A differential pressure fluid flow meter element for insertion between the connecting flanges of conduit sections of a fluid carrying conduit includes a flat orifice plate having a fluid contacting region for positioning in a flow of fluid through the conduit and a handle extending outward from an outer portion of the fluid contacting region. The flat orifice plate includes at least one pressure port formed in the fluid contacting region of the plate, and at least one impulse line channel formed in the flat orifice plate and extending from one of the at least one pressure port through the handle to a corresponding transmitter interface port. A plurality of apertures formed in the handle and disposed and arranged relative to the at least one transmitter interface port allow mounting of the process variable transmitter directly to the paddle style orifice plate handle, with the transmitter substantially perpendicular to a plane of the handle.