How to Read a Rotameter?
An instrument, which measures the volumetric flow rate of the fluid running through a closed conduit, is called a rotameter. The device consists of a float and a tube. Being a kind of a variable-area meter, it analyzes the flow rate by the upward and downward motion of the float in the tapered tube and the measurement provided by the flow meter is directly proportional to the area of flow and the flow rate. Principle Involved in the Operation of the Rotameter Now the question is how to read a rotameter? Rotameter is the most accepted industrial flow meter, which works based on the principle of gravity and variable area. The flow rate increases and decreases the height of the float, which accordingly adjusts the passage of the fluid flow and consequently, the total area between the float and the wall of the tube. Equilibrium is reached when the upward force created by the flowing fluid balances the descending force exerted by the mass of the float, hence mainta...