Abstract: A method and device which removes particulates from a gap in an ion projection device, when the device is not enabled for printing, with the gap being defined by a charge receiver and a printer head. The particulates within the gap are subjected to a variety of mechanical forces due to the application of a varying field from a plurality of modulation electrodes and a flow of transport fluid from a pressurized transport fluid source. The forces applied to the particulates cause them to be removed from the above gap thereby enhancing the integrity of the imaging charge which is placed upon the moving charge receiver sheet.