Metal Tube Rotameter
A Metal Tube Rotameter is a robust variable area flow meter designed for high-pressure, high-temperature, and aggressive chemical applications where glass or acrylic rotameters may not be suitable. It combines the reliability of variable area measurement with the durability of metal construction, ensuring long-term service in demanding industrial environments.
Sai Tech Flow manufactures precision-engineered Metal Tube Rotameters that are widely used in chemical plants, petrochemical industries, water treatment, and process automation, where mechanical strength, safety, and corrosion resistance are critical
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What is a Metal Tube Rotameter?
A Metal Tube Rotameter is a vertical flow meter consisting of:
• A tapered metal tube (stainless steel, aluminum, or other alloys)
• A float inside the tube that rises with increasing flow
• A calibrated scale for direct flow reading
The meter works on the variable area principle, where the upward force of fluid is balanced by the downward gravitational force of the float. The float’s position corresponds to the instantaneous flow rate, visible through a protective viewing window integrated into the metal tube assembly.
Metal Tube Rotameters are preferred where glass shattering is a risk, high pressure/temperature exists, or abrasive or aggressive fluids are handled.
Working Principle (Variable Area Flow Measurement)
Metal Tube Rotameters operate on the same fundamental principle as other rotameters:
- Fluid flows upward through the tapered tube.
- The float rises until upward drag force = downward gravity force.
- The float position indicates flow rate on the calibrated scale.
Special Design Advantage: The metal tube provides mechanical strength, protecting the float and scale from external impact and high-pressure conditions, while maintaining accurate flow measurement.
Construction & Design Features
Sai Tech Flow’s Metal Tube Rotameters are built for industrial durability and long-term reliability.
Key Components:
- Tube Material: Stainless Steel, Aluminum, or Alloy (depending on process media)
- Float Material: Stainless Steel / PTFE / Ceramic (media-dependent)
- Viewing Window: Transparent material (Borosilicate Glass or Acrylic insert)
- End Connections: Flanged & Threaded (BSP / NPT) – Sai Tech Standard
- Working Pressure: Up to 10 bar
- Operating Temperature: Up to 100°C
- Flow Scale: Engraved or printed scale for LPH, LPM, Nm³/hr, SCFH
- Optional Flow Control Valve: For precise manual adjustment
Technical Specifications (Sai Tech Flow Standard)
Parameter | Specification |
Flow Medium | Liquid / Gas |
Tube Material | Stainless Steel / Alloy |
Float Material | SS316 / PTFE / Ceramic |
Flow Range | 10 LPH to 10,000 LPH (Liquid) / 0.1 to 100 Nm³/hr (Gas) |
Pressure Rating | Up to 10 bar |
Temperature Range | Up to 100°C |
Connections | Flanged & Threaded (BSP/NPT) |
Mounting Orientation | Vertical — upward flow only |
Accuracy | ±2% FSD (approx.) |
Advantages of Metal Tube Rotameter
- High mechanical strength and durability
- Suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature processes
- Corrosion-resistant with appropriate metal/alloy selection
- Direct visual flow indication via protected window
- Low maintenance and long service life
- Optional flow control valve for manual regulation
- Safe operation with abrasive or aggressive fluids
Industrial Applications
Metal Tube Rotameters are extensively used in:
- Chemical & Petrochemical Industries – For aggressive and high-pressure chemicals
- Water & Wastewater Treatment Plants – High-pressure dosing and monitoring
- Pharmaceutical & Biotech – Safe monitoring for high-pressure lines
- Food & Beverage – Process lines requiring metal construction
- Oil & Gas / Petrochemical – Flow monitoring under demanding pressure/temperature
- OEM & Skid-Based Systems – For integration in industrial process skids
- Gas Lines – Inert and corrosive gases at elevated pressure
They are ideal wherever durability, impact resistance, and industrial safety are required alongside accurate flow measurement.
Metal Tube vs Glass / Acrylic Rotameter
Feature | Metal Tube Rotameter | Glass Rotameter | Acrylic Rotameter |
Tube Material | Stainless Steel / Alloy | Borosilicate Glass | Acrylic |
Mechanical Strength | Very High | Moderate | Medium |
Pressure Limit | Up to 10 bar | Up to 10 bar | Up to 10 bar |
Temperature Limit | Up to 100°C | Up to 100°C | Up to 100°C |
Visibility | Good (protected window) | Excellent | Good |
Chemical Resistance | High (with alloy/float) | High | Medium |
Ideal Use | High-pressure / aggressive fluids | Purity / visual clarity | Lightweight / cost-effective |
Conclusion: Metal Tube Rotameters are preferred in industrial processes with high pressure, temperature, or corrosive media, while glass and acrylic are better for low-to-medium pressure and visual monitoring.
About Sai Tech Flow – Trusted Manufacturer & Supplier
Sai Tech Flow is a leading manufacturer and supplier of industrial flow instruments in India, specializing in rotameters, flow meters, flow indicators, and control instruments.
Our Metal Tube Rotameters are precision-engineered, calibrated, and manufactured using industrial-grade materials, suitable for chemical, pharmaceutical, water treatment, and OEM applications.
Sai Tech Flow offers custom flow ranges, flange & threaded connections, corrosion-resistant float options, and optional control valves, making our rotameters reliable for domestic and international industrial processes.
