Side-Mounted Level Switch for Industrial Tank Applications
The KOBOLD NKP is an economical side mount level switch designed for reliable liquid level detection in industrial tanks and vessels. Available in polypropylene or PVDF construction, the NKP provides excellent chemical resistance for aggressive liquids across chemical processing, water treatment, and industrial manufacturing applications. The compact horizontal mounting design makes the NKP ideal for tanks with inaccessible tank tops or bottoms.
This side-mounted float switch delivers reliable switching performance with minimal maintenance requirements featuring a magnetic float assembly with a high-capacity reed switch to provide instant response as liquid levels rise or fall. Installation is simple through standard 1/2" NPT, G 1/2, or M16 bulkhead connections, and the switch function can be easily reversed from normally open to normally closed by rotating the unit 180 degrees.
Chemical Resistant Materials for Aggressive Liquids
The NKP is available in two material configurations to accommodate different process requirements. The polypropylene version offers broad chemical compatibility with many acids, bases, and solvents, operating at temperatures up to 176°F (80°C) with minimum liquid densities of 0.6 specific gravity. For more demanding chemical applications, the PVDF version provides enhanced chemical resistance to strong acids, oxidizers, and chlorinated compounds, with operating temperatures up to 212°F (100°C) and compatibility with liquids down to 0.95 specific gravity. Both versions feature IP68 protection for reliable performance in full immersion environments.
Compact Design for Space-Constrained Installations
The horizontal mounting configuration of the NKP makes it particularly well-suited for shallow tanks, rectangular vessels, and installations where vertical clearance is limited. The compact float assembly extends only 2.68 inches into the tank, minimizing interference with internal components or agitation systems. The unit mounts horizontally through the tank sidewall with an orientation tolerance of ±30 degrees, providing installation flexibility in various tank geometries.
Reversible Contact Function for Installation Flexibility
The NKP features a field-selectable normally open or normally closed signal without requiring different part numbers or internal modifications. By simply rotating the switch body 180 degrees during installation, operators can configure the function to match their specific control logic requirements. This reversible design simplifies inventory management and reduces the risk of ordering errors while providing maximum flexibility for pump control, high-level alarms, or low-level cutoff applications.
Hermetically Sealed Reed Switch for Long Service Life
The heart of the NKP is a watertight, hermetically sealed reed switch rated for 230 VAC/VDC at 2 amps with 40 VA maximum power. The sealed enclosure isolates the electrical contacts from the process environment, eliminating exposure to moisture, chemicals, or contamination that can cause premature switch failure. This design ensures reliable switching performance over millions of cycles without calibration or adjustment. The reed switch actuates through magnetic coupling, with no mechanical linkages or seals that require maintenance.
Common Applications
The NKP side-mounted level switch is widely used for tank level control, pump automation, and process monitoring across multiple industries. Typical applications include chemical storage tanks, water treatment systems, industrial process vessels, wastewater collection tanks, and liquid transfer operations. The switch is commonly specified for high-level alarm systems, low-level pump protection, batch process control, and automatic filling operations where reliable point-level detection is required.
Made in USA Manufacturing and BABA Compliance
The NKP level switch is manufactured at KOBOLD's Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania facility, ensuring domestic production and compliance with Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) requirements. This Made in USA manufacturing makes the NKP an approved solution for federal infrastructure projects, state and municipal water systems, and government facilities that mandate domestic content. The domestic manufacturing also provides responsive technical support, short lead times, and reduced supply chain complexity for North American customers.
Technical Specifications Summary
The NKP operates at maximum pressures up to 145 PSIG across its temperature range. Available connection options include 1/2" NPT, G 1/2, and M16 bulkhead fittings to accommodate various tank wall configurations and thicknesses (up to 0.20 inches for bulkhead mounting). Standard cable lengths include 1 meter, 1.6 meters, 3 meters, 6 meters, and 10 meters, with custom lengths available for special installations. The PVC-jacketed AWG 20/2 cable provides durable electrical connection in industrial environments.
Maintenance-Free Operation
The simple mechanical design of the NKP requires virtually no maintenance during its service life. With no mechanical seals, shaft penetrations, or wearing components, the switch operates reliably year after year without adjustment or calibration. The sealed reed contact eliminates contact oxidation and degradation, while the hinged float assembly moves freely without lubrication requirements. This maintenance-free design reduces total cost of ownership and minimizes process downtime.