Measuring fluid flow using precision fitted rotors is characteristic of which flow meter type?

Precision fitted rotors are integral to the operation of positive displacement flow meters. These flow meters measure the flow of fluid by using rotors or gears that are designed to trap a specific volume of fluid and then move it through the meter. As the fluid flows, the rotors turn, and the amount of fluid that passes through is precisely counted based on the number of rotations of the rotors.

The accuracy of this measurement comes from the tight fit of the rotors, which helps ensure that each rotation corresponds to a consistent volume of fluid passed. This makes positive displacement flow meters particularly suitable for applications requiring precise measurement of flow rates in various fluids, including those that may be viscous or have varying densities.

In contrast, the other types of flow meters do not rely on the precision fitting of rotors for their measurement principles. Coriolis flow meters measure mass flow based on the change in vibration frequency of a conduit. Ultrasonic flow meters utilize the propagation of sound waves in the fluid to measure flow rates. Mass flow meters measure the mass of the fluid rather than its volume, often using mechanisms based on differential pressure or Coriolis principles. Each of these types has distinct operating principles that do not involve the rotor-based mechanism fundamental to positive displacement flow