By Pass Rotameter

Introduction to Pitambara Engineering By-Pass Rotameter

The By-Pass Rotameter, manufactured by Pitambara Engineering, is a highly efficient flow measurement device designed for applications involving large pipeline flows. By diverting a small portion of the flow from the main line to a secondary measuring device, the By-Pass Rotameter enables accurate measurement of high flow rates with precision and ease.

Key Features

  1. Efficient Design:
    • Facilitates flow measurement in large pipelines by using a bypass mechanism.
    • Ensures minimal pressure drop and high accuracy.
  2. Robust Construction:
    • Made from high-quality materials to withstand harsh industrial environments.
    • Available in a range of materials for corrosion and temperature resistance.
  3. Scalable Solutions:
    • Suitable for a wide range of flow rates by adjusting the bypass ratio.
    • Customizable based on the pipeline size and application requirements.
  4. Ease of Use:
    • Simple installation in existing pipelines with minimal disruption.
    • Low maintenance requirements due to its durable design.

How It Works

The By-Pass Rotameter operates on the principle of proportional flow division:

  1. A flow sensor or orifice is installed in the main pipeline to create a differential pressure.
  2. A small portion of the fluid flow is diverted through a bypass line connected to the rotameter.
  3. The rotameter measures the flow rate of the bypass stream, which is proportional to the total flow in the main pipeline.
  4. The total flow is calculated using the ratio between the bypass flow and the main pipeline flow.

Advantages

  • Ideal for high-capacity flow measurements in large pipelines.
  • Reduces the need for large and expensive flowmeters for big flows.
  • High accuracy with minimal pressure loss in the system.
  • Compatible with both liquids and gases.

Applications

  • Water treatment plants: Monitoring large-scale water distribution systems.
  • Chemical industry: Measuring flows of corrosive and viscous chemicals.
  • Power plants: Monitoring cooling water or steam flow.
  • Oil and gas: Measuring process flows in pipelines.

This introduction highlights the versatility and practicality of the Pitambara Instruments By-Pass Rotameter, making it a cost-effective and reliable choice for large-scale flow measurement needs.

Principle of Pitambara Engineering By-Pass Rotameter

The By-Pass Rotameter by Pitambara Engineering operates on the principle of proportional flow division, leveraging the relationship between the flow in a primary pipeline and a smaller, diverted bypass stream.


Working Principle

  1. Flow Division:
    • An orifice plate or differential pressure device is installed in the main pipeline to create a pressure drop.
    • A small portion of the fluid from the main pipeline is diverted into the bypass line, which contains the rotameter.
  2. Proportionality:
    • The flow through the bypass line is proportional to the flow in the main pipeline.
    • The proportionality is determined by the design and dimensions of the orifice plate or flow sensor used.
  3. Flow Measurement:
    • The bypass flow passes through the rotameter, where a float inside the tapered tube rises to a position indicating the bypass flow rate.
    • The total flow in the main pipeline is calculated using the formula: Qtotal=Qbypass×KQ_{\text{total}} = Q_{\text{bypass}} \times K Where:
      • QtotalQ_{\text{total}}: Total flow in the main pipeline.
      • QbypassQ_{\text{bypass}}: Flow measured in the bypass line.
      • KK: Calibration constant (proportionality factor determined during system setup).

Forces Acting on the Float

The measurement in the rotameter is based on the variable area flowmeter principle:

  • Upward Forces:
    • Dynamic pressure of the bypass fluid.
    • Buoyancy force (for liquid applications).
  • Downward Force:
    • Weight of the float.

The float stabilizes at a point where these forces are balanced, and this position corresponds to the flow rate.


Advantages of the Principle

  1. Accurate Measurement:
    • Even for high-flow pipelines, the bypass mechanism ensures precise readings by focusing on a manageable flow range.
  2. Efficiency:
    • Reduces the need for oversized and costly flowmeters for large pipelines.
  3. Scalability:
    • Can be calibrated for various pipeline sizes and flow rates.
  4. Versatility:
    • Works for both liquids and gases across multiple industries.

Applications

  • Industrial process monitoring (chemicals, oils, water).
  • Measurement of cooling water and steam flows in power plants.
  • Large-scale pipeline monitoring in water treatment plants.
  • Flow measurement in oil and gas industries.

The principle behind the Pitambara Engineering By-Pass Rotameter ensures a cost-effective and reliable solution for accurate flow measurement in large-scale systems.

  • Precautions for installation
  • Applications
  • Features
  • During installation, tank shuld be completely empty.
  • There should be no objects which shall hinder the float.
  • Ensure that the float position inside the tank should be such that agitation on it will be minimum.
  • The position of mounting nozzle should be far away from the liquid fill pipe to protect the float from damage and faulty readings due to turbulence.
  • Ensure that tank structures / fittings do not come in the way of calibrated gauges boards
  • Instruments required- Welding machine, combination/crimping plier, spanner and adjustable.
  • Even with large changes in liquid density, the immersion of a large diameter float will change very little, thus density has little effect on accuracy.
  • Float systems are simple and easily understood.
  • Even if the primary requirement is the transmitted signal, local indicators can continue to operate, even on loss of power.
  • Simple
  • Low Maintenance
  • Economical Measurement Solution
  • Easy Mounting
  • Assured Level Indication without power supply