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Second Devices Fluid Report

Variable area flow meters, also known as rotameters, measure flow rate by how high a float rises in a tapered tube. The float increases the area between it and the tube as flow and flow rate increase. Rotameters are commonly used to measure liquids and gases and provide a low-cost visual indication, though they have low accuracy and a small range of measurable flow rates. They work by finding an equilibrium between the upward force of the fluid's movement and the downward force of gravity on the float.

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32 views

Second Devices Fluid Report

Variable area flow meters, also known as rotameters, measure flow rate by how high a float rises in a tapered tube. The float increases the area between it and the tube as flow and flow rate increase. Rotameters are commonly used to measure liquids and gases and provide a low-cost visual indication, though they have low accuracy and a small range of measurable flow rates. They work by finding an equilibrium between the upward force of the fluid's movement and the downward force of gravity on the float.

Uploaded by

Amirul Shahrin991109
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Second Devices :- Variable Area Flow Meters (Rotameter)

Variable Area Flow Meters

The cone-and-float type, which is also known as a rotameter, is the most common
variable area meter design. A tapered tube (usually glass) containing a self-centring
float that is forced up by the flow and pulled down by gravity is the fundamental
feature of a variable area meter.

The float increases at higher flow rates to increase the area between the tube and the
float and to keep a steady Δp.

The flow rate is measured by how high the float has risen up the tube: on the side of
the tube, there are graduations. Variable area meters are commonly used for gas
metering, but a number of different fluids have different types available. For liquids
and dense fluids, a buoyancy correction term is required.

Flowmeters for variable areas are very basic and flexible flow measurement
instruments for use.

Rotameters

An industrial flowmeter used to calculate the flow rate of liquids and gases is the
rotameter. Its function is based on the concept of variable area: fluid flow raises a
float in a tapered tube, increasing the area for the fluid to pass. The higher the flow,
the greater the float is lifted.
The float height is directly proportional to the flowrate. For liquids, a combination of
the buoyancy of the liquid and the velocity of the head of the fluid increases the float.

Buoyancy is marginal with gases, and the float alone reacts to the velocity head. In
proportion to the fluid flowrate and the annular area between the float and the tube
wall, the float goes up or down in the tube.

When the upward force exerted by the moving fluid equals the downward
gravitational force exerted by the weight of the float, the float reaches a stable
position in the tube. This balance of forces is disrupted by a change in the flow rate.
The float then travels up or down, altering the annular region until a place where the
forces are in equilibrium is again reached.

Calculation and Equations

The rotameter float assumes a separate location for each constant flowrate to satisfy
the force equation. It is necessary to remember, however, that rotameters must be
vertically oriented and installed since the float position is gravity dependent.

The gradually increasing diameter of the tapered tube provides a related increase in
the annular area around the float and is built in line with the basic volumetric flow
rate equation:
ADVANTAGES

1. The rotameter is popular because it has a linear scale, a relatively long


measurement range, and low pressure drop.
2. It is simple to install and maintain.
3. It can be manufactured in a variety of construction materials and designed to
cover a wide range of pressures and temperatures.
4. The rotameter can easily be sized or converted from one kind of service to
another. In general, it owes its wide use to its versatility of construction and
applications.
5. Because of its functional advantages the rotameter is an exceptionally practical
flow measurement device.
6. The pressure drop across the float is low and remains essentially constant as the
flowrate changes. Float response to flowrate changes is linear, and a 10-to-1 flow
range or turndown is standard.
7. Variable area flowmeters are commonly used to provide cost-effective local
indication of small liquid or gas flows

DISADVANTAGES

1. Low accuracy – uncertainty on volumetric flowrate is ~2% of reading


2. Generally small turndown
3. Tendency of float to ‘stick’ at low flows
4. Requirement for buoyancy correction in liquids
5. Application Cautions for Variable Area Flowmeters

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