Flow measurement is accomplished by a variety of means, depending on the quantities, flow rates, and types of fluids involved. Many industrial process flow measurements consist of a combination of two devices: a primary device that is placed in close contact with the fluid and generates a signal, and a secondary device that translates this signal into a motion or a secondary signal for indicating, recording, controlling, or totalising the flow. Other devices indicate or totalise the flow directly through the interaction of the flowing fluid and the measuring device that is placed directly or indirectly in contact with the fluid stream.
