Why would you use an orifice plate for flow measurement instead of a venturi meter?

An orifice plate might be chosen over a venturi meter for flow measurement primarily due to its lower cost and simpler installation, despite the venturi meter's advantages in terms of lower pressure loss and higher accuracy. Orifice plates are significantly cheaper to purchase and install than venturi meters. Their simple design means less material and easier manufacturing, translating to lower initial costs. Orifice plates are also easier to install because they are typically thinner and require less space in the pipeline than venturi meters. This makes them suitable for installations where space is limited. While venturi meters offer lower permanent pressure loss, which is an important consideration for energy efficiency, in situations where energy costs are not the primary concern, the higher pressure loss of an orifice plate might be acceptable. Orifice plates are also more readily available in a wider range of sizes and materials, making them suitable for diverse applications and fluid types. Although venturi meters provide higher accuracy, if only approximate flow measurement is required, the orifice plate provides a cost-effective solution. Maintenance can also be simpler for orifice plates, as there are no moving parts and they are less prone to clogging compared to some other flow measurement devices. Therefore, the decision to use an orifice plate over a venturi meter often balances the trade-offs between cost, installation complexity, accuracy, and energy efficiency, with the orifice plate being favored when cost and simplicity are paramount.