Rotameter/Variable Area Flow Meter
Rotameters get their name from the rotating float that is used to indicate the rate of flow.
The float moves both up and down depending on the rate of flow, this means that rotameters are commonly used to measure low flow rates as high flow rates tend to throw off the accuracy of the readings.
These types of flowmeters are great for applications that require an economical solution whether working with gases or liquids across a number of different applications. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
Sierra Instruments
Monterey, CA | 831-373-0200Sierra manufacturers high performance mass flow meters and controllers for nearly any gas, liquid or steam. Customers choose Sierra when they need an accurate and repeatable flow measurement, short delivery lead times, expert flow advice and long term support.
HydraCheck
West Valley City, UT | 800-316-5342HydraCheck offers everything needed to service, maintain and troubleshoot hydraulic systems at prices you can afford. We manufacture and distribute diagnostic test kits, flow meters, pressure gauges, tachometers, etc.
Aalborg Instruments & Controls, Inc.
Orangeburg, NY | 800-866-3837Aalborg Instruments & Controls is a globally recognized manufacturer of precision instrumentation for flow measurement and control. We offer variable area flow meters, thermal mass flow controllers, and more. Since our founding in 1972, it has been our commitment to develop, produce and deliver the highest quality products and services, as well as consistently meet or exceed customer requirements. We are ISO 9001:2015 certified.
RCM Industries, Inc.
Concord, CA | 925-687-8363As a custom flow meter manufacturer, it is our goal at RCM Industries to be your number one source for flow meters. All flow meters are suitable for measuring water, oil, and most low viscosity liquids, and are available in Monel, stainless steel, and bronze alloys. With every application, we aim to improve productivity, reduce cost, and protect the most sensitive equipment and processes.
SeaMetrics, Inc.
Kent, WA | 800-975-8153SeaMetrics, a flow meter manufacturer, produces turbine flow meters, paddle wheel flowmeters, insertion flow meters, low-flow meters, water flowmeters, pulse flowmeters, flow sensors and electronic controls.
Spirax Sarco, Inc.
Blythewood, SC | 803-714-2000Spirax Sarco is an established manufacturer of a variety of flowmeter products for liquid, gas and steam applications for a wide range of markets. Spirax Sarco is able to provide its customers with a family of products capable of measuring and controlling most liquids and gases.
As stated earlier, rotameters work best within applications where a low rate of flow is present, the reading is often done locally although the transmission of readings is an option in certain applications.
Rotameters - GPImeters.comThese flow meters are most commonly made from glass tubes that have markings along the sides in order to indicate the rate of flow visually. Metal rotameters are also available if that is something that your application requires.
As fluid enters the bottom of the rotameter, the float rises upwards within the tapered tube until gravitational force balances out. Typically, rotameters are read as a standard cubic feet per hour of air, this means that rotameres are not subject to constant restriction areas or variable pressure differentials because of the use of variable restriction and constant pressure differentials in order to measure the flow.
These flow meters can be used for a number of different applications as they can be designed to measure the flow rate of both single streams and also multiple streams of fluid or gases. The single flow meters are often mounted directly on the piping and are most commonly used in special conditions for measurements. Multiple tube rotameters are mounted onto a tripod base plate in order to level the system; they can also be mounted on a wall or even bench mounted.
Rotameters - GPImeters.comRotameters are popular due to their versatility, simplicity, accuracy, and overall ease of use. It’s no question why rotameters are the go to choice for so many industries.