CHE150-1L Chemical Engineering Laboratory 1

2nd Quarter SY 2016-2017

FLOW RATE (ROTAMETER)

Ayson, Jose Paolo L.

Student, School of ChE-CHM, Mapa Institute of Technology

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION corresponds to the rotameter reading, increases

in this experiment. The reason behind this trend
The objective of this experiment is to present a will be further discussed in the preceding part of
calibration curve for the rotameter using the this discussion. One of the objectives of this
calculated mass flow rate obtained from the data experiment is to generate a calibration curve for
gathered and explain the relationships and the rotameter. This objective was met by
indications behind the curve. As stated in the calculating the mass flow rate by dividing the
methodology, volumetric flow rates were mass with the time obtained and the knob
obtained by measuring the volume using a opening. Table 1.2 shows the calculated flow
graduated cylinder while noting the time it takes rate obtained and the average flow rate.
to reach a desired volume using a stopwatch.
The mass flow rate is then obtained using the Table 1.2. Calculated Mass Flow Rates
density of the fluid used; in this experiment Knob Trial 1 Trial 2 Average
water was used, at the measured temperature. opening (g/s) (g/s) (g/s)
Table 1.1 presents the calculated mass and time 30 4.112 4.048 4.080
needed per trial. 37.5 9.695 8.722 9.208
45 17.606 13.714 15.660
Table 1.1. Calculated Mass and Time needed. 52.5 25.836 21.204 23.520
Knob Trial 1 (T=29.8C) Trial 2 (T=30C) 60 31.560 27.128 29.344
opening Mass(g) Time(s) Mass Time
67.5 33.870 32.019 32.944
30 41.81982 10.17 41.8173 10.3
75 35.421 35.217 35.319
3
37.5 95.58816 9.86 88.61285 10.1 82.5 35.672 36.780 36.226
6 90 36.583 37.106 36.845
45 179.2278 10.18 72.68245 5.3
52.5 272.8245 10.56 68.69985 3.24
4
60 327.5885 10.38 93.5911 3.45
9
67.5 347.5027 10.26 72.68245 2.27
9
75 358.4556 10.12 80.64765 2.29
82.5 367.4169 10.3 98.56935 2.68
9
90 379.3655 10.37 80.14982 2.16
1 5

As shown in Table 1.1, the mass of water

increases as the knob opening, which
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FLOW RATE (ROTAMETER)
Calibration Curve for Rotameter
100
80
f(x) = 1.59x + 20.59
60
R = 0.92
Knob opening (rotameter) 40
20
0
20
0 40
Mass Flow Rate
Figure 5. Calibration Curve for Rotameter
Figure 5 shows the calibration curve of the
rotameter. The curve represents the relationship
of the mass flow rate and rotameter reading
which is directly proportional. As shown, it has a
positive slope but is not quite linear which is
unusual to the rotameter. Nevertheless, the
coefficient of determination is close to 1 which
indicates that the graph is at good fit and has
minimal errors.
The position of the plummet is important in
generating a curve. The system must be in
equilibrium wherein the pressure drop thrusts
upward and balances the downward which are
the drag force and apparent weight of the
plummet. With this system, the plummet settled
in a stable position and can be calibrated with
the flow rate. Hence, stabilizing the position of
the plummet must be done initially. Viscosity of
the fluid should also be considered since it can
add force to the float. Addition of forces means
unbalancing the system. It results to unstationary
plummet that greatly affects the flow rate of the
fluid which in this case is water (Balachandran,
2011).
Rotameter has advantages in terms of utilization
and application. One, it can be installed in areas
without power since it only requires the
properties of the fluid and gravity to measure
flow. So, ensuring that the equipment is
explosion proof is not the main concern in
Chemical Engineering Laboratory 1
flammable areas. It can also be installed in
standard fittings to existing piping or through a
panel. Straight runs of pipe as with a magnetic
or turbine flow meter are not problems. Then,
scale of a rotameter is linear which means that
the flow rate can be read with the same degree
of accuracy throughout the full range. Lastly, the
pressure loss is minimal or nearly constant
results in reduced pumping costs.
Major error of this experiment is the linearity of
the calibration curve. Rotameter must have
linear curve, different from the output of this
experiment. One of the possible errors is
inaccuracy in measuring the volume and
mistiming. Also, the equipment used may have
contributed in obtaining errors since it may have
malfunctioned during the performance of the
experiment. The equipment used for this
experiment is an ion exchanger which is under
repair.
CONCLUSION
In this experiment, mass flow rate and knob
opening served as the x- and y-axis of the curve
respectively. The mass flow rate was calculated
by dividing the mass of water into the time
needed. The calibration curve for rotameter
should be linear or should form a straight line.
The output showed a non-straight curve which
indicates that there are errors in performing the
experiment.
Rotameter has advantages and disadvantages.
The advantages are easy installation, simple
construction and minimal or constant pressure
drop resulting in low pressure costs. However,
the disadvantages are it must be installed
vertically, limited capabilities for it must have
been calibrated, sensitivity in pressure and
temperature, and nonvisibility of plummet in
opaque liquids.
REFERENCES
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FLOW RATE (ROTAMETER)

Balachandran, P. (2011). Engineering Fluid 60 329 10.38 94 3.45

Mechanics. New Delhi: PHI Learning Private 67.5 349 10.26 73 2.27
Limited. 75 360 10.12 81 2.29
82.5 369 10.3 99 2.68
Gutierrez, C., & Ngo, R. (2005). Chemical 90 381 10.37 80.5 2.16
Engineering Laboratory Manual.
Mccabe, W., Smith, J., & Harriott, P. (2006). SAMPLE COMPUTATIONS (Trial 1 @ 30
Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering. Knob opening):
McGraw-Hill Asia.
Density : 995.71 g/L @ 29.8 C
Rotameters. (n.d.). Retrieved May 16, 2016,
from Global Water: A Xylem Brand: MASS
http://www.globalw.com/support/rotameter.html
995.71 g
0.042 L x =41.81982 g
Young, Munson, Okiishi, & Huebsch. (2011). A L
Brief Introduction To Fluid Mechanics. John
Wiley and Sons, Inc. MASS FLOW RATE
APPENDIX g
41.81982 g 10.17 s=4.11207
RAW DATA s

Knob Trial 1 (T=29.8C) Trial 2 (T=30C) AVERAGE MASS FLOW RATE

openin V(ml) t(s) V(ml) t(s)
g g g
4.11207 + 4.04814
30 42 10.17 42 10.33 s s g
37.5 96 9.86 89 10.16
=4.080109
2 s
45 180 10.18 73 5.3
52.5 274 10.56 69 3.24

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