Applied extensively in industrial process measurement and control, a rotameter is an instrument that uses a float of a given density to establish, for any measurable flow rate, an equilibrium position within the fluid stream where the force of the flowing fluid equals the force of gravity.
Let’s break that down a little. A rotameter has a tapered tube with a float inside. As the measured fluid flows upward through the tube, it pushes the float upward along the length of the tube.
As the float rises in the tube, the cross-sectional area of the tube increases, and more fluid can bypass the float. At some point, the upward force of the fluid flow acting on the float will balance with the downward force of gravity.
The position of the float along the length of the tube correlates with a certain flow rate when certain properties of the fluid are known. Flow rate scale graduations on the tube can be read by the operator.
Rotameters are very specific to each flow measurement application. It’s important that you know your fluid properties, ambient conditions, connection, and readability specifications.
For each application, it’s advisable to work closely with a sales engineer to gather all the needed information and coordinate the product selection process.
Here are some things to consider for potential rotameter applications:
Consult with a product specialist about your flow measurement application. A combination of your process knowledge and their product expertise will produce the best solution.
Source: msjacobs
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