『Armored Flow Meter: Metal Tube Variable Area Saturated Steam Rotameters』Related information(flow rotameter|digital flow meter|balo meter|hydraulic flow meter|volumetric meter|positive displacement meter|pitot tube flow meter|displacement meter|cfm meter|variable area flow meter|inline flow meter|differential pressure flow meter|calibrated flow meter|velocity meter|paddle wheel flow meter|oval gear flow meter|anemometer hvac|multiphase flow meter|doppler flow meter|thorpe tube flowmeter|heat flow meter)
Armored Flow Meter: Metal Tube Variable Area Saturated Steam Rotameters
Quick Answer: Silver Automation Instruments supplies armored metal tube variable area rotameters for saturated steam lines from DN15 to DN100. Typical steam flow ranges go from 30 kg/h to 5000 kg/h depending on line pressure. These meters can be ordered with 4-20 mA HART output and optional ATEX Zone 1 construction for refineries, chemical plants, and palm oil mills.
What Is an Armored Metal Tube Rotameter?
An armored flow meter in this category is a variable area meter built with a stainless steel metering tube instead of a glass tube. The float position changes with flow rate and drives a local magnetic indicator. For saturated steam it works well because the metal tube handles pressure and temperature far above glass tube designs.
Most engineers use this type on small to mid size steam lines where an orifice plate is too costly or too complex. A DN25 armored rotameter for steam can take 7 bar pressure at 170 °C without trouble. That covers most plant utility steam around 6 to 10 bar.
Saturated Steam Measurement Details
Saturated steam density changes with pressure. So a flow meter must be sized with the actual operating pressure, not a guess. We see many customers oversize or undersize because they use the boiler nameplate pressure instead of line pressure after the pressure reducing valve.
Here is the thing. If you run a DN50 line at 9 bar and 180 °C, the meter can give a reading in kg/h only if Silver Automation Instruments calibrates the scale for those conditions. Send the actual pressure and temperature. We can build the scale in kg/h or t/h for saturated steam.
Because steam can produce condensate during startup, the float and damping systems need to handle small water slugs. Our armored design includes a stainless float with internal magnets and a dashpot at the guide rod. In practice this prevents pointer flutter on most steam systems.
Key Specifications for Steam Rotameters
Typical material is SS316 for the tube and SS316 or PTFE for internal parts. The indicator housing is die cast aluminum with epoxy coating. Accuracy is ±1.6% of full scale for steam flow. Process connections follow ANSI 150 or DIN PN40 flanges.
Common options include 4-20 mA HART output, dual limit switches, and ATEX Zone 1 for explosive gas or solvent areas. Most steam meters do not need PT100 temperature compensation for saturated steam if pressure is fixed. But if you run varying pressure from 4 to 12 bar, add a pressure transmitter and let the control system compensate density.
We have built meters for a paint manufacturer in Southeast Asia with steam at 6 bar and a DN32 line. That customer needed a local scale plus 4-20 mA output to a PLC. Last year a customer in Vietnam asked us for a DN80 saturated steam rotameter for a rubber processing line. The operating point was 1200 kg/h at 8 bar. The meter shipped with a calibration sheet and a stainless tag plate.
Model Selection Data You Need to Send
To quote accurately, send these values to Silver Automation Instruments. Pipe size in DN. Steam pressure in bar. Steam temperature in °C. Required flow range in kg/h or t/h. Process connection type and flange rating. Output signal if you need 4-20 mA HART or limit switches.
Most engineers skip the part about condensate load during warm up. If
Installation Notes
Install the meter vertically with flow upward. Keep upstream and downstream straight run as per supplier drawings. For steam service, put a water separator or strainer upstream to protect the float. Do not insulate the indicator housing. Pipe vibration must be below common limits. If vibration is high, use a remote display or a reinforced support bracket.
A marine service company in Singapore once installed a DN40 steam rotameter on a ship auxiliary boiler line. They placed the meter after an uninsulated pipe run, and condensation caused unstable readings. After they added a steam trap and moved the meter closer to the boiler, the reading settled. We have seen this on customer sites many times.
Pricing and Lead Time
Price depends on DN size, pressure rating, and transmitter option. Standard DN15 to DN50 steam rotameters with local indicators are kept in stock for 10 bar and 200 °C service. Larger sizes like DN80 and DN100 ship in 15 to 25 days after order. ATEX Zone 1 versions add about 7 working days.
Because we are the factory, you get direct pricing and a calibration report. We test every meter against a reference flow bench before boxing. The test data includes scale points at 25 percent, 50 percent, 75 percent, and 100 percent of flow.
FAQ
What flow range can a DN25 metal tube rotameter handle for saturated steam at 10 bar?
A DN25 meter can handle roughly 30 to 300 kg/h at 10 bar, depending on float material and pressure loss limits. For exact ranges send your minimum and maximum steam load.
Can the meter handle steam pressure above 20 bar?
Yes. We build armored rotameters for pressures up to 40 bar. The tube and flange rating change to PN40 or higher. Tell us the pressure so we select wall thickness and float stops.
Do I need a temperature transmitter with the rotameter?
For saturated steam at steady pressure, no. The density is set by pressure. For variable pressure, add a pressure transmitter and compensate in the PLC. A PT100 can help if steam quality varies but it is not a direct density signal.
Is the local display readable in wet steam areas?
Yes. The magnetic pointer is sealed inside the aluminum housing. Condensate on the outside does not enter the indicator. We add a vent plug for humid environments if requested.
What is the typical lead time for a DN50 armored steam rotameter?
For standard 10 bar service, DN50 with local indicator usually ships in 5 to 10 working days. With 4-20 mA HART or ATEX Zone 1 add 7 working days. Large quantities may take 15 to 20 days.
Contact Silver Automation Instruments for a Steam Rotameter Quote
Send your pressure in bar, temperature in °C, pipe size in DN, and flow range to Silver Automation Instruments. You can reach us by phone or WhatsApp.
Tel: +86-135-1213-1526
WhatsApp: 86-135-12131526
WeChat: +86 13512131526
Website: flow-meter.com.au
In practice, a short WhatsApp message with your steam pressure, pipe size, and flow range gets a quote within one working day. We also support Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, and English documents for import and site engineers.
Hot News
Related AD
