Industrial Measurements

Experiment No. 5

Experiment No.5
1.0

TITLE:
To measure rate of flow of liquid using Rotameter.

2.0

PRIOR CONCEPTS:
Flow, Buoyance effect, law of continuity, Float.

3.0

NEW CONCEPTS:
Proposition 1: Measurement of flow
1.
Rate of flow: It is the quantity of liquid flowing per unit time. It is measured in meters per
second.and then multiplying it by cross sectional area of pipe. It is expressed in cubic meters
per second.
2.
Quantity: It is the total amount of liquid that flows across a given point in a specified interval
of time through the cross sectional area. It is expressed in cubic meters.
Concept of Structure:

Proposition 2 : Rotameter
It is a variable area flow meter where the pressure drop at the inlet and outlet is kept constant, by
changing the annular area.
Concept Structure:

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Experiment No. 5

4.0

Industrial Measurements

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Intellectual skills:
1.
To understand the principle and working of a rotameter.
2.
To select the appropriate flow measuring technique for a specific application.
3.
To differentiate rotameters from other flow meters.
Motor skills:
1.
Ability to observe and measure the flow rate using rotameter.
2.
Ability to measure actual flow rate using standard container and stop watch.

5.0

APPARATUS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

6.0

24 o

Rotameter.
Fluid source (Pipe line), Outlet pipe, Valve, Container.
Rotameter tab with engraved scale.
Scale range 0 to 0.05 m3 / min or 50 lit / min.
Least count of scale 2 lit / min.
Suitable for measuring liquids.
Float material Stainless steel or any non-Corrosive metal.
Suitable arrangement for inlet and outlet connections with valves on both the sides.

DIAGRAM:

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Industrial Measurements

7.0

STEPWISE PROCEDURE:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

8.0

Experiment No. 5

Make the arrangement as shown in the figure. Make sure that the rotameter is in vertical
position.
Start the flow by operating the tappet or valve slowly.
As the float moves upwards, an annular passage is opened between the wall of tapered
glass tube and float periphery as shown in figure 2.
Now stop the valve adjustment and observe that the float comes to dynamic equilibrium
position.This position is reached when the annular passage is sufficient to pass all the fluid.
Upward and downward movement of the float depends upon the rate of flow (i.e. each float
position corresponds to a particular flow rate.)
The float gives readings on a calibrated scale in terms of flow rate (m3/sec or lits/sec) as
shown in the figure1.

OBSERVATION TABLE:
Table for rate of flow

9.0

CONCLUSION:
(As per result obtained from experiment and skills acquired by the students, teacher shall guide
and conclusion to be written ).

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Experiment No. 5

Industrial Measurements

10.0 REFERENCES:
1.
2.

refer books given in the curriculum.

site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/rotameter

11.0 QUESTIONS:
Write answers to Q.., Q.., Q., Q.., Q.(Teacher shall allot at least 5 questions to each student)
1.
At high temperatures and pressures, which material is used for a rotameter float?
2.
State the position of a rotameter mounted on a flow line.
3.
When is the metallic rotameter used? State one such situation.
4.
Why should the rotameter be installed vertically? Give reasons.
5.
While using rotameter, if opaque fluid is used, what problem may arise?
6.
In a rotameter, why is a spherical shaped float used? Give reasons.
7.
Rotameter can be used for measurement of flow rates of ( select appropriate answer and
write)
1.
liquid only
2.
liquid and gases
3.
gases only
4.
liquid, gases and steam
8.
How does the buoyant effect help to move the float in upward direction?
9.
How does the effect differ when metallic rotameter is used?
10.
How are rotameters calibrated for flow rates?
11.
What is the maximum value that a rotameter can measure?
12.
Why are rotameters always tapered in shape? Give reasons.
13.
Which factor decides the accuracy of a rotameter?
14.
If a glass tube is replaced with the metal tube, then how is the float position detected?
Suggest suitable methods.
15.
Give/draw different shapes of floats used in rotameters.
(Space for answers)

26 o

MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Industrial Measurements

Experiment No. 5

(Space for answers)

Signature of Teacher

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