Float-type flow meters

Float-type flow meter

Measurement principle for float-type flow meter

When Rota introduced industrially-produced rotating floats to the market in 1908, the term “float-type flow meter” established itself as the technical term for this type of mechanical flow meter. Engineer Karl Küppers from Aachen registered a patent in the same year. Since then, “Rotameter” or “Rotamesser” remain the standard specialised terms in the industry for float-type flow meters.

Flow meters which operate on the float principle work via a vertically standing conical measurement tube made of glass, metal or plastic. The specially designed float can move up and down freely in it. Accordingly, the flow values can be read on the Rotameter scale at the height of the measurement edge of the float.

The meter is installed vertically in the piping system, so that the medium must flow from the bottom up. When the medium flows through the conical body of the meter, a float moves internally on the vertical axis. Due to its deadweight, the float always sinks to the opening of the meter (inlet side).

The pressurised medium in the piping system (lift force FA) causes the float to rise as soon as the deadweight is reached in the measuring cone (weight force FG). Due to the conical form, the meter gets wider towards the top. So the more the float is lifted upwards, the more of the medium to be measured can flow past it (flow resistance FR). Due to balanced forces, the float evens out at a certain measurement value. This measurement maps the flow speed and is read on the scale in l/h at the upper edge of the float. (see fig. Types of floats) Types of floats As the volume flow decreases, the float sinks again and the measurement changes accordingly.

Structure of float-type flow meters

Float-type flow meters fundamentally consist of the following elements: Float, measuring cone, flow scale secured in the pipeline with connections like fittings or flanges or threaded connections. It is sealed with sealing elements. Float movement is restricted by stops and the measuring pipe is also secured with a protective housing.

Float-type flow meter, plastic or glass

Can be displayed directly on the scale located directly on the measuring cone (e.g. in l/h). The reading edge is at the largest diameter of the float body.

Metal float-type flow meters

Recording and testing the linear/non-linear mass or volume flow quantities of a liquid or gas are the main measurement tasks of a float-type flow meter. A range of factors must be taken into account when choosing them:

• Type of media to be measured
• Pressure and temperature ranges of the medium
• Accuracy and measurement rate required for measurement

MECON offers you an extensive selection of float-type flow meters - always perfectly tailored for the respective measuring task and offering the economically optimal product solution.

MECON meters are used in a wide range of industries worldwide:

• Plant and mechanical engineering
• Construction machinery and equipment
• Chemicals
• Building services equipment
• Laboratory apparatus
• Food
• Metal extraction, production and processing
• Oil and gas
• Shipping
• Water and wastewater