A primary flow element is the element of a flow meter that serves to indicate

the quantity or velocity of flow.

For example, in the case of an orifice flow meter, the differential pressure across the orifice plate is
the primary flow element. A turbine meter is equipped with a magnetic pickup that senses the
proximity of the turbine blades as the fluid motion causes the turbine to spin; this pickup is the
primary flow element for a turbine meter. Diaphragm meters and other positive displacement meters
are equipped with a crank shaft, the rotation of which acts as the primary flow element.