The ABB FGM1190 is a glass tube variable area flowmeter that uses a float inside a borosilicate glass measuring tube to indicate flowrate. Three ribs running parallel to the tube axis guide and center the float across the measuring range, helping provide consistent and reproducible readings.
The flowmeter is intended for clean, low-viscosity liquids and gases and is installed vertically in line. Its transparent glass tube provides direct visual observation of the float position and flowrate, making it useful where a simple, easily readable mechanical flow indication is preferred.
Key Features
• Glass tube design for direct visual flow indication
• High reproducibility through a centered float design
• Wide selection of float weights and measuring tubes
• Water flow ranges from 0.002 to 17600 l/h, depending on configuration
• Typical 10:1 flow turndown
• Borosilicate glass measuring tube
• Multiple float materials including stainless steel, glass, sapphire, PVC, tantalum, Hastelloy, aluminum and PTFE
• Threaded, flanged and hygienic connection options
• Easy range change and cleaning without removing the flowmeter from the line
• Up to two inert gas switch alarms
• No external power supply required for basic mechanical flow indication
Measuring Principle
The FGM1190 operates according to the variable area flow principle. As fluid flows upward through the tapered measuring tube, the float moves to a position where the upward force generated by the flow balances the float's weight. The float position corresponds to the flowrate and can be read directly against the linear scale.
The three guide ribs help keep the float centered inside the glass tube, contributing to the high reproducibility specified by ABB.
Measuring Range
The available measuring range depends on the selected measuring tube diameter, float type and float weight.
For water, ABB specifies an overall flow range of 0.002 to 17600 l/h, with a typical turndown of 10:1. The nominal scale lengths are 100, 130 or 250 mm.
For gases and other liquids, the actual measuring range must be selected according to the medium properties and the exact FGM1190 configuration.
Operating Conditions
Depending on configuration, the FGM1190 supports:
• Operating pressure: up to 18 bar
• Operating temperature: up to 180 °C
• Accuracy: Class 1.6 to Class 6, depending on tube diameter and float type
• Mounting: vertical, in-line
• Measuring tube: borosilicate glass
The actual permissible pressure, temperature and accuracy should be confirmed against the selected tube, float, connection and process conditions before ordering.
Product Designs
FGM1190-87
The FGM1190-87 uses a threaded pipe connection according to DIN 2950 and is suitable for conventional industrial piping applications.
FGM1190-97
The FGM1190-97 provides a vertical internal thread connection or threaded connector according to DIN 11851 and DIN 405 Part 1, making this version suitable for food and beverage applications requiring hygienic connection arrangements.
FGM1190-98
The FGM1190-98 uses flange connections according to DIN and ASME and can be considered where flanged installation is required.
Process Connections
Depending on the selected design, the FGM1190 is available with:
• Threaded connections from 1/4 in. to 2 in.
• Flanged connections from DN10 to DN50
• Hygienic connections from SC15 to SC50 according to DIN 11851
• Vertical in-line installation
Materials
The standard measuring tube is made from borosilicate glass.
Float materials can be selected according to the application and medium, including stainless steel, glass, sapphire, Carboloy, PVC, tantalum, Hastelloy, aluminum and PTFE. Fitting materials include stainless steel, PVC and PVDF.
This material flexibility is particularly useful when the measured medium or process conditions require specific wetted-material compatibility.
Alarm Options
The FGM1190 can be equipped with up to two inert gas switches for flow monitoring and alarm functions.
This allows the flowmeter to provide a simple local indication together with basic flow limit monitoring where required.
Suitable Applications
Water Treatment
Suitable for monitoring clean water and other low-viscosity liquids in water treatment systems where direct local flow indication is useful.
Food and Beverage
The FGM1190-97 provides hygienic connection options according to DIN 11851 and DIN 405 Part 1, supporting selected food and beverage flow measurement applications.
Chemical Processing
Different wetted materials allow the FGM1190 to be configured for applications where material compatibility with the measured fluid is important. ABB specifically lists chemical applications for the FGM1190.
System Manufacturing
Its simple mechanical design and direct visual indication make the FGM1190 suitable for packaged systems and equipment where a local flow indication is required.
Selection Notes
When selecting an ABB FGM1190, confirm the following information:
• Measured medium
• Liquid or gas service
• Normal and maximum flowrate
• Required measuring range
• Medium density and viscosity
• Operating pressure
• Operating temperature
• Required connection standard and size
• Required float and wetted materials
• Required accuracy
• Whether alarm switches are required
Because the FGM1190 uses different measuring tubes and floats to cover different flow ranges, the exact configuration should be selected according to the actual process conditions rather than choosing the flowmeter from nominal pipe size alone.
FAQ
What type of flowmeter is the ABB FGM1190?
The FGM1190 is a glass tube variable area flowmeter, also commonly referred to as a glass tube rotameter or float flowmeter.
What media can the FGM1190 measure?
ABB specifies the FGM1190 for clean, low-viscosity liquids and gases.
Does the FGM1190 require an external power supply?
The basic mechanical flow indication does not require external power. Optional inert gas switches can be added for alarm functions.
What is the maximum flow range?
For water, ABB lists an overall range of 0.002 to 17600 l/h, depending on the selected measuring tube and float configuration.
What is the maximum operating pressure?
The official ABB specification lists operating pressure up to 18 bar, depending on configuration.
What is the maximum operating temperature?
ABB specifies operating temperatures up to 180 °C, subject to the selected configuration.
Can the FGM1190 be used in food and beverage applications?
Yes. The FGM1190-97 is available with hygienic connection options according to DIN 11851 and DIN 405 Part 1 for food and beverage applications.
How is the FGM1190 different from the ABB FAM3200?
The FGM1190 uses a transparent glass measuring tube for direct visual flow indication and is intended for clean, low-viscosity liquids and gases. The FAM3200 is an armored variable area purgemeter designed for small gas and liquid flows.
