Abstract: A variable area flow meter (10) for monitoring the rate of flow of a cooling and lubricating fluid medium about a pump seal, having a transparent flow tube (27) through which the fluid flows. An indicating and cleaning assembly (40) is mounted within the flow tube (27) and supports a spring by its float (56) that is movable back and forth along the length of the flow tube (27). A cleaning member (51) is affixed to the distal end (48) of a longitudinally extending shaft (46) of the indicating and cleaning assembly (40) and is tight frictional contact with the inner wall (28) of the flow tube (27). The float (56) and cleaning member (51) engage and scrape the inner side wall (28) of the flow tube (27) during a cleaning operation to remove any accumulated dirt and debris from the inner side wall (28) of the flow tube (27).

Abstract: A variable area flowmeter (10) for monitoring the rate of flow of a cooling and lubricating medium about a pump seal, having a transparent flow tube (27) through which the flow passes. An adjustable metering member (38) is mounted within the flow tube (27) and supports a spring biased float (46) which is movable back and forth along the length of the flow tube (27). A cleaning ring (52) is affixed to the closed end (50) of the float (46) and is in tight frictional contact with the inner wall (29) of the flow tube (27). The cleaning ring (52) scrapes the inner wall (29) of the flow tube (27) to remove any accumulated dirt and debris from the inner wall (29) of the flow tube (27).