Eli5: why does an IV drop into that capsule that’s half full of iv and half air?

Question

Eli5: why does an IV drop into that capsule that’s half full of iv and half air?

In: 1726

Answer 1

The amount of fluid in a “drop” is relatively precise. (Given a known fluid with its known viscosity. When gravity overcomes the tendency of the fluid to stick to itself, it drops.) So, with the addition of a clock, you can get a good measurement of the flow rate, with or without electricity. (And obviously you can tell if the flow rate is 0, pretty darn quick.)