KUMASI TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

LAB REPORT ON ROTAMETER CALIBRATION

NAME: AKLOTSOE YVONNE

INDEX NUMBER: 051800402

TUTOR: MR DUKE ANTWI

LAB TECHNICIAN: MRS AMA AGYEMANG

ABSTRACT

The main objective of this experiment was to calibrate a Rotameter on the distillation column.
Results were collected from the Rotameter during the experiment by measuring the discharge
in the discharge measuring tank and recorded the time of the flow. The flow rate was varied by
slowly opening the valve on the Rotameter to a known value and collecting the discharge
through a measuring cylinder at constant time. From the results a straight line graph was
obtained and some challenges were faced when taking our readings. The pipe fittings were
leaking so readings were taken quickly to avoid errors. Some water from the first trial stuck on
the walls of the measuring cylinder, hence inteferring with the subsequent trials. The
experiment was to help the student know and understand the calibration process of a flow
measuring device and it's working principle which is very important for a chemical engineer.
INTRODUCTION

A Rotameter is a device that measures the flow rate of liquid or gas in a closed tube. It consists
of a tapered tube, typically made of glass with a float, inside that is pushed up by the drag force
of the flow and pulled down by gravity. A higher volumetric flow rate through a given area
increases flow speed and drag force, so the float will be pushed upwards. However, as the inside
of the Rotameter widens, the area around the float through which the medium flows increases,
the flow speed and drag force decreases until there is mechanical equilibrium with the float's
weight. Readings are usually taken at the top of the widest part of the float or the top for a
cylinder. The objectives of this experiment was to construct a calibration curve for the
Rotameter using different flows and the Rotameter positions to calibrate the Rotameter on the
distillation column and also to understand the principle of operation of a Rotameter. Calibration
on the other hand, is the process of comparing an instrument to provide a result for a sample
within an acceptable range. Although the exact procedure may vary from product to product,
the calibration process generally involves using an instrument to test samples of one or more
known values. In this experiment, the values of the discharge were smaller as compared to the
actual Rotameter reading. In other to acquire good results, the readings were taken accurately
and repeated three times.
THEORY

The variation of flow rate through a constant area generated a variable pressure drop, which is
related to the flow rate. The rotameter is an area meter where the pressure drop is nearly
constant, and the area through which the flow varies with the flow rate. The area is related to
the flow rate. The rotameter consists of a tapered glass tube with a float inside it. The tube is
marked in divisions, and a calibration curve converts the divisions to flow rate.For a given flow,
the equilibrium position of the float in a rotameter is established by balancing

three forces:

1. weight of float

2. buoyant force of liquid on the float

3. drag on the float

At equilibrium

Gravitional force=Fg=Vf(rf-r)g

where

Fg = gravitational force

rf = density of float

r = density of the fluid

The drag force is given as

FD = CdrV2Af

Cd = drag constant
FD = drag force

V= velocity of air

r= density of the fluid

A = cross sectional area of the float

For rotameters, the relationship between meter readings and flow rates is approximately linear5

MATERIAL

The materials involved in this experiment were

 Rotameter
 1000ml measuring cylinder
 Stop watch
 Bowl
 Pipe

METHOD

The flow rate of fluid was varied through the Rotameter by slowly opening the valve on the
discharge line to a known value.The discharge flowing through the pipe was collected in the
bowl in a space of 10 seconds and poured into the measuring cylinder to be measured. It was
then measured in the measuring cylinder and recorded.

The position of the top of the float was recorded.A calibration curve was constructed for the
flow meter with different flows (discharge) recorded.
RESULTS

Table 1.0: Showing the measurement of Flowrate from the Rotameter vs. the Discharge through
the pipe with a constant time of 10 seconds

Rotameter reading. Time(s) Discharge Q(ml)

( cc/mn) V1 V2 V3

1000 10 180 180 180

1500 10 300 290 290

2000 10 380 380 390

2500 10 490 490 490

3000 10 580 580 580

3500 10 670 670 670

DISCUSSION

The curve for the volumetric flow rates against Rotameter readings was drawn. From the graph
we found a straight line with a positive slope. There was some leakage in the pipe fittings,hence
making our results not completely accurate. From the table it was noticed that there were
certain variations this occured because some of the water stuck to the walls of the measuring
cylinder hence interfering with our readings. Also because of the leakage from the pipe fittings
we had to take our Rotameter readings quickly since it kept fluctuating.
CONCLUSION

This experiment was the calibration of a Rotameter on a distillation column. An introduction to

the variable area meter which is used in chemical processes and industry. This experiment goes
a long way to help and assist students know the common flow meter and it's working principle.
It helps the student know about the calibration process of a flow measuring device. This device
can be constructed from a variety of materials and over a wide range of temperatures and
pressures. It is easy to read and maintain, but it cannot be read horizontally. Also, after
generating the calibration curve of the rotameter, it can be used for measuring multiple fluid
flow rates.

RECOMMENDATION

It would be recommended that the taps in the lab be fixed so as to ensure constant flow of
water throughout the experiment and also the leakages in the pipe fittings be checked to
provide accuracy and avoid unnecessary adjustments which is quite time consuming.

REFERENCE