On a micro-screen in process monitoring, what is the first thing you would check?

• A. Flow rate
• B. Screen color
• C. Mesh size
• D. Head loss

Answer: (D)

Head loss across the micro-screen is the first thing to check because it directly shows how much the screen is restricting flow. As solids accumulate on the screen, the pressure drop increases; measuring this differential pressure quickly indicates fouling or clogging and tells you whether cleaning or backwashing is needed to prevent flow loss or pump issues. If the head loss is within the expected range, the screen is functioning properly; if it’s too high, maintenance is required. Screen color and mesh size aren’t immediate indicators of current performance—the mesh size is fixed by design, and color doesn’t reliably reflect fouling. Flow rate is important, but it doesn’t on its own reveal the screen’s condition or when intervention is needed.