This document defines terms and symbols and establishes the general principles for methods of measurement and computation of the flow rate of fluid flowing in a conduit by means of pressure differential devices (orifice plates, nozzles, Venturi tubes, cone meters, and wedge meters) when they are inserted into a circular cross-section conduit running full. This document also specifies the general requirements for methods of measurement, installation and determination of the uncertainty of the measurement of flow rate.

ISO 5167 (all parts) is applicable only to flow that remains subsonic throughout the measuring section and where the fluid can be considered as single-phase. It is not applicable to the measurement of pulsating flow.