Abstract: The specification discloses a method and apparatus for calibrating liquid flow meters of all types. The system includes a scale for dynamically determining the weight of a liquid flowing through a flow meter, together with means for measuring the flow through the flow meter being tested. In the case of a glass tube flow meter, a float detection system is used, whereby the operator will set the flow through the flow meter to a desired point, use the float detection system to make certain the float stays in a fixed position during the test, as well as to locate the float from a reference point, and use the system to measure the flow through the flow meter during a fixed period of time, thereby obtaining a reading, in engineering units, for each predetermined position of the float.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method and apparatus for detecting the position of the float in a glass tube flow meter, and determining the distance of said float from a reference line on the glass tube flow meter which is being calibrated. The blockage of an infrared light beam being sent from a transmitter to dual photo receivers, coupled to an optical conditioner circuit, provides an indication of whether float is high, low or in-band in relationship to the desired position, while a float follower, which is movable along the length of the flow tube by a stepper motor which is connected to a pulse encoder, provides through an optical conditioner circuit, an indication of the float position with regard to the reference line on the glass tube. The circuitry also provides for the automatic tracking of the float as its position is changed by the operator.