What does a flow meter measure?

A flow meter is an instrument specifically designed to measure the volume or mass of fluid passing through a conduit over time. This measurement is essential in various applications, including water treatment plants, oil and gas industries, and chemical processing facilities. By quantifying the flow rate, engineers and technicians can monitor system performance, ensure proper operation, and maintain the efficiency of processes.

Accurate flow measurement is crucial for billing purposes in utilities and for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The choice of flow meter technology (like electromagnetic, ultrasonic, or mechanical) depends on the specific application, fluid characteristics, and required accuracy.

Given this understanding, the other options focus on different properties of fluids. Pressure gauges measure the force exerted by the fluid within a system; temperature sensors record the heat of the fluid, and density measurements relate to the mass per unit volume of the fluid. However, none of these directly measure the flow of fluid as a flow meter does, which is why the correct choice is the measurement of volume or mass through a conduit.