How would a technician verify if a filter is clogged?

To verify if a filter is clogged, checking the pressure drop across the filter is a reliable method. When a filter becomes clogged, it restricts the flow of air or fluid through the system, resulting in a noticeable increase in pressure on the side of the filter where the incoming fluid enters. By measuring the pressure before and after the filter, a technician can determine if there is a significant drop in pressure across the filter. A large pressure drop indicates that the filter is likely clogged and is not allowing adequate flow, which can adversely affect the performance of the entire pneumatic system.

Visual inspection of debris, while potentially useful, may not reveal the extent of blockage, especially if debris has compacted inside the filter, or it might not show the more subtle effects of partial clogging. Replacing the filter does not confirm whether it was actually clogged or if the system was performing poorly due to other reasons. Monitoring system performance can provide insights into operational issues but does not directly measure the condition of the filter itself. Measuring the pressure drop provides a quantitative assessment that directly relates to the filter's operational effectiveness.