Which of the following factors does NOT affect mechanical filter selection?

Mechanical filter selection is influenced by various factors that determine how effectively a filter performs and fits within a given system. Among these factors, efficiency refers to how well the filter can remove particular contaminants from the air or fluid, while pressure drop indicates the resistance the filter creates against the flow of air or fluid, impacting system performance. Capacity relates to the amount of material the filter can hold before needing replacement, ensuring that it operates efficiently for a sustained period.

Temperature variation, while important in other contexts such as material selection or performance in extreme conditions, does not typically impact the fundamental characteristics of mechanical filter selection in the same way efficiency, pressure drop, and capacity do. Mechanical filters are designed for specific operating conditions, and their effectiveness is largely based on the aforementioned factors rather than variations in temperature, making temperature variation the factor that does not play a significant role in the selection process. This distinction helps clarify the critical elements necessary for evaluating mechanical filters properly.