Rotameter with glass body
A glass body rotameter is another type of rotameter which, like the metal body rotameter, is a liquid flow measuring device that works on the principle of changing the flow surface. Rotameters are used in various industries such as chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, water and sewerage and other industries to measure the flow of liquids and gases.
The glass case rotameter consists of the following main components:
1. Glass body. This part serves as the main chamber for the liquid flow. The transparency of the glass allows direct observation of the flow and position of the float. The glass body also provides resistance to chemical corrosion of many aggressive materials.
2. Float. The float is usually made of corrosion-resistant materials and its shape may vary depending on the type of liquid and flow conditions. This float moves inside the glass housing, and its position relative to the scale engraved on the housing indicates the magnitude of the current.
3. Scale: The glass body is engraved with a scale that allows you to determine the position of the float relative to the volume of liquid flow. The scale may be graduated in units such as liters per minute (l/min) or cubic meters per hour (m³/h).
4. Liquid inlet and outlet. The rotameter has connections that direct the flow of fluid into and out of the device. These connections can be made of metal or other materials compatible with glass and liquid.
How does this work
Like the metal-bodied rotameter, the glass-bodied rotameter works on the principle of balance between gravity and liquid flow. When liquid enters the rotameter from below, the float moves downwards under the force of gravity. As the flow of liquid increases, the pressure created by the flow increases and pushes the float upward.
The equilibrium position of the float is at the point where the upward force and the downward force of gravity are equal. At this moment, the volume of liquid flow is read by the position of the float relative to the scale on the glass body.
Advantages and disadvantages of a glass body rotameter
Advantages:
– High accuracy: transparent housing allows you to clearly see the position of the float and accurate flow readings.
-Chemical resistance: the glass body is resistant to many corrosive substances, and this feature allows the rotameter to be used in chemical environments.
– Simplicity of design and operation: Simple design and no need for electricity or batteries make the rotameter a reliable instrument in many applications.
Flaws:
– Sensitivity to fracture: Glass is sensitive to physical impact and pressure due to its fragility and can be easily damaged in harsh conditions.
Limitation when measuring high flows: Glass rotameters are generally suitable for low to medium flow rates and their accuracy may decrease at high flow rates.
– Inability to use under high pressure and temperature conditions: Glass is generally not resistant to very high pressure and temperature, and this problem creates a limitation for certain applications.
Applications
The glass body rotameter is used in a variety of applications including:
– Chemical process control
– Measurement of gas and liquid flow in laboratories
– Water flow regulation is used in irrigation and water treatment systems.
