Rotameter Floats

If it's not damaged (dented or chipped) you can only use it for the same brand/model of rotameter that it came from. Each float-rotameter tube is designed to work together. If you swap it for a different tube, it will not be accurate.

regards,

Vulcan

Using the float in some other tube is no problem, if diamensionally it fits in the new tube. When you insert the float in the fresh (not necessarily of same brand/ model) rotameter tube,

1. it should go upto the bottom of the tube, but should not pass thru and come out from the other end of the tube. When it rests on the bottom, it should leave some small gap around. The tube is tapered one, so as the float rises, the gap around will go on increasing.

2. You need to re calibrate it for the flow with actual flow of liquid/ gas. The range will be decided during the calibration. You do not have any control on the range. You can not trip the range anyway, you will have to accept whatever range it gives.

(Vulcan: for a different tube, it will not be accurate.)

No problem of accuracy, as you are recalibrating it.

To decide, if the float fits in the tube properly for proper operation, you need little experience. Besides, even if you put the float in same brand/ model rota tube, you need to calibrate it for the accuracy.

Ah well, if you're going to recalibrate, it would be okay. However, not all rotameters have a replaceable scale. I guess you could tape or glue a blank piece of paper and mark off the position of the float at different flowrates.

regards,

Vulcan

Exactly Vulcan

If the float meets the criteria you mentioned above, then as long as you properly calibrate the float-tube combination and record the material flowing and temperature, etc. the rotameter will be accurate. The flow through the rotameter and it's functioning relates physico-chemical characteristics of the fluid and its associated viscosity and density.

Owh Thanks,

So that mean that I still can use for same model, but how if the range is different??Still can measure flow correctly??

Yasser, each float and tube need to be made for the flow marks on the tube. They also work only for the fluid they are made for as well.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotameter