Which device is commonly used to measure flow?

The correct answer, the Venturi tube, is commonly used to measure flow due to its design and operating principles. A Venturi tube works on the principle of fluid dynamics, specifically Bernoulli's principle, which states that an increase in the speed of a fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure. The tube has a tapered section that causes the fluid to speed up as it passes through, resulting in a pressure drop. By measuring this pressure difference between points before and at the narrowest section of the tube, the flow rate can be determined accurately.

Various devices can measure flow, but the Venturi tube is noteworthy for its simplicity, reliability, and no moving parts, which reduces maintenance needs. It is often used in various applications, including water treatment, chemical processing, and HVAC systems.

The other options, while also instruments that can measure flow, have different characteristics and use cases. A flowmeter is a broad term that refers to any device designed to measure flow rate, and encompasses many types, including Venturi tubes. A rotameter uses a float in a tapered tube to measure flow visually and is suitable for low-pressure applications, but it may not be as accurate at high flow rates. An orifice plate is another flow measuring device