L3-DST-CLEAN-GAS
ESSENTIAL
ENVIRONMENTAL
Level 3 · hardware
Compressed Gas Cleaning
Compressed CO2/N2 Blow-Off Dust Removal
Compressed CO2 or N2 blow-off system providing rapid surface dust removal for time-critical operations (e.g., before optical alignment or thermal-sensitive procedures).
Purpose
Compressed CO2 or N2 blow-off system providing rapid surface dust removal for time-critical operations (e.g., before optical alignment or thermal-sensitive procedures).
Context
Child of L2-DST-CLEAN within the Lunar Ark system
Principles
- ▸CO2 or N2 from L3-ISR-VOL-STORE pressurised reserves
- ▸Nozzle array dispenses high-velocity jets
- ▸Cyclonic capture of expelled dust
- ▸Compatible with sensitive optical surfaces
- ▸Limited use — gas consumption noticeable
Typical implementations
- ▸Industrial compressed-air cleaning
- ▸Spacecraft test/AIT facility cleanout
- ▸Optical lab cleaning
Lunar considerations
- ▸Closed-loop gas recovery essential (no resupply)
- ▸Coordinated with L1-WMS for gas inventory
- ▸Limited duty cycle to conserve gas
Specifications
Functional
| primary function | Compressed CO2 or N2 blow-off system providing rapid surface dust removal for time-critical operations (e.g., before optical alignment or thermal-sensitive procedures). |
| jet pressure bar | 5 |
| gas consumption g per use | 50 |
Physical
| mass kg | 5 |
| materials | Stainless gas nozzle array, Cyclonic dust separator |
| vacuum compatibility | True |
Operational
| power consumption w | 10 |
| thermal range c | -40, 70 |
| lifetime years | 20 |
| mtbf hours | 50000 |
Interfaces
Provides
- Dust removal from optical/RF surfaces
- Sensor cleanout
Requires
- CO2/N2 gas supply
- Valves and capture (~10 W)
Cite this entry
Lunar Ark Codex. "Compressed Gas Cleaning" (L3-DST-CLEAN-GAS). Retrieved 10 September 2026, from https://lunarark.com/entry/L3-DST-CLEAN-GAS
Licensed CC-BY-SA 4.0. You may reuse and adapt this entry with attribution, under the same licence.