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. When it matters, choose Sierra. Visit www.sierrainstruments.com.

SIKA USA
Sturtevant, WI | 262-886-2695SIKA is a developer and manufacturer of flow control products and a wide variety of other measuring and monitoring systems. Our inventory includes flow sensors, flow meters, flow switches, and many more. We know that flow solutions aren't one-size-fits-all, which is why we provide consultation and flow management solutions that are individualized and customized to your requirements. When you choose SIKA, you will receive efficient, durable products and customer service tailored to your needs.

Primary Flow Signal, Inc.
Cranston, RI | 877-737-3569Primary Flow Signal offers a wide range of flow meters and measurement devices. Among this product offering are flow meters for pressurized line fluids (liquid, gas, steam); rectangular conduit meters; bidirectional flow meters; open channel flow meters and more.

Burkert Fluid Control Systems
Irvine, CA | 800-325-1405The flow meters that we are able to provide will withstand the tests of time in order to provide a long lasting value! We have locations in thirty five countries worldwide and we are dedicated to being wherever you need us to be! We have the knowledge and the capability to work with you closely in order to come up with the perfect product to suit your needs! Visit our website today to learn more about what we may do for you!

Flow Network
Acworth, GA | 770-917-0940Flow Network specializes in measurement and control of Flow, Pressure, Temperature, and Level. Local Stock and Technical Support along with competitive prices.

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.
These 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 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.