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Products / Flow / ABB variable area flow indicators
VA Master · FAM540 · FAM3200 · Purgemaster FGM6100

ABB variable area flow indicators

A simple solution for an immediate local flow reading. Mechanical indication requires no power, with low cost and robust construction, but the scale is specific to the fluid and reference conditions.

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ABB FAM540
Metal-cone process meter

VA Master FAM540

Metal-cone meters for demanding industrial applications, including high pressure and temperature. Standard, hygienic and aggressive-fluid versions are available depending on the family.

ABB FAM540ABB FAM541ABB FAM544
DatasheetPDF ENOperating instructionsPDF EN
Purgemaster FGM6100
Variable area · glass tube

Purgemaster FGM6100

ABB glass-tube flowmeters for low flow rates of clean, low-viscosity liquids and gases. Local indication for purge, sampling and auxiliary lines, with stainless steel construction and measuring-tube protection.

ABB FGM6100Vertical mounting

Inline, wall or panel mounting. Select the scale, materials and optional alarms for the fluid and process conditions.

Datasheet A6100/6200PDF ENOperating instructions A6100/6200PDF ENDatasheet 10A6100PDF ENOperating instructions 10A6100PDF EN
Scale and densityA gas scale is not universal. Reference density, pressure and temperature must match the actual fluid conditions.
Mechanical backupA rotameter remains useful alongside an electronic transmitter in many utility applications: the operator can immediately see whether fluid is flowing.

When we recommend it

  • Purge gas and sample conditioning.
  • Cooling water and auxiliary lines.
  • Low liquid and gas flow rates.
  • Local indication without a power supply.
  • Simple redundant indication on skids and panels.

When to assess alternatives

  • Very dirty fluids or solids that could obstruct the float.
  • Processes with widely varying density or composition.
  • Applications requiring wide turndown or high accuracy.
  • Installations with an orientation incompatible with the selected model.
  • Applications requiring native digital or remote measurement without local indicators.
Vertical alignmentFor vertical versions, the body must be truly vertical to prevent float friction.
Stable flowNearby valves and pulsation can cause float oscillation. Some models offer damping.
Gas pressureFor gases, always specify the pressure and temperature for which the scale must be valid.
Valve placementUse the integrated needle valve according to the manufacturer's specified configuration and flow direction.
CleaningDeposits inside the tube or cone change the effective area and make readings unreliable.
AlarmsIf only thresholds are needed, optional contacts can be simpler than adding a second instrument.
Other ABB models we support: D10A32, A6, 10A61, D10A11, FGM1187, FGM1195, FGM1197 and FGM1198. For installed instruments and replacements, we check photographs, nameplates, fluid, scale, pressure, temperature and connections.
ABB documentation · Flow

ABB datasheets and manuals

Download model-specific PDFs with language and revision details. Shared manuals and commissioning instructions are identified in the document cards.

Purgemaster · A6100 / A6200

Documents for the A6100 / A6200 versions covered by ABB Purgemaster documentation. Select according to the nameplate.

DatasheetPDF ENOperating instructionsPDF EN
  • DS/A61/62-EN · Rev. K · 09.2016 · EN
  • IM/A61/62 · Rev. 1 · 03.2012 · EN

Purgemaster · 10A6100

Dedicated 10A6100 datasheet and manual, separate from A6100 / A6200 documents.

DatasheetPDF ENOperating instructionsPDF EN
  • D-FV-10A6100_5 (US) · Rev. 5 · 08.2009 · EN
  • PN24616 · Revision not stated · 01.2001 · EN
ABB documentation · Flow

Datasheets and manuals for earlier series

Original documents for legacy series. Check the full model and version before using a document.

10A3220 / 10A3250 · 10A3200 series

Dedicated legacy manual for 10A3220 / 10A3250. For FAM3200, use the CI/FAM3200 instructions above.

Operating instructionsPDF EN
  • D184B003U33 · Rev. 01 · 01.2001 · EN
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Technical FAQ

Frequently asked questions

When should I choose a variable area meter?

For simple, economical local indication without power, particularly at low gas or liquid flow rates, in purge lines and utilities.

FAM540 or FAM3200?

FAM540 is a robust metal-cone process meter, including for high pressure and temperature. FAM3200 is an armoured purge meter mainly for low flow rates.

Why does the scale change with the gas?

Float position depends on density and viscosity. Pressure and temperature strongly affect gas density, so the scale must refer to the correct conditions.

Must it be mounted vertically?

Many conventional variable area meters require vertical upward flow. Some special versions support other arrangements. Follow the model-specific manual.

Is a power supply required?

Not for the mechanical reading. Some models can add a 4–20 mA output or alarm contacts.

Is it suitable for dirty fluids?

It generally works best with relatively clean fluids. Deposits or particles can restrict the float and compromise the reading.