What is an Orifice ? How are orifices classified ?

An orifice is a small opening through which a fluid is made to flow.  Orifices are used to measure the rate of flow or to restrict the flow in a pipe or a vessel.  In vessels, orifices can be provided in the side or in the base.

Orifice Plate

An orifice plate is a plate with a hole in the centre of a specific diameter.  Orifice plates can be introduced in pipelines to reduce the flow or for measurement.

Classification or orifices.

Orifices can be classified on certain criteria.

On the basis of shape

Triangular orifices
Circular orifices
Rectangular orifices

According to the nature of discharge

Fully submerged orifices
Partially submerged orifices