Rot A Meters

Introduction to Rotameters
What are Rotameters?

The rotameter is an industrial flowmeter used to measure the flowrate of liquids and gases. The rotameter consists of a tube and float. The float response to flowrate changes is linear, and a 10-to-1 flow range or turndown is standard. In the case of rotameters, far greater flexability is possible through the use of correlation equations. The rotameter is popular because it has a linear scale, a relatively long measurement range, and low pressure drop. It is simple to install and maintain.
Principle of Operation
The rotameter'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. With liquids, the float is raised by a combination of the buoyancy of the liquid and the velocity head of the fluid. With gases, buoyancy is negligible, and the float responds to the velocity head alone. The float moves up or down in the tube in proportion to the fluid flowrate and the annular area between the float and the tube wall. The float reaches a stable position in the tube when the upward force exerted by the flowing fluid equals the downward gravitational force exerted by the weight of the float. A change in flowrate upsets this balance of forces. The float then moves up or down, changing the annular area until it again reaches a position where the forces are in equilibrium. To satisfy the force equation, the rotameter float assumes a distinct position for every constant flowrate. However, it is important to note that because the float position is gravity dependent, rotameters must be vertically oriented and mounted.
Types of Rotameters
Glass Tube Rotameters
The basic rotameter is the glass tube indicating-type. The tube is precision formed of borosilicate glass, and the float is precisely machined from metal, glass or plastic. The metal float is usually made of stainless steel to provide corrosion resistance. The float has a sharp metering edge where the reading is observed by means of a scale mounted alongside the tube. End fittings and connections of various materials and styles are available. The important elements are the tube and float, often called the tube-and-float combination, because it is this portion of the rotameter which provides the measurement. In fact, similar glass tube and stainless steel float combinations are generally available, regardless of the type of case or end fittings the application can demand, so as best to meet customer requirements. The scale of the rotameter can be calibrated for direct reading of air or water, or it may have a scale to read a percent of range or an arbitrary scale to be used with conversion equations or charts. Safety-shielded glass tube rotameters are in general use throughout industry for measuring both liquids and gases. They provide flow capacities to about 60 GPM, and are manufactured with end fittings of metal or plastic to meet the chemical characteristics of the fluid being metered. The only fluids for which these meters are not suited are those which attack glass metering tubes, such as water over 90C (194F), with its high pH which softens glass; wet steam, which has the same effect; caustic soda, which dissolves glass; and hydrofluoric acid, which etches glass. The primary limitations of general purpose rotameters are the pressure and temperature limits of the glass metering tube. Small, 6 mm (1/4") tubes are suitable for working pressures up to 500 psig, but the operating pressure for a large 51 mm (2") tube may be as low as 100 psig.
Metal Tube Flowmeters

For higher pressures and temperatures beyond the practical range of glass tubes, metal tubes are used. These are usually manufactured in aluminim, brass or stainless steel. The position of the piston is determined by magnetic or mechanical followers that can be read from the outside of the metal metering tube. Similar to glass tube rotameters, the spring-and-piston combination determines the flowrate, and the fittings and materials of construction must be chosen so as to satisfy the demands of the applications. These meters are used for services where high operating pressure or temperature, water hammer, or other forces would damage glass metering tubes. Spring and piston flowmeters can be used for most fluids, including corrosive liquids and gases. They are particularly well suited for steam applications, where glass tubes are unacceptable.
Plastic Tube Rotameters
Plastic tubes are also used in some rotameter designs due to their lower cost and high impact strength. They are typically constructed of polycarbonate, with either metal or plastic end fittings. With plastic end fittings, care must be taken in installation, not to distort the threads. Rotameters with all plastic construction are available for applications where metal wetted parts cannot be tolerated, such as with deionized water or corrosives. Rotameter Flowmeter Selection The key questions which need to be answered before selecting a rotameter are:

What is the minimum and maximum flow rate for the flow meter? What is the minimum and maximum process temperature? What is the size of the pipe? Would you like a direct reading rotameter or is a look up table acceptable? What accuracy do you need? Do you require a valve to regulate the flow? Will there be back pressure?

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Introduction to Rotameters

What are Rotameters?

Metal Tube Flowmeters

Plastic Tube Rotameters

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