What does over-contamination of the air supply in a pneumatic system indicate?

Over-contamination of the air supply in a pneumatic system points to multiple underlying issues that can lead to decreased system efficiency and potential damage to the components.

When the air supply is over-contaminated, it typically suggests that the system is not adequately filtering out particulates and contaminants from the air. This can happen if there is no filter installed in the first place, allowing all air contaminants to enter the system unimpeded. Additionally, if the filter has been bypassed, either by design or through malfunction, contaminants would again flow unrestricted into the system. Furthermore, if the filter element size is incorrect—either too large or too small for the specific application—it can fail to capture the appropriate range of contaminants, leading to over-contamination.

Because each of these scenarios can independently contribute to poor air quality in the pneumatic system, the correct answer reflects that any of these conditions—or a combination thereof—can indicate over-contamination. Thus, it is crucial to maintain proper filtration and ensure that the filters in use are suitable for the specific application to prevent contamination issues effectively.