LS200 Series float-activated liquid level switch for gas compressor scrubbers
LS200 Series Level Switch
2000 psi Pressure Rating | Class I, Div 1 Listed | 304 SS Float
Gas Compressors · Pressure Vessels · Scrubber Applications

LS200 Series Float-Activated Liquid Level Switch for High-Pressure Process Applications

The LS200 Series liquid level switch is a robust, float-activated instrument engineered to detect rising liquid levels inside pressurized vessels and trigger alarm or shutdown outputs in electric or pneumatic control circuits. Purpose-built for the demanding conditions of gas compressor scrubbers, it handles up to 2000 psi working pressure and is available in both SPDT electric and pneumatic dump valve operator configurations — mounting directly into the vessel wall via a 2 in. NPT connection.

2000 psi Pressure Rating
2" NPT Process Conn.
0.55 SG Min. Specific Gravity
Cls I Div 1 Hazardous Area

The LS200 Series liquid level switch is a field-proven instrument for high-pressure liquid detection in gas compressor scrubbers and process vessels. Activated by a 304 stainless steel float, it responds only to rising liquid levels — eliminating false trips from liquid movement or turbulence. The nickel-plated body delivers reliable corrosion resistance in demanding gas field environments, while electric and pneumatic model variants allow the LS200 to interface with both conventional electrical alarm circuits and pneumatic dump valve control systems. Direct 2 in. NPT vessel mounting or external float chamber installation makes integration straightforward in new builds and retrofit projects alike.

  • Trips on Rising Liquid Level Only: The LS200 Series is specifically designed to activate only when liquid rises to the float setpoint, not on falling levels. This unidirectional trip behaviour prevents nuisance shutdowns from wave action, liquid slug movement, or vessel vibration — a critical requirement in compressor scrubbers where momentary liquid disturbance is normal during operation.
  • 2000 psi Pressure Rating: With a pressure rating of 2000 psig (13.8 MPa / 138 bar), the LS200 Series is built to operate inside pressurized vessels without special pressure-isolation chambers. This high-pressure capability makes it directly applicable to gas compressor scrubbers, high-pressure separators, knockout drums, and other process vessels operating at elevated system pressures.
  • SPDT Snap-Switch for Alarm and Shutdown (Electric Models): The electric LS200 operates a standard SPDT snap-switch rated at 5 A from 125 to 480 VAC, enabling direct wiring into engine or motor shutdown circuits, alarm panels, and PLC digital inputs. An optional DPDT configuration is available on select models for applications requiring simultaneous alarm and shutdown output from a single level event.
  • Pneumatic Dump Valve Operator Option: The LS200N, LS200NDVO, and LS200NDVOR models provide a pneumatic output that actuates DVU Series dump valves or compatible pneumatic instrumentation when the float trips. The LS200NDVOR includes a complete filter/pressure regulator set (0–75 psig range) and pressure gauge assembly, providing a ready-to-use pneumatic control solution without requiring a separate upstream regulator.
  • Nickel-Plated Body with Stainless Steel Option: The standard body material is nickel-plated steel, providing enhanced surface corrosion resistance for typical gas field service environments. For corrosive process atmospheres — including hydrogen sulphide service or high-chloride environments — 316 stainless steel body variants (LS200SS, LS200NSS, and related models) are available to extend service life and reduce maintenance intervals.
  • 304 Stainless Steel Float for Broad Fluid Compatibility: The 304 stainless steel float is rated for fluids with a minimum specific gravity of 0.55 in standard configuration, covering a wide range of hydrocarbon liquids, condensates, and produced water. The float material provides reliable buoyancy and corrosion resistance across the varied liquid compositions encountered in upstream gas processing.
  • cCSAus Class I, Div 1, Grps C & D Listed: The LS200 Series carries a cCSAus listing for Class I, Division 1, Groups C and D hazardous locations, and is Canadian registered (ABSA registration number 0F01476.2). This certification confirms the instrument's suitability for installation in areas where flammable gases or vapors may be continuously present under normal operating conditions — as is typical in gas compressor facilities.
  • Flexible Mounting via Vessel Wall or External Float Chamber: The 2 in. NPT male process connection allows the LS200 to screw directly into a standard vessel wall nozzle. Alternatively, a compatible external float chamber accessory enables mounting outside the vessel body — improving access for inspection, testing, and replacement without depressurizing the process vessel in installations where inline maintenance is not practical.
  • Gas Compressor Scrubbers: The LS200 Series is the primary application target for this switch family. Scrubbers protect compressor cylinders by removing liquid droplets from the gas stream. When liquid accumulates beyond a safe level, the LS200 trips — triggering an alarm or compressor shutdown before liquid carry-over can cause mechanical damage to the compressor.
  • Pressure Vessel Liquid Level Alarm: Any pressurized vessel requiring a high-liquid-level alarm or shutdown interlock — including production separators, knockout drums, and slug catchers — benefits from the LS200's combination of high pressure rating and direct vessel-wall mounting. Its simple float mechanism minimises in-vessel components and potential leak paths.
  • Pneumatic Dump Valve Control on Separators: Using the LS200NDVO or LS200NDVOR models, the switch can directly actuate a pneumatic dump valve on a gas-liquid separator to drain accumulated liquid at a preset level setpoint — providing continuous, automatic liquid level management without requiring electrical infrastructure in remote or hazardous area installations.
  • Engine and Electric Motor Shutdown Systems: When wired into engine ignition or electric motor control circuits, the LS200 electric model provides a reliable high-level liquid shutdown interlock. This protects driven equipment from damage caused by excess liquid accumulation in vessels upstream of compressors, pumps, or other rotating machinery.
  • Wellhead and Production Equipment: Upstream oil and gas wellhead packages, test separators, and production skids operating at elevated pressures require level switches rated for the system working pressure. The LS200's 2000 psi pressure rating and Class I Div 1 listing make it a compliant and practical choice for wellhead-mounted level detection across a wide range of upstream production equipment.
  • Corrosive and Sour Gas Service: Where process streams contain hydrogen sulphide or other corrosive components, the LS200SS stainless steel body variant provides extended service life. Its 304 SS float and 316 SS body combination is compatible with sour gas environments and corrosive condensate streams commonly encountered in natural gas processing and refinery applications.

Key technical parameters for the LS200 Series liquid level switch family are listed below. Specifications apply to the standard electric model (LS200) unless otherwise indicated. All values are provided for engineering reference and procurement purposes.

Parameter Specification
Switch Type (LS200 Electric) SPDT Snap-Switch (optional DPDT on select models)
SPDT Switch Rating 5 A @ 125–250–480 VAC; ½ A @ 125 VDC; ¼ A @ 250 VDC; 2 A @ 6–30 VDC Resistive; 1 A @ 6–30 VDC Inductive
DPDT Switch Rating (Optional) 10 A @ 125–250 VAC; ½ A @ 125 VDC; ¼ A @ 250 VDC; 10 A @ 6–24 VDC Inductive/Resistive
Wiring (LS200 Electric) 18 AWG × 36 in. (1.0 mm² × 916 mm)
Pressure Rating 2000 psig (13.8 MPa) [138 bar]
Temperature Rating (LS200 Electric) -20° to 300°F (-29° to 149°C)
Process Connection 2 in. NPT
O-ring Material (LS200 Electric) Viton
Body Material Nickel-Plated Steel; Optional 316 Stainless Steel
Float Material 304 Stainless Steel
Minimum Specific Gravity (LS200, Std.) 0.55 (standard float); 0.7 (with 1 in. extension)
Minimum Specific Gravity (LS200NDVO, Std.) 0.63 (standard float); 0.73 (with 1 in. extension)
Hazardous Area Listing cCSAus Class I, Division 1, Groups C & D
Canadian Registration (ABSA) LS200: 0F01476.2
Insertion Depth – LS200 Standard 4.6 in. (standard); 5.6 in. (with 1 in. extension)
Vertical Clearance – LS200 Standard 2.8 in. (standard); 3.15 in. (with 1 in. extension)
Pneumatic Regulator Range (LS200NDVOR) 0–75 psig (0–517 kPa); Max Input: 300 psig (2.07 MPa)
Vent Valve (LS200N) 2-way N.C., 1/16 in. (2 mm) orifice, Viton seat; Inlet: 1/8 in. NPT; Outlet: 3/8 in. NPT
Approximate Shipping Weight (LS200) 6 lb. 12 oz. (approx. 3.06 kg)
Shipping Dimensions 13½ × 4½ × 3½ in.

How the LS200 Series Liquid Level Switch Works

The LS200 Series operates on a straightforward float-activated principle. A 304 stainless steel float is suspended inside the process vessel — either directly through the 2 in. NPT vessel wall connection or within a separately mounted external float chamber. As liquid accumulates in the vessel, the rising fluid surface lifts the float upward along its operating shaft.

When the liquid reaches the preset trip level, the float displacement drives an internal mechanism that actuates the output device. On electric models, this snaps the SPDT (or DPDT) switch contacts from their normal position to the alarm or shutdown state — sending a signal to the connected engine ignition, motor control circuit, or alarm panel. On pneumatic models, the float movement opens or closes a pneumatic vent valve; the resulting change in signal pressure actuates a connected dump valve operator to drain accumulated liquid from the vessel automatically.

Critically, the LS200 is engineered to trip only on rising liquid level — it does not respond to falling liquid or to momentary liquid disturbance caused by vessel vibration or slugging flow. This selective activation behaviour prevents spurious shutdowns in the turbulent operating environment typical of gas compressor scrubbers. Once the liquid level falls below the float's operating point, the instrument resets and is ready for the next detection cycle.

Technical FAQ

Common Questions Answered

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The LS200 Series is a float-activated level switch primarily designed for gas compressor scrubber applications. It triggers an alarm or shutdown signal when liquid rises to a preset level inside a pressure vessel or scrubber. It is also used in production separators, knockout drums, and other high-pressure process vessels where reliable liquid level detection is required to protect downstream equipment.

The LS200 Series is rated for 2000 psig (13.8 MPa / 138 bar) working pressure. This high pressure rating allows the switch to be installed directly inside pressurized vessels — including gas compressor scrubbers and high-pressure separators — without requiring additional pressure isolation equipment at the instrument connection point.

The LS200 electric model actuates an SPDT snap-switch (optional DPDT) to deliver an alarm or shutdown output to an engine ignition or motor control circuit. The pneumatic models — LS200N, LS200NDVO, and LS200NDVOR — instead produce a pneumatic signal that operates a dump valve or similar pneumatic device. The LS200NDVOR includes an integrated filter/regulator and pressure gauge, while the LS200NDVO is supplied without the regulator for installations where a system regulator is already present.

Yes. The LS200 Series carries a cCSAus listing for Class I, Division 1, Groups C and D hazardous locations, and is Canadian registered under ABSA registration number 0F01476.2. This certification makes the LS200 suitable for installation in areas where flammable gases or vapors may be present under normal operating conditions — a common classification for gas compressor stations and upstream processing facilities.

Yes. In addition to direct vessel wall mounting, the LS200 is compatible with an external float chamber accessory (part 15700799, rated to 2000 psi and 400°F). The external chamber allows the switch to be positioned outside the vessel for easier access, testing, and maintenance — without requiring the process vessel to be depressurized or opened for routine inspection of the level switch.

The standard LS200 float operates in fluids with a specific gravity of 0.55 and above at 2000 psi, covering most hydrocarbon condensates and produced water streams. With the optional 1 in. float shaft extension, the minimum specific gravity increases to 0.70. For the pneumatic LS200NDVO model, the minimum is 0.63 standard and 0.73 with extension. Matching the correct float configuration to the actual process fluid density is important for reliable level detection.

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