Rotameter
A rotameter is a device that measures the volumetric flow rate of fluid in a closed tube.
Rotameters Overview
- A rotameter requires no external power or fuel, it uses only the inherent properties of the fluid, along with gravity, to measure flow rate.
- A rotameter is also a relatively simple device that can be mass-manufactured out of cheap materials, allowing for its widespread use.
- Since the area of the flow passage increases as the float moves up the tube, the scale is approximately linear.
- Clear glass is used which is highly resistant to thermal shock and chemical action.
Rotameter Principle
A rotameter consists of a tapered tube, typically made of glass or metal with a ‘float’ (a shaped weight, made either of anodized aluminum or a ceramic), inside that is pushed up by the drag force of the flow and pulled down by gravity. The drag force for a given fluid and float cross-section is a function of flow speed squared only, see drag equation.
A higher volumetric flow rate through a given area increases flow speed and drag force, so the float will be pushed upwards. However, as the inside of the rotameter is cone-shaped (widens), the area around the float through which the medium flows increases, and the flow speed, and drag force decrease until there is mechanical equilibrium with the float’s weight.
FEATURES
PRODUCT BENEFITS
Mass & Volumetric flow monitoring of most gases, liquids and steam
Measures four process variables with one process connection:
- Mass flow rate/Volumetric flow rate
Easy to Install, lots of field installation options
Rugged, long-lasting design for the toughest applications
SPECIFICATIONS
Pipe diameter:3/8″inch to 6″inch
Accuracy:1.5%(liquid),1.5%(gas)
Repeatability:0.5%(liquid),0.5%(gas)
Pressure rate:≤600 Bar
Temperature:150℃,330℃
Velocity:0.3-10m/s(liquid),3-100m/s(gas)
Ambient temperature:
Operating: -20° to 60°C
Storage: -40° to 65°C
ELECTRIC
Power supply:24VDC 100mA,3.6V Battery,Mechanical
Output signal:
- 4-20mA
- Pulse
- User-definable pulse output for totalized flow
Digital communications: RS485, Hart
Hazardous-Area Location Enclosure
Flange TYPE
metal tube
circuit board
Calibration Device
Filed indicator
APPLICATION
SUPPORT FILES
Drawings
- inline rotameter 1“ inch drawing
- inline rotameter 1.5“ inch drawing
Program
- RS485 Protocol
- Hart Protocol