Rotameter and view glass are two different types of flow measurement instruments commonly used in industrial and laboratory applications.
Rotameter, also known as a variable area flowmeter, is a device that measures the flow rate of a fluid by using a float inside a tapered tube. The float moves up or down based on the flow rate, and the position of the float indicates the flow rate on a scale located on the outside of the tube. Rotameters are commonly used for measuring low to medium flow rates of liquids and gasses in a wide range of applications, including chemical processing, water treatment, and food and beverage production.
View glass, also known as sight glass or visual flow indicator, is a transparent or translucent window that allows the user to visually inspect the flow of fluid in a pipeline or vessel. View glasses are typically made of glass, plastic, or metal, and can be installed in a variety of orientations such as vertical, horizontal, or at an angle. They are commonly used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and oil and gas, where visual inspection of fluid flow is important for quality control and process monitoring.
While rotameters and view glasses are both used for measuring fluid flow, they have different functions and applications. Rotameters provide a quantitative measurement of flow rate, while view glasses provide a qualitative visual inspection of flow. Rotameters are more accurate and precise, while view glasses are more convenient for quickly inspecting flow without interrupting the process. Both instruments are essential tools for monitoring and controlling fluid flow in industrial and laboratory application.