A rotometer is a tapered tube with a float inside. As fluid flows up the tube, it raises a float and increases the area through which the fluid may flow. An increase in the flow raises the float higher until it is suspended in the flow. The level at which the float rises is directly proportional to the flow rate of the fluid. Read More…
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At Wyatt Engineering LLC, we specialize in delivering precision flow measurement solutions tailored to meet diverse industrial needs. Our expertise lies in designing and manufacturing flow meters that offer reliability, accuracy, and durability for a variety of applications. Through our advanced engineering capabilities, we create flow measurement devices that seamlessly integrate into systems...
SIKA is a developer and manufacturer of flow control products and a wide variety of other measuring and monitoring systems. Our inventory includes flow sensors, flow meters, flow switches, and many more. We know that flow solutions aren't one-size-fits-all, which is why we provide consultation and flow management solutions that are individualized and customized to your requirements. When you...
At Alicat Scientific, Inc., we are dedicated to designing and manufacturing high-performance flow meters that meet the most precise and demanding requirements. Our expertise in fluid dynamics allows us to develop solutions that span a wide range of applications, including laboratory research, industrial automation, environmental monitoring, and aerospace.
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More Rotometer Manufacturers
The principle of a rotometer is based on the variable area where the tapered tube allows the area between the float and the tube, in balanced conditions, to be proportional to the flow rate.
Rotometer Design
The basic elements of all rotometers are the same and consist of a tube and float. The variations in rotometers are determined by the materials used to make the components and how they are used. Tubes can be made of glass, metal, or plastic with floats of different shapes, sizes, and compositions.
Glass Tubes
Glass tubes are the most common and oldest of the rotometer components. They are made of safety-shielded borosilicate, making them safe for water and air applications. However, there are restrictions regarding the use of glass tube rotometers, which include wet steam and high pH water over 194 °F (90 °C) that can cause the glass to soften. Other substances that must be avoided are caustic soda and hydrofluoric acid, which can etch or dissolve the glass.
Metal Tubes
Metal tube rotometers are used in high temperature and pressure conditions. They are made of stainless steel and use magnetic followers inside the tube to detect the float's position on the outside. There are few restrictions on the use of metal tubes. They can be used with alkalis, hot water, steam, fluorine, slurries, hydrofluoric acid, and molten metals.
Plastic Tubes
Plastic rotometers are used for non-corrosive, low-pressure air, water, and gas flow applications. They are made from various plastics, including polysulfone, perfluoro alkoxy (PFA), or polyamide. Plastic tube rotometers have a clear plastic tube that makes them easy to install and read the scale.
Floats
Floats are made of several materials, including glass, metal, plastic, and Carboloy. To measure the flow of corrosive materials, stainless steel and tantalum are used as floats. Floats can be adapted and designed to fit the needs of any application or fluid. Small floats are made of black glass, stainless steel, and sapphire, while larger floats are made to resist corrosion. The density of floats is adjusted to fit the type of fluid.
How a Rotometer Works
A rotometer is installed vertically with the float at the bottom of the tapered tube, where it blocks the entrance to the tapered end. When the fluid enters the tapered end, the float rises and is moved upwards until the pressure on it equalizes. As the float remains suspended in the fluid, it is positioned in relation to a scale inside the tube. The reading on the scale is the flow rate.
Since metal tubes are not transparent, they are designed with a method for reading the flow rate on the outside of the tube. For this type of rotometer, magnetic followers are placed inside the tube to provide readings on scales placed outside the tube.
Advantages of Rotometers
Rotometers have been widely used for two centuries because of their economical and cost-effective way of measuring flow rate. Over the years, customers have relied on rotometers to provide accurate and precise readings.
- No Power Required – Rotometers are mechanical flow meters that do not need power to measure flow rate. They can be installed in hazardous and remote areas without power.
- Visible Readings – Rotometers make it possible to look at the process flow and assess whether the fluids are in good condition, changing color, or turning dirty or cloudy.
- Cost-Effective – This particular aspect of rotometers is their most attractive feature. Their price and function create savings for a project. Rotometers can be installed with other flow measurement technologies and used to complement those technologies.
- Easy Installation – Rotometers are installed by connecting the process line to the inlet and outlet of the rotometer. They can only be used vertically but are immediately ready once positioned.
- Low Pressure Drop – Multiple rotometers can be installed in an application due to their low pressure drop. This factor means that smaller pumps can be used for a process.
- Repeatability – A key factor related to all flow meters is the necessity of repeatability and consistently supplying the same date. The simple design of rotometers ensures the same results every day, all day.
- Linear Readings – Linear readings mean taking readings is easy, efficient, and uncomplicated.
- Fluid Velocity – Rotometers can measure the flow rate of fluids with a velocity of 1 LPM up to 10 LPM, which makes them suitable for measuring small to medium fluid rates.
Choosing the Correct Rotameter Manufacturer
To ensure you have the most constructive outcome when purchasing rotameters from a rotameter manufacturer, it is important to review several companies using our directory of rotameter manufacturers. Each rotameter manufacturer has a business profile page that highlights their areas of experience and capabilities, along with a contact form to directly communicate with the manufacturer for more information or request a quote. Review each rotameter business website using our proprietary website previewer to quickly learn what each business specializes in. Then, use our simple RFQ form to contact multiple rotameter companies with the same form.
