How does the rotameter work?

A Rotameter is a form of variable area flow meter which has a simplistic operation whereby a liquid or gas passes through a tapered tube. In order for this gas to pass through the tube it must first raise a float held within the tube. In both cases, the greater the flow then the higher up the tube the float moves.

How does a rotameter measure flow rate?

A rotameter is a device that measures the volumetric flow rate of fluid in a closed tube. It belongs to a class of meters called variable-area flowmeters, which measure flow rate by allowing the cross-sectional area the fluid travels through to vary, causing a measurable effect.

Which principle is used to rotameter?

Due to its use of gravity, a rotameter must always be vertically oriented and right way up, with the fluid flowing upward. Due to its reliance on the ability of the fluid or gas to displace the float, graduations on a given rotameter will only be accurate for a given substance at a given temperature.

Why do we use rotameter?

A rotameter (variable area meter) is a flow meter that measures volumetric flow of liquids and gases. The technique for measuring flow is accomplished by a freely moving float finding equilibrium in a tapered tube. The flow rate is then read from either a scale next to the tube or a scale on the tube.

What is inverted rotameter?

It can be used to meter liquid metals like mercury and liquid lead, inverted rotameters are used for this type of application because these metals are denser than the stainless steel float and the flow would be from top to bottom for this type. Rotameter capacity can be altered by changing the float.

Why are Rotameters tapered?

Re: What is the reason for tapering the tube of rotameter? If it were the same diameter, the ball would either stay at the bottom or rise all the way to the top. The taper allows the annular area between the ball and the tube to be proportionate to the flow, in a balanced condition.

What is purge rotameter?

Purge Rotameter is an instrument used to measure instant flow rate of Liquids and Gases and are commonly used for purging or low flow measurement.

How does variable area meter work?

The meter’s operation is based on the variable area principle: fluid flow raises a float in a tapered tube, increasing the area for passage of the fluid. The greater the flow, the higher the float is raised. The height of the float is directly proportional to the flowrate.

Which one of the following is a variable area meter?

Rotameters are the most widely used type of variable-area (VA) flowmeter. In these devices, the falling and rising action of a float in a tapered tube provides a measure of flow rate .