Basic Information About Rotameter and its Benefits
A rotameter is an instrument for measuring the flow rate volume of a fluid passing through a closed channel or tube. It is a type of variable area flowmeters for flow rate measurement by allowing the variation of the fluids' cross-sectional area traveling in the pipe, leading to measurable effect.
Rotameters usually provide direct flow rate reading and do not require any electrical connection making their installation more manageable. The main components of the rotameter include the tube and the float. One needs to feed the liquid from the bottom after vertically fixing the pipe. The fluid then travels upward then exists from the top.
When the fluids enter the tube, the float rises upward. However, when there is no liquid in the line, the float will remain at the bottom. The movement of the float inside the tube is usually proportional to the fluid flow rate and the area between the float and the tube wall.
The upward movement of the float reduces the differential pressure and increases the area. When the float weight is equal to the upward force that the fluids exert, the process is said to be in a stable position. The liquid flow rate is recorded by the scale mounted in the tube.
Types of Rotameters
The main types of rotameter include;
1. Metal rotameter
It is a type of rotameter that is perfect for measuring temperature and pressure found beyond the glass tubes. The magnetic and mechanical followers determine the position of the piston outside the line.
2. Glass rotameter
It is a type of rotameter with a tube made up of borosilicate glass. The float, on the other hand, contains plastic, glass, and stainless steel. It is usually suitable for measuring the liquid flow rate of low temperature and pressure mediums.
3. Plastic tube rotameter
It may replace the metal tube or glass tube rotameter. It is usually cost-effective and perfect for fluid measurement varieties.
Benefits of rotameter
1. Rotameters are mechanical devices; hence do not require any external power for the fluid measurements. This makes it possible for those who stay in hazardous and remote areas to employ it in their applications.
2. Industrial operators can save since the device costs less in terms of purchase and maintenance.
3. It has direct unit graduation for the main pipeline flow through scale reading.
4. It has a rangeability of twelve and a half to one than differential pressure meters, which have four to one.
5. The user can clean the tube or change the range without interfering with the whole meter's bypass line.
6. Rotameter measures fluid flow rate and determines the quality of a liquid; hence, the user can know when the fluid is dirty and must change the filter.
Conclusion
Rotameter is one of the most reliable and cost-effective devices for the measurement of fluids' flow rate. One can use it with other flow measuring instruments to obtain the most accurate readings of the fluid flow.
