Glass Tube Rotameter

A Glass Tube Rotameter by Pitambara Engineering is a device used for measuring the flow rate of liquids and gases in a pipeline. It operates on the principle of variable area flow measurement.

Here are key details about the instrument:

Features:

1. Design:
   • Made of a durable glass tube that allows visual observation of the flow rate.
   • Suitable for both gas and liquid flow measurement.
2. Measurement Principle:
   • Works on the principle of a float rising in a tapered glass tube, indicating the flow rate.
   • The height of the float corresponds to the flow rate and is read against a calibrated scale.
3. Material:
   • High-grade borosilicate glass for chemical resistance and thermal stability.
   • Options for float materials, such as stainless steel or aluminum, depending on the application.
4. Accuracy:
   • Provides reliable and accurate measurements for process monitoring and control.
5. Flow Ranges:
   • Available in various sizes and flow ranges for diverse industrial applications.

Applications:

• Chemical Industries: For monitoring chemical dosing and reactions.
• Water Treatment Plants: Ensures precise flow measurements in treatment processes.
• Pharmaceuticals: Critical for controlled environments requiring accurate flow rates.
• Oil and Gas: Used in process lines for fluids and gases.
• HVAC Systems: For air and liquid flow measurements.

Advantages:

• Simple Construction: Easy to install and maintain.
• Visual Flow Indication: Instant and direct visual feedback.
• No Power Requirement: Operates mechanically, making it independent of electrical systems.

The Glass Tube Rotameter from Pitambara Engineering operates on the variable area principle, which is a widely used method for flow measurement. Below is a detailed explanation of its principle and working mechanism:

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Principle of Operation:

The Glass Tube Rotameter works on the variable area flow measurement principle. This principle is based on the balance between the upward force exerted by the fluid flow and the downward gravitational force acting on a float within a tapered tube.

1. Upward Force (Flow-Induced Force):
   • When fluid (liquid or gas) flows upward through the rotameter’s tapered tube, it exerts a force on the float, causing it to rise.
2. Downward Force (Gravitational Force):
   • The float is subject to gravitational force, which tries to bring it down.
3. Equilibrium Point:
   • The float stabilizes at a point where the upward force due to the flow equals the downward gravitational force.
   • The position of the float is directly proportional to the flow rate.
4. Tapered Tube:
   • The tube is designed with a conical (tapered) shape, with a wider diameter at the top.
   • As the float rises, the cross-sectional area around it increases, reducing the velocity of the fluid and balancing the forces.

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Key Components:

1. Glass Tube:
   • Transparent tube made of borosilicate glass for chemical and thermal resistance.
   • The conical shape ensures a proportional relationship between float height and flow rate.
2. Float:
   • A movable object, often made of stainless steel, aluminum, or other materials, depending on the application.
   • Floats may have unique designs (e.g., spheres or discs) to suit specific flow characteristics.
3. Scale:
   • A calibrated scale is etched or printed along the glass tube.
   • The flow rate is read directly from the position of the float against this scale.
4. Inlet and Outlet Ports:
   • Fluid enters through the bottom port and exits through the top, passing around the float in the process.

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Advantages of the Glass Tube Rotameter:

• Simplicity: No need for external power sources or complex electronics.
• Visual Monitoring: Provides immediate, real-time flow indication.
• Accuracy: Reliable for low to medium flow rates.
• Versatility: Can handle various fluids, including gases and corrosive liquids.

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Applications:

• Industrial process control.
• Fluid monitoring in chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries.
• Air and gas flow measurement in HVAC systems.

If you need additional information or specific use-case examples, let me know!