A rotameter is a device that measures the flow rate of fluid in a closed tube. It belongs to a class of meters called variable area meters, which measure flow rate by allowing the cross-sectional area the fluid travels through, to vary, causing a measurable effect. A rotameter consists of a tapered tube, typically made of glass with a 'float', made either of anodized aluminum or a ceramic, actually a shaped weight, inside that is pushed up by the drag force of the flow and pulled down by gravity. A rotameter requires no external power or fuel, it uses only the inherent properties of the fluid, along with gravity, to measure flow rate.