ABB Rotameters Quality and Performance a Legacy of Fischer and Porter Roots

The Fischer & Porter Company, founded in 1937, was a well-known and respected manufacturer of
process instrumentation. The Fischer and Porter brand has long been associated with an industry-leading range of flow measurement products. The legacy is strong though, and despite the F&P brand being shelved, their rotameter (variable area flowmeter) line is still referred to by some old-timers as "Fischer and Porter Rotameters" or "F&P Rotameters".

In 1994, Fischer & Porter was acquired by Elsag Bailey Process Automation as a strategic union to blend Elsag Bailey's expertise in distributed systems with Fischer & Porter's expertise in process instrumentation. In 1999 ABB acquired Elsag Bailey and moved the F&P products in to a larger portfolio of ABB process instrumentation and the Fischer and Porter line of rotameters became known as ABB rotameters.

Today, Fischer & Porter products are fully integrated into the ABB portfolio of process instrumentation products which include variable area flowmeters (rotameters), magnetic flow meters, vortex shedding meters, and mass flow meters.

In 1947 Thompson Equipment (TECO) was the first firm ever appointed to represent and sell the Fischer & Porter Rotameter line.  TECO proudly continues that relationship today and specifies, services, and sells ABB Rotameters nationwide.  TECO also maintains a large inventory ready for same-day shipment. For more information, visit https://teco-inc.com/ABB or call 800-528-8997 for immediate service.

Basics of Variable Area Flowmeters

Rotameter (ABB)

Flowmeters are a class of devices or instruments used to measure rate of fluid flow. Flow measurement stands as a vital input to many process operations across almost every industry. Applications can range from precise measurement of very small gas flows to oil or water flows through large diameter piping systems. There are a number of technologies employed for measuring fluid flow, each with attributes of design, performance, or cost that can make them an advantageous choice for a particular application.

Variable-area flowmeters are designed to measure flow using a precisely fabricated obstruction in the flow path that is repositioned in a tapered flow tube by changes in fluid flow.

Rotameter (ABB) 

A rotameter is a flow indicator consisting of a tapered tube containing a plummet. The plummet is generally a solid object and sometimes referred to as a float. Rotameters rely on gravity as part of their operating principle, so the instrument must be installed such that the inlet is at the bottom and fluid flows directly upward through the tapered tube. As fluid flows through the tube, a pressure differential develops across the plummet. This creates an upward force on the plummet, moving the plummet in the direction of the flow. The flow area around the plummet increases as it moves from the narrow portion of the flow tube to a wider portion up the measurement scale. As the available flow space around the plummet increases, the upward force on it decreases. Eventually, the equalization between the pressure force and the weight of the plummet occurs and the float stops moving. The flow rate is indicated by the plummet's position relative to a pre-calibrated scale printed along the length of the tube. The same type of system can be used to measure liquid or gas flow, with the rotameter being specifically calibrated for the fluid to be measured. It is common to employ a rotameter with an integral needle valve as a metering device for delivering a precise fixed flow of a fluid into a process.

These devices are generally inexpensive and easy to apply. Key application considerations include a vertical installation orientation, matching the rotameter to the fluid, and providing physical access to read the indicated flow.

Industries use rotameters primarily as indicating devices. Rotameters enjoy a wide range of applications throughout research and manufacturing processes. Share your flow measurement challenges with instrumentation specialists, combining your own process knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop effective solutions.

ABB Rotameters

ABB rotameter

Rotameters, also known as variable area flowmeters, are designed to measure the flow of liquids or gases via a tapered tube and float system. They are accurate, reliable and simple to install and maintain. The biggest benefit is their low cost, which has made them a popular choice for many flow applications since Fischer & Porter introduced the first mass-produced glass tube flowmeter in 1937. TECO was the first firm to represent and sell the Fischer & Porter Rotameter Line, dating back to March, 1947.

The following brochure is designed to help you select the right ABB rotameter for your application. You can read it below, or download your own copy of the ABB Rotameter brochure from this link. If you have questions or are ready for a quote, simply contact TECO at 800-528-8997 or visit teco-inc.com/ABB.

ABB Fischer Porter Rotameter Brochure from Thompson Equipment Company