UV Sterilization Stage
UV-C LED Sterilizer for Microbial Control
The UV sterilization stage is a 3 kg fluid reactor housed in 316L stainless steel that delivers a 40 mJ/cm² dose of 254 to 280 nm radiation through a synthetic fused quartz sleeve to achieve a 4-log microbial reduction. Utilizing solid-state AlGaN UV-C LEDs to destroy microbial DNA via thymine dimer formation, the unit eliminates the resupply penalty of chemical disinfectants within closed-loop lunar life support systems. The assembly draws 20 W at a nominal throughput of 4 L/min, with an operational LED lifespan of 10,000 to 20,000 hours governing hardware replacement cycles.
UV-C LED reactor providing 4-log+ microbial reduction without consuming chemical disinfectants.
Purpose
UV-C LED reactor providing 4-log+ microbial reduction without consuming chemical disinfectants.
Context
Child of L2-WTR-PURE in L1-WTR water processing chain
Principles
- ▸UV-C at 254-280 nm destroys microbial DNA via thymine dimer formation
- ▸UV-C LED replaces mercury arc tubes (solid-state, long life)
- ▸Required dose 40 mJ/cm2 for 4-log reduction
- ▸Quartz sleeve protects LEDs from water
- ▸Inline reactor geometry ensures uniform exposure
Typical implementations
- ▸AquiSense PearlAqua UV-C LED reactors
- ▸Crystal IS Klaran UV-C LEDs
- ▸ISS Potable Water Dispenser UV sterilizer heritage
Lunar considerations
- ▸LED life ~10-20 kHr drives replacement scheduling
- ▸Power ~5 W per L/min throughput at 4-log
- ▸No chemical consumables — well-suited to closed loop
Specifications
Functional
| primary function | UV-C LED reactor providing 4-log+ microbial reduction without consuming chemical disinfectants. |
| uv dose mj cm2 | 40 |
| log reduction | 4 |
| flow lpm | 4 |
Physical
| mass kg | 3 |
| materials | AlGaN UV-C LEDs, Synthetic fused quartz, 316L SS reactor |
| vacuum compatibility | True |
Operational
| power consumption w | 20 |
| thermal range c | -40, 70 |
| lifetime years | 5 |
| mtbf hours | 20000 |
Interfaces
Provides
- Sterilized water
- UV-dose verification
Requires
- RO permeate
- LED power (~20 W)
Cite this entry
Lunar Ark Codex. "UV Sterilization Stage" (L3-WTR-PURE-UV). Retrieved 10 September 2026, from https://lunarark.com/entry/L3-WTR-PURE-UV
Licensed CC-BY-SA 4.0. You may reuse and adapt this entry with attribution, under the same licence.