Principle of Rotameter:
Rotameter Based on the variable area principle.
A float rises in a tapered tube until the area between the float and the tube balances the gravitational force on the float.
The flow rate is directly read from a scale on the tube.
Construction:
Tapered Tube: Vertically mounted, widens from bottom to top.
Float: Moves freely within the tube, indicating the flow rate based on its position.
Working:
Fluid enters the bottom of the tapered tube, causing the float to rise.
The float stabilizes at a position where the upward force from the fluid equals the weight of the float.
The height of the float is read against a scale to determine the flow rate.
Uses:
Measuring the flow rate of gases and liquids in laboratory and industrial settings.
Common in medical devices, water treatment plants, and chemical processing.
Advantages:
Simple and direct reading.
No external power required.
Suitable for transparent fluids for easy float visibility.
Disadvantages:
Not suitable for opaque fluids as the float position is not visible.
Limited to specific flow ranges and not suitable for very high flow rates.
Calibration can be affected by changes in fluid density and viscosity.