What is the purpose of a filter in a pneumatic system?

A filter in a pneumatic system serves the critical role of removing contaminants from the compressed air supply. Contaminants, such as dust, dirt, moisture, and oil particles, can significantly impair the performance and longevity of the pneumatic components. By ensuring that the air fed into the system is clean and free of such impurities, the filter helps to maintain the efficiency and reliability of various components, including valves, actuators, and cylinders. This is particularly important because contaminated air can lead to malfunctioning equipment, reduced operational efficiency, and increased maintenance costs, ultimately affecting the overall performance of pneumatic systems.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary function of a filter in this context. While increasing air pressure, maintaining temperature, and regulating fluid flow rates are essential functions in pneumatic systems, they are typically managed by other components such as compressors, pressure regulators, and heaters.