Metal Tube Rotameter

Introduction to Pitambara Engineering: Metal Tube Rotameter

A Metal Tube Rotameter is an industrial flow measurement device commonly used for measuring the flow rates of liquids and gases in a closed system. Manufactured by Pitambara Engineering, these devices are known for their reliability, durability, and precision in demanding operational environments.

Overview of the Metal Tube Rotameter

  1. Working Principle:
    • Operates on the principle of a variable area flow meter, where the flow rate is indicated by the position of a float inside a tapered metal tube.
    • As the fluid flows upward through the tube, it lifts the float. The float stabilizes at a position where the upward force of the fluid matches the gravitational force acting on the float.
  2. Key Components:
    • Metal Tube: Made from materials like stainless steel to withstand high pressure, temperature, and corrosive fluids.
    • Float: Precisely engineered to ensure accurate flow measurement.
    • Indicator System: A magnetic coupling or mechanical system that translates the float’s position to an external scale or digital display.
    • Connections: Various end connections, such as flanged, threaded, or tri-clamp, to suit different industrial setups.
  3. Applications:
    • Process industries (chemical, petrochemical, and oil & gas).
    • Power plants.
    • Water treatment plants.
    • Food and beverage industries.
  4. Advantages:
    • High Durability: Metal construction ensures longevity in harsh conditions.
    • Versatility: Capable of measuring a wide range of flow rates for both liquids and gases.
    • Resilience: Can handle high pressure and temperature environments where glass tube rotameters are not suitable.
    • Low Maintenance: Simple design reduces operational and maintenance costs.
  5. Special Features of Pitambara Engineering Metal Tube Rotameters:
    • Customizable designs to fit specific process requirements.
    • Magnetic coupling for non-intrusive float position tracking.
    • High accuracy with calibration options.
    • Optional accessories like alarms, transmitters, or switches for enhanced functionality.

Pitambara Engineering has built a reputation for producing high-quality Metal Tube Rotameters that cater to various industrial needs, offering dependable solutions for flow measurement challenges.

Working Principle of Pitambara Engineering: Metal Tube Rotameter

The Metal Tube Rotameter from Pitambara Engineering operates on the variable area flow meter principle, a widely used technique for measuring the volumetric flow rate of liquids and gases in industrial applications.


Principle of Operation:

  1. Fluid Flow and Float Movement:
    • The fluid (liquid or gas) enters the bottom of the tapered metal tube.
    • As the fluid flows upward, it exerts a force on the float located inside the tube.
    • The float rises until the upward force of the fluid matches the combined downward forces of gravity and drag acting on the float.
  2. Variable Area Design:
    • The metal tube is tapered, meaning its internal diameter increases from bottom to top.
    • As the float moves upward, the area around the float increases, allowing more fluid to pass through.
    • The float stabilizes at a specific height where the flow area balances the flow rate.
  3. Measurement Indication:
    • The float’s position within the tube is directly proportional to the flow rate of the fluid.
    • A magnetic coupling system or mechanical pointer translates the float’s position to an external scale or digital readout for flow measurement.

Key Features of the Principle:

  • No External Power Needed: The device operates mechanically without requiring external power, ensuring reliability.
  • Linear Measurement: The position of the float correlates linearly with the flow rate.
  • Versatility: Can handle a wide range of fluids, including corrosive or high-temperature substances.

Advantages of the Principle in Pitambara Engineering:

  • Robust and Durable: The use of a metal tube allows the rotameter to function under high pressure and temperature conditions.
  • High Accuracy: Precise float design and magnetic coupling ensure accurate readings.
  • Simple and Reliable: The straightforward operating principle reduces mechanical complexity and increases dependability.

Pitambara Engineering integrates this time-tested principle with advanced engineering to deliver Metal Tube Rotameters suited for a broad spectrum of industrial applications.

  • 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