Distribution Piping Network
Stainless Steel Tube-and-Fitting Water Distribution Network
The stainless steel tube-and-fitting water distribution network is a 100-meter, 20-kilogram orbital-welded 316L stainless steel piping assembly that routes purified water to consumers across the Ark. Operating on the Moon imposes specific hydraulic and thermal constraints: the 1/6 g gravitational field requires sloped pipe runs to prevent fluid pocketing, while unconditioned cold zones require protective insulation and trace heating to avoid freezing. Sized at a 12-millimeter nominal diameter, the elastomer-free line incorporates PTFE-sealed quick-disconnect tee-points that allow modular segment replacements and branch additions throughout its 50-year operational lifetime.
316L stainless steel orbital-welded distribution piping connecting purification to consumers across the Ark.
Purpose
316L stainless steel orbital-welded distribution piping connecting purification to consumers across the Ark.
Context
Child of L2-WTR-DIST in L1-WTR water processing chain
Principles
- ▸Orbital-welded 316L SS for cleanliness and corrosion resistance
- ▸Sloped runs prevent water pocketing (1/6 g)
- ▸Insulated routing prevents freezing in cold zones
- ▸Quick-disconnect tee-points for branch additions/replacements
- ▸Hydrostatic pressure testing each segment at assembly
Typical implementations
- ▸ISS potable water distribution piping heritage
- ▸Industrial high-purity water systems (semiconductor)
- ▸Pharmaceutical water-for-injection distribution
Lunar considerations
- ▸Trace heating along long runs in cold zones
- ▸Quick-disconnect for L1-MNT segment replacement
- ▸Long-life elastomer-free design
Specifications
Functional
| primary function | 316L stainless steel orbital-welded distribution piping connecting purification to consumers across the Ark. |
| total length m | 100 |
| nominal dn mm | 12 |
Physical
| mass kg | 20 |
| materials | 316L SS tubing, Orbital weld joints, PTFE seals at QD points |
| vacuum compatibility | True |
Operational
| power consumption w | 0 |
| thermal range c | -40, 70 |
| lifetime years | 50 |
| mtbf hours | 500000 |
Interfaces
Provides
- Water to RFC reservoir
- Water to waste/life-support
Requires
- Pressurized water input
Cite this entry
Lunar Ark Codex. "Distribution Piping Network" (L3-WTR-DIST-PIPE). Retrieved 10 September 2026, from https://lunarark.com/entry/L3-WTR-DIST-PIPE
Licensed CC-BY-SA 4.0. You may reuse and adapt this entry with attribution, under the same licence.