What is the primary difference between a flow meter and a pressure gauge?

The primary difference between a flow meter and a pressure gauge lies in their specific functions related to fluid dynamics. A flow meter is designed to measure the flow rate of a fluid, which can be expressed in terms of volume (like gallons per minute) or mass (such as kilograms per hour). This measurement provides essential data on how much fluid is moving through a system over a given period, which is crucial for process control and monitoring in various applications.

In contrast, a pressure gauge is specifically used to measure the pressure within a system. This could be related to gases or liquids and is expressed in units such as pounds per square inch (PSI) or pascals (Pa). The pressure readings enable operators to ensure that the system is operating within safe and efficient parameters, as pressure levels can affect the behavior and performance of fluids.

Recognizing that their functions differ fundamentally highlights the importance of both instruments in various industrial and engineering contexts, where flow measurement is vital for volume calculations, and pressure measurement is critical for ensuring system integrity and safety.