Pre-Filter Coarse Particulate
Cartridge Filter 5 um for Regolith Carry-Over
The coarse particulate pre-filter is a 2 kg cartridge filter with a 5 µm absolute rating designed to capture regolith carry-over and protect downstream reverse osmosis membranes from particulate fouling in lunar water melt systems. Operating at flow rates up to 5 L/min with zero power consumption, the unit utilizes pleated polypropylene or sintered 316L mesh media secured with PTFE seals. Lunar vacuum conditions require specialized bonding without organic glues to ensure cartridge longevity. Differential-pressure monitoring tracks particulate fouling, while integrated bypass valves enable cartridge replacement every 6 to 12 months without process shutdown.
Coarse 5 um cartridge filter protecting downstream RO membranes from particulate fouling.
Purpose
Coarse 5 um cartridge filter protecting downstream RO membranes from particulate fouling.
Context
Child of L2-WTR-MELT in L1-WTR water processing chain
Principles
- ▸Pleated PP or sintered-metal media at 5 um absolute rating
- ▸Differential-pressure monitoring indicates fouling state
- ▸Cartridge geometry maximises surface area
- ▸Bypass valve enables filter change without process shutdown
- ▸Quick-disconnect for robotic replacement
Typical implementations
- ▸Industrial water pre-filters (Pall, Parker, Millipore)
- ▸ISS WPA particulate filter heritage
- ▸NASA Glenn LADI filtration testbeds
Lunar considerations
- ▸Long-life cartridge with vacuum-compatible bonding (no organic glues)
- ▸Replacement via L1-MNT every 6-12 months
- ▸Sintered-metal alternative for very long-life applications
Specifications
Functional
| primary function | Coarse 5 um cartridge filter protecting downstream RO membranes from particulate fouling. |
| filtration um | 5 |
| max flow lpm | 5 |
| replacement months | 6 |
Physical
| mass kg | 2 |
| materials | Sintered 316L mesh, PP pleat medium, PTFE seals |
| vacuum compatibility | True |
Operational
| power consumption w | 0 |
| thermal range c | -40, 70 |
| lifetime years | 15 |
| mtbf hours | 100000 |
Interfaces
Provides
- Pre-filtered water
Requires
- Water from collection vessel
- Cartridge replacement
Cite this entry
Lunar Ark Codex. "Pre-Filter Coarse Particulate" (L3-WTR-MELT-FILT). Retrieved 10 September 2026, from https://lunarark.com/entry/L3-WTR-MELT-FILT
Licensed CC-BY-SA 4.0. You may reuse and adapt this entry with attribution, under the same licence.