Which type of flow meter is used for determining flow rates based on pressure differential?

The Venturi meter is designed to measure flow rates by utilizing the principle of pressure differential. It consists of a converging section, a throat, and a diverging section. As the fluid flows through the meter, the cross-sectional area narrows in the throat, causing an increase in fluid velocity and a corresponding decrease in pressure. According to Bernoulli's principle, this pressure drop can be measured and is directly related to the flow rate of the fluid.

The measurement is typically obtained using pressure taps placed before and after the throat, which allows for the calculation of the flow rate by applying the continuity equation and energy principles. This method is effective for a variety of fluids and offers reliable measurements in many applications, making the Venturi meter a standard choice for flow rate measurement based on pressure differential.

In contrast, other types of flow meters operate on different principles; for instance, electromagnetic meters rely on the movement of conductive fluids through a magnetic field, while positive displacement meters measure flow by trapping a specific volume of fluid and counting the number of cycles. Ultrasonic meters determine flow using the transit time of sound waves and do not measure pressure differences. Each type has its own specific applications and advantages, but for measuring flow rates using pressure differentials, the