Rotameter Correction Factor Derivation
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xmalukaRotameter Correction Factor Derivation
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xmalukaAPPENDIX A
A1: Derivation of correction factor equations
Float height=Drag+Buoancy
(A.1)
Vs=Volume of the float
s
= Density of the float
g=gravitational acceleration
K
s
=Drag coefficient
f
=Fluid density
v=linear velocity through the annulus
(A.2)
Where,
Q= volumetric flow rate
A= area of the annulus
The annulus area is proportional to the height of the float; Ah, A=kh
Therefore
(A.3)
Where k
1
is the proportionality constant.
Substituting equation (A.3) in (A.1) yields
(A.4)
By solving for (
and making k
s
k
1
=k
2
(A.5)
Solving for Q we obtain
(A.6)
For a given rotameter and float the term
is a constant, hence
(A.7)
Equation (A.7) represents the relationship between the volumetric flow rate and the float height
where k
3
represents the characteristics of the rotameter.
Usually, the rotameters are calibrated by the manufacture for common fluids before being used in
any application. The calibration data or curve provide a relationship between the volumetric flow
rate and float height.
Correction factors
In most cases the rotameters are calibrated with water for liquid volumetric flow rates and with air
for gas volumetric flow rates at standard conditions, Therefore to obtain the true volumetric flow
rate, the indicated flow rate based on the calibration data must be corrected for liquids other than
water and for gases other than air and/or for conditions other than standard ones.
Liquid correction factors
The volumetric flowrate of the fluid used for calibration when the float is at height h
1
can be
evaluated using equation (A.7)
(A.8)
When the same rotameter is used to measure flowrate at different conditions the flow rate at height
h
1
is evaluated as
(A.9)
By dividing eq. (8) and (9) we obtain
(A.10)
Therefore the correction factor for liquids is found as
(A.11)
Correction factor for gases
The volumetric flowrate of gas at calibration conditions (T
c
,P
c
) when the float height is h
1
can be
evaluated using eq. (7)
(A.12)
But for gases
therefore,
(A.13)
So eq. (A.12) becomes
(A.14)
When the rotameter is employed at different conditions (T
1
,P
1
) at height h
1
eq. (A.13) yields
(A.15)
Dividing eq. (14) and (15) we get
(A.16)
Assuming and ideal gas
(A.17)
(A.18)
Substituting (17) and (18) into (16) yields
(A.19)
If the same gas is used at calibration and sampling conditions eq. (A.19) becomes
(A.20)
Where,
(T
c,
P
c
)= (temperature in kelvin, Pressure in mmHg) at calibration conditions.
(T
1
,P
1
)=( temperature in kelvin, Pressure in mmHg) at sampling conditions.