モード, 診断情報
Local LED status indicator for straightforward commissioning

🧪 Suitable Media & 産業

に適しています: Water-based liquids, beer, fruit juice, dairy products, dilute sugar solutions, CIP acid/alkaline cleaners, viscous aqueous media

産業: 食べ物 & 飲み物, 製薬, biotech, hygienic fluid processes

Not recommended for pure oil or low-moisture powders (use LMT110 for these applications); prefer LMT121 for high-sugar / high-salt media

🛠 Installation & 試運転ガイドライン

取付位置: The probe must be immersed in medium to trigger. Top-of-tank mounting for high-level overfill protection, bottom mounting for empty tank protection
Avoid areas with strong agitation vortices or heavy tank wall accumulation
Calibration methods:

Local Teach button teach-in

Remote teach-in via IO-Link master (PLC) for one-click threshold setup for two media

Do not strike the PEEK probe tip mechanically to prevent cracking

⚠️ Common Troubleshooting

False triggering by foam: Re-run media teach-in and increase media compensation parameters
Unstable switch point: Check supply voltage drop, confirm proper G1/2 cone sealing; avoid protruding gaskets creating dead zones
IO-Link communication failure: 配線を確認してください, baud rate and sensor address; check cable shield grounding
Drift after high-temperature CIP: Confirm FKM seal temperature limits and avoid prolonged exposure above 150 ℃

📌 LMT Series Selection Reference

モデル	Probe Length	Factory Preset Medium
LMT100	11 mm	Aqueous liquid
LMT102	38 mm	Aqueous liquid
LMT104	153 mm	Aqueous liquid
LMT105	253 mm	Aqueous liquid
LMT110	11 mm	油, grease, powder
LMT121	11 mm	High-sugar / high-salt medium

📎 Alternative Options

Same principle IFM models: LMT100 / LMT104

Tuning fork alternatives: IFM LMT202 (G3/4), LMT302 (G1); E+H, Krohne hygienic tuning forks

注記: Tuning forks cannot suppress foam. Tuning forks are not recommended as replacement for LMT102 in foamy media

HS Code reference: 90261000 (liquid level measuring instruments)

IFM LMT102 IO-Link Parameter Table (SP/rP, Media Teach-in, Diagnostic Codes)

Communication specification: IOリンクV1.1, COM2, 38.4 kBaud; reference baseline: air = 0%, tap water =100%; minimum hysteresis 2%. Writing will be rejected if SP ≤ rP.

Core Threshold Parameters (OUT1 / OUT2)

パラメータ	名前	範囲	工場出荷時のデフォルト (Aqueous Medium)	説明
SP1	OUT1 Switch Point	0～100 %	70%	OUT1 activates when liquid level reaches this percentage
rP1	OUT1 Reset Point	0～100 %	62%	OUT1 resets when liquid level drops to this percentage; SP1-rP1≥2%
SP2	OUT2 Switch Point	0～100 %	70%	Second channel threshold for two-media differentiation
rP2	OUT2 Reset Point	0～100 %	62%	Reset threshold for second channel

Output Configuration Parameters

パラメータ	名前	オプション	説明
OU1	OUT1 Output Mode	Hno / Hnc / Fno / Fnc	Hno: Hysteresis normally open; Hnc: Hysteresis normally closed; Fno: Window normally open; Fnc: Window normally closed
OU2	OUT2 Output Mode	Hno / Hnc / Fno / Fnc	Two channels configurable independently; window mode suitable for level range monitoring
FOU1	OUT1 State on Fault	オフ / の上	Force output off or on upon sensor fault
FOU2	OUT2 State on Fault	オフ / の上	Fault behavior for second output
dFo	Fault Response Delay	0～5 s, step 0.2s	Delay before fault output triggers after fault detection
dS1 / dr1	OUT1 On/Off Delay	0～10 s, step 0.2s	dS1 = switch-on delay; dr1 = switch-off delay, suppress false triggering from liquid fluctuation
dS2 / dr2	OUT2 On/Off Delay	0～10 s, step 0.2s	Independent delay for second channel
P-n	出力タイプ	PNP / NPN	Switch transistor output type

Ⅲ. Media Teach-in System Commands (IO-Link Commands, Core of Calibration)

Command	名前	機能の説明
tSP1	メディア 1 Teach-in	Full tank calibration, automatically calculates SP1/rP1 for product medium calibration
tSP2	メディア 2 Teach-in	Calibrate second medium, auto calculate SP2/rP2; typical use: distinguish product from CIP cleaning fluid
rES	Factory Reset	Restore all sensor parameters to factory defaults

Teach-in logic: Fill tank with medium → send tSP1 command. Sensor learns dielectric constant and writes thresholds automatically. Dual-medium scenario: tSP1 for product, tSP2 for cleaning fluid. Two outputs identify each medium separately.

プロセスデータ (4-byte Input)

Byte 0: OUT1 status bit + OUT2 status bit

Byte 1: Sensor status / fault flags

Bytes 2~3: Raw capacitive measured relative value (0~100% level equivalent)

PLC reads this PD to obtain real-time level percentage + two switch states + fault information

Device Identification Information (IODD)

Vendor ID: 310 (IFM)

Device ID: LMT series corresponding device number

Supports IO-Link Data Storage: Master automatically backs up parameters; one-click restore after sensor replacement, no on-site re-teach-in

IO-Link Diagnostic Fault Codes

Decimal	Hex	障害の種類	救済策
20480	5000h	ハードウェア障害	Internal hardware damage → replace sensor directly
25376	6320h	Parameter error	Out-of-range / invalid parameters sent; verify limits and rewrite
30480	7710h	出力短絡	Check cable and terminals for short to ground; inspect load

36350 / 36351 are test alarms only for factory production testing. They do not appear under normal site conditions and require no action.

Ⅶ. Commissioning Best Practices

On-site physical media teach-in (tSP1/tSP2) is preferred over manual SP percentage entry. For foamy and build-up prone media, on-site teach-in activates the built-in media compensation algorithm.
Parameter lock: Keypad lock available to prevent accidental parameter modification on site.
SIO mode: When IO-Link is disabled, sensor automatically switches to standard PNP/NPN dual discrete level switch with two independent channels.

VIII. Recommended Parameter Set (食べ物 & Beverage Overfill + Low-level Protection Example)

OUT1 (High-level overfill protection): OU1=Hno, SP1=70%, rP1=62%, dS1=0.5s

OUT2 (Low-level empty tank protection): OU2=Hnc, SP2=20%, rP2=15%, dr2=0.5s

FOU1/FOU2=OFF: Both outputs open on fault, triggering safety interlock

IFM LMT102 Hygienic Capacitive Point Level Switch – Engineering Application Cases

Consistent core benefits across all cases: foam / tank deposit suppression, no vibrating mechanical parts, dual-media identification, high-temperature CIP resistance, EHEDG/3-A hygienic certification, IO-Link digitization. 38 mm probe, G1/2 hygienic cone seal, suitable for side or top mounting on small & medium tanks.

場合 1: Brewery Fermentation Vessel (IFM Official Reference Case)

メディア: Beer wort, heavy foam, CIP acid / alkaline cleaning fluid

取り付け: LMT102 installed at upper tank top for high-level overfill protection; second LMT102 on lower tank sidewall for empty tank protection

Process Pain Points: Thick foam generated during fermentation triggers constant false alarms with traditional tuning fork level switches. Yeast deposits on tank walls cause frequent false triggering. Need to distinguish beer product from CIP liquid to avoid cross-contamination.

LMT102 Solution

OUT1 calibrated for beer, OUT2 calibrated for CIP cleaning liquid; dual-media identification. PLC distinguishes medium type to prevent mixing contamination.
Built-in foam and deposit compensation algorithm; foam and yeast deposits do not trigger false signals.
Rated for short-term CIP up to 150 ℃. 316L + PEEK + FKM meets hygiene certifications.
IO-Link transmits status and fault data. Parameter auto-restore via IO-Link master after sensor replacement, no re-teach-in required on site.

結果: Foam false alarms eliminated. No sensor disassembly required during CIP cycles. Reduced product contamination risk. Classic IFM reference case (Skanderborg Bryghus Brewery).

場合 2: Dairy / Oat Milk Mixing Vessel (Similar Danone Projects)

メディア: Milk, oat base liquid, dilute sugar solution, CIP alkaline liquid, viscous and prone to wall build-up

プロセス: Level interlock for mixing tank: high level stops feed pump to prevent overflow; low level stops feed pump to avoid dry running. Strong tank agitation causes heavy liquid surface fluctuation.

Pain Points: Viscous dairy media forms milk fouling on sensors. Agitation causes level fluctuation and signal chatter. Frequent hygienic CIP cycles required.

LMT102 Solution

Upper tank LMT102: OUT1 high-level pump stop interlock; lower tank LMT102: OUT2 low-level empty tank protection

On-site media teach-in enables sensor to compensate for milk fouling and maintain reliable detection with coating on probe

Hygienic cone seal dead-zone free, meets 3-A and EC1935 food contact requirements

LMT series sensors are deployed in batches on Danone oat beverage lines, IO-Link connected to AS-i network for plant-wide diagnostic visibility

場合 3: Sauce / Mayonnaise Mixing Tank (Viscous Water-based Food)

メディア: Mayonnaise, salad dressing, tomato paste, high viscosity, prone to probe adhesion

Pain Points: Viscous material sticks to tuning fork prongs and locks the sensor. Strong eddy currents from tank stirring.

LMT102 Solution

No vibrating elements; no “stuck” failure caused by material adhesion. PEEK probe with low surface adhesion
On-site teach-in calibrates sauce dielectric constant and activates deposit suppression. Reliable liquid / no-liquid discrimination even with thin sauce coating on probe
Sidewall mounted for high-level protection. Dual outputs can implement window detection for level range monitoring

Application Note: Works for water-based viscous media as factory preset. Use LMT121 for extremely high sugar / high salt concentrates.

場合 4: Biopharma Preparation Vessel & Buffer Storage Tank (GMP Cleanroom)

メディア: WFI water for injection, phosphate buffer, dilute drug solution, CIP cleaning liquid

プロセス: 高い / low level interlock for formulation tanks, prevent overflow and pump dry run. CIP/SIP cleaning, strict cleanroom hygiene requirements

Pain Points: GMP requires zero stagnant dead zones. Frequent high-temperature CIP. Fast fault diagnosis required.

LMT102 Solution

G1/2 hygienic cone flush mounting, dead-zone free, EHEDG certified for clean fluid service
IO-Link real-time diagnostic data enables early prediction of seal ageing and drift, supporting preventive maintenance for pharma plants
Dual switch outputs: high-level alarm + low-level empty tank protection. Fault state configurable for safe de-energized interlock

注記: Long-duration SIP steam sterilization (継続的な 121 ℃) requires seal evaluation. Short CIP cycles up to 150 ℃ are acceptable.

場合 5: CIP Cleaning Liquid Storage Tank (Acid/Alkali Recovery Tank)

メディア: Dilute alkaline cleaner, dilute acid cleaner, water for equipment in-place cleaning in food/pharma

プロセス: Level control for CIP tank, automatic replenishment of cleaning chemicals, low-level protection for CIP pumps

Pain Points: Corrosion risk from acid/alkaline media; foam generation; need to differentiate clean water and chemical cleaner

LMT102 Solution

316L wetted body and FKM fluororubber seals resistant to dilute acids and alkalis

Dual-media teach-in: calibrate clean water and alkaline cleaner. Two outputs distinguish residual cleaning liquid versus plain water

Foam suppression, no false triggering from foamy cleaning solutions

場合 6: Fruit Juice / Beverage Concentrate Transfer Tank

メディア: Fruit juice concentrate, dilute high-fructose syrup, easy foaming and sugar fouling

Pain Points: Heavy foam generated during filling; sugar deposits coat probe and cause drift on conventional capacitive switches

LMT102 Solution

Tank top mounted LMT102 for overflow protection; sidewall low-position sensor for empty tank protection

On-site media teach-in compensates sugar fouling; foam does not trigger false signals

IO-Link remote parameter read/write, batch parameter configuration for multiple production lines

General Selection & 設置ガイドライン (Reusable for Projects)

Media boundary: Only for water-based media. Pure oil and powder applications are not suitable for LMT102; select LMT110 instead. Use LMT121 for high-sugar / high-salt concentrates.
取り付け: Must use IFM matched hygienic welding adapter for G1/2 cone seal. Do not use standard gaskets, which create hygienic dead zones.
Probe length selection: LMT102 with 38 mm probe recommended for sidewall installation. Use LMT104 (153 mm) for long insertion from tank top.
Comparison with tuning fork: Prefer LMT102 for foamy or build-up prone media. Tuning fork LMT202 is better for non-foamy high-viscosity oil media.