Metal Rotameter Working Principle
The measured medium flows from bottom to top through the measuring tube float. And the upper and lower ends generate differential pressure to form a rising force. When the rising force on the float is greater than the weight of the float immersed in the fluid. The float rises, the annular gap area increases accordingly.
And the fluid flow rate at the annular gap drops rapidly. The differential pressure between the upper and lower ends of the float decreases, and the lifting force acting on the float decreases accordingly. When the lifting force is balanced with the weight of the float immersed in the fluid. The float stabilizes at a certain position, and the height of the float position corresponds to the flow rate of the measured medium. The float has a built-in magnet, and when the float moves up and down with the medium, the magnetic field changes with the movement of the float.
The follow-up magnet in the mechanical indicator couples with the magnet in the float and rotates, while driving the pointer. The flow rate at this time is indicated by the dial.
Types of Metal Rotameters
Common:
- Vertical installation flange connection
- Bottom inlet and top outlet clamp connection
- Bottom inlet and top outlet DIN clamp connection
- Bottom inlet and top outlet variable diameter clamp connection
- Bottom inlet and outlet flange connection
- Side inlet and side outlet flange connection
- Left inlet and right outlet flange connection
- Bottom inlet and top outlet with insulation jacket
Explosion Proof:
- Bottom inlet and top outlet flange connection
- Bottom inlet and top outlet clamp connection
- Left inlet and right outlet flange connection
- Bottom inlet and top outlet with insulation jacket
What is the Difference between a Flow Meter and a Rotameter?
Structure
Metal rotameter: The structure is relatively simple. It consists of rotors, sensors, etc., and is easy to install and maintain.
Other flow meters: such as turbine flow meters, mass flow meters, etc. have relatively complex structures and high installation and maintenance costs.
Measurement accuracy
Metal rotameter: It adopts mechanical metering. The measurement accuracy is high, which can reach 0.5%.
Other flow meters: such as turbine flow meters, mass flow meters, etc., have relatively low accuracy, generally only reaching the level of 1% to 2%.
Scope of application
Metal rotameter: Applicable to flow measurement of various media (including liquids, gases and some mixed fluids). And applicable to various working conditions.
Other flow meters: Such as turbine flow meters are only applicable to liquid flow measurement. Mass flow meters are more suitable for gas flow measurement, and the scope of application is relatively limited.
Response speed
Metal rotameter: Measures flow by the rotation of the rotor, and the response speed is relatively fast.
Other flow meters: Due to different measurement principles, the response speed may be relatively slow.
Price
Metal rotameter: Due to its simple structure, the production cost is relatively low. Therefore, the price is also more appropriate.
Other flow meters: Such as mass flow meters, ultrasonic flow meters, etc., are usually more expensive due to their complex structure and high technical content.
Other advantages
Intuitive reading: The Metal rotameter obtains flow information by directly observing the position of the rotor. No complex calculations are required, and the readings are intuitive and easy to understand.
High reliability: The Metal rotameter adopts a mechanical structure. There are no complex electronic components, so it has high reliability and stability, suitable for long-term continuous operation.
Adjustment function: Some metal rotameters also have a flow regulation function. By adjusting the valve or changing the shape of the rotor, the fluid flow can be accurately controlled.
In summary, the metal rotameter has obvious advantages in structure, measurement accuracy, scope of application, response speed, price, intuitive reading, reliability and adjustment function. Therefore, for users who need to measure flow, metal rotameter is undoubtedly a better choice.
