What is the primary function of a Venturi tube?

The primary function of a Venturi tube is to create a flow restriction by gradually reducing the pipe size. This design utilizes the principle of fluid dynamics known as the Venturi effect, where a fluid's velocity increases as it passes through a constricted section of the tube, resulting in a decrease in pressure.

As the fluid enters the narrower section of the Venturi tube, its speed increases, while the pressure drops due to the conservation of energy in fluid flow. This pressure drop can be measured to determine various flow characteristics, making the Venturi tube useful for applications in fluid measurement systems. The specific design and principle allow for accurate measurement of flow rates in various applications, including water supply systems and industrial processes.

This mechanism separates the functions of fluid measurement from creating heat or purifying fluids, which are not inherent to the structure or intended use of a Venturi tube.