Which component is described as a thin metal plate with an orifice?

The correct answer refers to an orifice plate, which is indeed a thin metal plate that has a precisely-sized hole, or orifice, cut into it. Orifice plates are used primarily in fluid systems to measure flow rates, control flow, or as a part of safety systems. The flow of fluid through the orifice creates a differential pressure that can be measured and used to determine the velocity and flow rate of the fluid.

The design of an orifice plate allows for high accuracy and repeatability in flow measurement, making it an essential component in various industrial applications. The plate is typically installed between two flanges in a pipe and is tightly sealed to prevent leaks, which supports effective monitoring and control of the processes involved.

In contrast, a Venturi plate is a specific type of device that creates a pressure difference using the Venturi effect but is more complicated than a simple orifice plate. A filter plate serves a different purpose entirely, focusing on filtering particles from fluids rather than measuring flow. Lastly, a fan plate is associated with airflow dynamics in fan systems, which does not relate to the function or nature of an orifice plate.