What is the most common flow measuring instrument used in the industry?

The orifice plate is widely recognized as the most common flow measuring instrument used in various industries due to its effectiveness and simplicity. It operates on the principle of differential pressure created as fluid flows through a constricted area. This pressure drop can be easily measured and is directly related to the flow rate of the fluid.

Orifice plates are favored because they are relatively inexpensive to manufacture and install, require minimal maintenance, and can be used for both liquids and gases. They are also versatile and can handle a wide range of flow rates, making them suitable for various applications in industries like oil and gas, water treatment, and chemical processing.

In comparison, while rotameters, magnetic flow meters, and ultrasonic flow meters have their specific applications and advantages, they are often more specialized or costly than orifice plates. This contributes to the prevalent use of orifice plates as a standard flow measurement solution across many different sectors.