What is a notable characteristic of orifice flow meters?

Orifice flow meters are characterized by their significant head loss due to the nature of how they operate. The design of an orifice plate creates a disruption in the flow, resulting in a pressure drop as the fluid is forced through a smaller opening. This causes turbulence and energy loss, contributing to the large head loss that this type of flow meter experiences.

In contrast, the other characteristics listed do not align with the fundamental principles and performance of orifice flow meters. While they can provide reasonable accuracy at certain flow conditions, they are not known for maintaining high accuracy across various flow rates. Additionally, orifice flow meters are typically more complex to install and maintain compared to other more straightforward flow measurement devices. Thus, understanding the limitation of significant head loss is crucial when considering the application of orifice flow meters in various environments.