Variable Area Flowmeters

= A brief history on
variable area
flowmeters
= Basic measuring
theory
= Using correction
factors, specifying
= Why is it called a
rotameter?
History:
= Variable Area Flowmeters were originally
developed in the 1800’s, brought into
general use in 1930’s
= Became very popular because of low cost
alternative to DP type meters, for smaller
pipe sizes
= Has the advantage of simplicity:
= 1 moving part!
How do Rotameters work?

The variable area flowmeter is in essence a special type of

DP flowmeter. In DP type flowmeters, the area of the
opening is fixed, and flow is a function of differential
pressure. Recall the pressure change is: ∆P=P2-P1αV2
Variable Area Principle
= In the variable area
flowmeter, the differential
pressure across the
opening is constant.
= Flow rate is measured as
a function of the area of
the opening
= This area is displayed by
the position of the
moveable float
Forces acting on float
= Force from flow, pressure(upward force)
= Buoyancy of float (upward force)
= Accleration due to gravity, weight of float
(downward force)
= Density of fluid (affects bouyancy)
= Viscosity effect (stickiness of fluid) and how it
effects the float flow pattern
= Outlet pressure: if Back Pressure increases it will
show a lower reading than if outlet vents to
atmosphere (with gases) Correction Factor Eq.
Basic Equation For those that want to know

The derived formula based on Bernoulli’s

Theorem:
Q=CA2 2gWf (pf-p)
A2
p pf

Q = Flow Rate, Volumetric Units

C = Coeff. of discharge (empirical constant)
A2 = Area where float reaches equilibrium
g = Acceleration due to gravity
Wf = Float Weight
pf = Float density
p = Fluid density
Features of Variable Area Meters
= Very simple construction
= Mechanical device requires no power
= Easy to install, low maintenance
= LOW COST solution for smaller pipe sizes
= Easy to read flow rate
= Because meter reading is based on
physical properties of meter, readings will
be repeatable, long calibration intervals
Benefits of KSM, KSK
= Short Delivery Time
= Available with Metric
Scales at no extra charge
= NPT or socket weld
fittings available
= Limit switches
= Easy to read, ranges up to
264 GPM
= Low Cost

KSM Meter
Benefits of S & SM Series
= High Pressure rating
3600/5000 PSIG
= Compact Design
= Many ranges available
= Nickel plated brass
and SS bodies
available
= Switch options, Scale
options (metric, air) Rugged
design!
Other Variable Area Meters
= SV Series use a
cylindrical control
tube (with grooves) to
vary the area instead
of a conical float tube
= Same for SM

Control
tube
The Kobold Range

If you look at our website product guide under Variable

Area Meters, you will find an extensive range of these
types of flowmeters. Ranges can go from 0.4 GPH up to
440 GPM (!) in a variety of configurations and
materials.
The important thing to remember is that they all have
the same basic operating principle. If a Variable Area
Meter is acceptable for a particular application, then it is
a matter of selecting range, material and pressure rating
etc.
Discussion Topics
= Flowmeter Sizing
= Ideal Gas Laws..Examples and Correction
Factor Equation/Worksheet
= NEED TO KNOW, in order to specify Variable
Area Flowmeter
= Why a ‘rotameter’?
Correction for compressed gas
Correction Factors

If the gas pressure or temperature varies from the values marked on the meter dial, then a
correction factor K must be applied to the meter reading to obtain the actual flow rate.

Actual Flow Rate= K x Meter Reading Meter Reading is Indicated Flow

where

K= (Pa +14.7) (Tc +460) p cal

(Pc +14.7) (Ta +460) p actual

Pa= Actual gas pressure at OUTLET of meter, psig

Pc= Calibrated gas pressure marked on the meter dial, psig

p cal= Density of calibration gas

p actual= Density of metered gas

Ta= Actual gas temperature at meter, deg F

Tc= Calibrated gas temperature marked on meter dial, deg F
NEED To Know…for Variable Area
Meters
= If other than water: Viscosity at operating
temperature, Specific Gravity
= If Gas Operating Pressure, Temperature and
if not air specify type or density
= Mounting orientation and flow direction as
per catalogue!
= Seals and Wetted Materials
Example of sizing a rotameter

You can use the formula given manually, or use a

spreadsheet calculation on computer.
The following is an example of spreadsheet
calculation...
 Correction Factors for Air-Calibrated Meters Ver: 1.5

Converting to STP Correction Factors Input CF

Compressed Flow: 1977 Specific Gravity (SG): 1.00 1.00

@ Pressure (PSIG): 0 Pressure (PSIG): 0 1.00

@ Temp. (deg F): 70 Temp. (deg F): 68 1.00
-----
Standard Flow (@ STP): 1977 *** Total Combined CF 1.00

---------------- ------------------ ----------- --------------- --------- ---------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------

Convert density to SG °C to °F Sizing the Meter From To

Density (gm/l): 1.29 100 C Standard Flow (@STP): 64 10.0

Specific Gravity 1.00 212 F Indicated Flow: 64 10.0

---------------- ------------------ ----------- --------------- --------- ---------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------
*** PAGE DOWN FOR INSTRUCTIONS *** Copyright 1998 KOBOLD Instruments Inc.

Assumptions:

Calibration Temperature: 70 degrees F

Calibration Pressure: 14.7 PSIA

Density of Calib. Gas (Air): 1.293 gm/l (= kg/cubic meter)

---------------- ------------------ ----------- --------------- --------- ---------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------
Notes: Heavier Gases Read Higher than actual
(Meter indicates 100 SCFM Air, Propane is 80 SCFM)
Actual Flow = Indicated Flow * CF
for Propane: Actual Flow=100*.8=80

Lighter Gases Read Lower than actual

---------------- ------------------ ----------- --------------- --------- ---------------- ---------------- ------------- ---------------
As quoted from ISA

“ A lack of understanding of the effects of operating

density and viscosity on the sizing and calibration
of variable area flowmeter often results in
incomplete specifications or incorrectly ordered
flowmeters.” ISA, Flow Measurement Practical Guides for Measurement and Control