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INSTALLATION AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR

KELCO D40 DISPLACEMENT LEVEL SWITCH

The D40 top entry level switch operates by Archimedes 
principle.  When an object is immersed in a liquid its weight 
is reduced by an amount equal to the weight of the liquid it 
displaces.  In the D40 level switch a magnetically actuated  
switch detects the weight reduction that occurs when liquid 
submerges a solid Polypropylene displacer suspended from 
a cord below the switch. Since it is the change of weight 
sensed by the displacer as it is submerged that actuates the 
switch, the specifi c gravity of the liquid will directly effect the 
operation of the switch.  The D40 level switch will only 
operate in liquids that have a specifi c gravity that is 0.95 or 
greater (water).  They will not operate if used in liquids with 
an S.G. of less than 0.95.

The D40 level switch is an extremely versatile device.  It can 
be used to detect a liquid level in wells, tanks, pits, sumps, 
bores and bund areas.  The inert materials of construction 
mean the switch can be used in water, sea water, mild acids 
and in many common chemical solutions.  The D40 is highly 
tolerant of liquids containing solids, slurries or pulp.  It will 
also work reliably in froth or foam and in applications where 
there is fl oating scum or debris of various kinds.  

The electrical enclosure on the D40 level switch is sealed 
and separated from the switch’s actuating arm by a solid   
metal wall.  The switch is actuated magnetically through the 
solid wall.  This means the electrical housing is totally sealed 
and weatherproof provided the lid is fully tightened and the 
cable gland is properly utilised.  The Polypropylene 
suspension cord and the displacer are the only components 
in contact with the process liquid. Polypropylene is a very 
inert material and is well known for its resistance to many 
commonly encountered chemicals.  

The D40 is ideal for warm liquid applications provided the 
electrical  head is mounted well above the liquid and is 
protected from hot vapour.  The wetted components, the 
cord and displacer are highly tolerant of liquids at elevated 
temperatures.

INTRODUCTION

INSTALLATION

OPERATING ENVIRONMENT 

The D40 level switch is supplied with a fl at mounting plate 
for installing the switch against the walls of pits or tanks.  In 
addition to the fl at plate, an angle bracket is also supplied.  
The angle bracket can be used to mount the switch on any 
fl at horizontal surface such as tank lids or horizontal bracing. 
M5 threaded mounting holes are provided in the sides of the 
switch body so the switch can be oriented with its cable entry 
pointing to the right or left.

Whichever mounting bracket is used, ensure that once 
installed, the top face of the D40’s lid is perfectly horizontal.  
This ensures the cord and displacer hang vertically beneath 
the switch and apply force to the switch arm directly 
downwards.     

Thread the supplied cord through the hole at the end of the 
switch actuating arm and tie a double knot in it so the cord 
can’t pull back through the hole.  Thread the free end of the 
cord through the hole in the top of the displacer and tie it off 
securely.  D40 level switch is supplied with 3 metres of cord. 
Cords up to 20 metres in length can be used with the D40 
switch and are available from Kelco or your supplier if 
required.

TYPICAL INSTALLATIONS 

Fixed switching  differential 40mm +/- 5mm

Maximum distance 
between D40 & displacer.

20 metres (3m of cord is 
supplied with the switch)

Minimum distance from 
displacer to the fl oor of a 
tank or sump.

20mm

Minimum inside diameter 
of pipe housing or shroud. 

70mm

Maximum liquid 
temperature.

90°C 

Specifi c gravity of process 
liquid.

0.95 or greater

LIMITATIONS

 20m

long

115

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