To measure fluid flow with a roto meter, what must a technician do?

To measure fluid flow accurately with a rotameter, it is essential to insert the meter in series with the fluid flow. This placement allows the entire flow of the fluid to pass through the rotameter, enabling accurate measurement of the flow rate. The rotameter operates based on the principle of a float rising and falling within a tapered tube, adjusting to the flow rate of the fluid moving through it. When the rotameter is placed in series, any changes in the flow rate directly impact the float position, providing a clear reading on the scale calibrated on the rotameter.

Other placement options, such as connecting the meter across the device or using a T-fitting, would not allow all the fluid to flow through the rotameter. This could lead to inaccurate readings or insufficient measurement of the actual flow rate. Similarly, inserting the rotameter in parallel with the fluid flow would cause it to measure only a portion of the total flow, undermining its effectiveness and reliability in measuring the full flow rate. Thus, proper installation in series is critical for ensuring accurate and reliable flow measurements.