Flowmeters
Introduction
A flowmeter, flow meter, flow meter or flowmeter is a measuring instrument for measuring the volumetric flow rate of a fluid or for measuring mass flow rate. These devices are usually placed in line with the pipe that carries the fluid.
There are mechanical and electrical versions. An example of an electric flowmeter can be found in flow water heaters that use it to determine the flow that is circulating or in washing machines to fill their tank at different levels.
A hydrometer[1] allows you to measure the flow, speed or force of liquids that are in motion, depending on its graduation and application.
Avoid confusion with the term used in English hydrometer as equivalent to what in Spanish is a densimeter, that is, an instrument used to measure the density of liquids.
Types of flowmeters
Visual mechanics (variable area) (rotameters)
It is an inverted transparent "Cone (geometry)") cone with a plastic ball at its base. The circulating fluid propels the ball upwards, the higher the flow rate, the higher the ball rises. Gravity lowers the ball as the flow stops. The cone has markings that indicate the flow rate.
Generally used to measure gases in places where it is required to know the flow with little precision. We can see an example in hospitals, linked to the key to the oxygen supply.
A modification of this model allows the lung capacity of an injured person to be measured by collecting an exhalation through a lip adapter.
Mill mechanic
They consist of a mill whose blades are transverse&action=edit&redlink=1 "Transversal (geometry) (not yet written)") to the circulation of fluid. The flow rotates the mill whose shaft moves a counter that accumulates readings.
An example of this use is home water meters or old natural gas meters.