What is the difference between orifice plate and RO?
An Orifice Plate and a Restriction Orifice (RO) may seem the same, but they have different jobs in industrial process systems.
The main purpose of the Orifice Plate is to measure flow. When fluid flows through it, the beveled-edged hole in the plate causes a difference in pressure across the plate. We utilize Bernoulli’s principle to figure out the flow rate from this drop in pressure. It is made to keep permanent pressure loss to a minimum and make sure that measurements are accurate in a subsonic velocity range. It is a common feature of a differential pressure flow transmitter setup that measures flow.
A Restriction Orifice, on the other hand, is used to lower pressure or limit flow. It has a straight-bore hole and is usually thicker than a regular orifice plate. The RO, on the other hand, provides a permanent pressure decrease and is commonly made to work when the flow is clogged (sonic). It is not used to measure things; instead, it is employed to safeguard equipment downstream or limit flow to safety systems like flares, blowdown lines, or pressure vessels.
Orifice Plate: Used to measure flow, has a beveled bore, and a subsonic design that doesn’t lose much pressure.
Restriction Orifice (RO): This is a straight bore, sonic/choked flow design that limits pressure and flow and causes a large permanent pressure loss.
Each one is very important, depending on whether the purpose is to get an exact measurement or to stop the flow/pressure from working.