Which device is specifically used to measure flow rate?

A flow meter is specifically designed to measure the flow rate of liquids or gases within a system. This device provides quantitative data regarding the amount of fluid moving through a pipe over a specified period, making it essential for applications requiring precise flow measurement. Flow meters can take various forms, including positive displacement, electromagnetic, and ultrasonic types, each suited for different fluid properties and flow conditions.

While flow sensors can detect the presence or absence of flow, they typically do not quantify the flow rate itself, which is crucial for numerous industrial processes. Flow switches, on the other hand, are devices that trigger an alarm or a control action when the flow goes beyond or drops below a certain threshold, rather than providing a direct measurement of flow rate. Lastly, flow controllers are responsible for maintaining a desired flow rate by adjusting valves or other control devices based on feedback from flow measurements, but they do not inherently measure flow rates themselves.