What type of device measures flow rate in a pipe?

A flowmeter is a specific type of device designed to measure the flow rate of liquids or gases in a pipe. It functions by determining how much fluid passes through a designated point in the system over a specified period, typically expressed in units such as liters per second or gallons per minute. Flowmeters can operate on various principles, such as differential pressure, electromagnetic, or ultrasonic methods, each suitable for different applications and types of fluids.

The importance of a flowmeter in process control and monitoring cannot be overstated, as accurate measurements are essential for ensuring efficient operation, safety, and compliance with regulations. They provide real-time data that can be crucial for controlling other system elements or for logging performance metrics.

While transducers are devices that convert one form of energy into another (and sometimes include flowmeter functions), they are more generalized and not exclusively focused on measuring flow rate. Gauges are typically used to show specific pressure, temperature, or other measurements, but they do not measure flow rate directly. Controllers, on the other hand, manage and regulate process variables like flow rate but do not inherently measure flow themselves. Thus, the flowmeter stands out as the most appropriate choice for directly measuring flow rate in a pipe.