A device for continuously measuring the flow rate of steel melt near surface thereof, comprising a flow rate detecting rod (18) and a deflection means (B) for the flow rate detecting rod, wherein the flow rate detecting rod (18) comprises a refractory material tube at one end and a stainless steel rod at the other end, and the stainless steel rod is fittedly connected with the refractory material tube. Also provided is a method for continuously measuring the flow rate of steel melt near surface thereof.

A method of measuring fluid flow rate is provided. The method comprises positioning a piezoelectric sensor in a fluid flow stream and measuring a voltage output from the piezoelectric sensor caused by mechanical stress from the fluid flow stream. A fluid flow rate is calculated based on the measured voltage output according to predefined relationships between the voltage output and a number physical parameters.

A method of measuring fluid flow rate is provided. The method comprises positioning a piezoelectric sensor in a fluid flow stream and measuring a voltage output from the piezoelectric sensor caused by mechanical stress from the fluid flow stream. A fluid flow rate is calculated based on the measured voltage output according to predefined relationships between the voltage output and a number physical parameters.

A sensor comprising a whisker shaft and a follicle is provided. The shaft has a root end and a tip end and the shaft tapers from the root end to the tip end so that the root end is wider and the tip end is narrower. The root end is pivotably mounted in the follicle.

A pitot system includes a body including an inlet port and a hermetically sealed chamber positioned in the body. The hermetically sealed chamber includes a movable barrier in fluid communication with the inlet port. The pitot system also includes one or more first sensors configured to provide first signals, to a computer, based on deflection of the movable barrier due to impact pressure exerted against the movable barrier by fluid in the body. The first signals correspond to a stagnation pressure of fluid that entered the body via the inlet port.