Design and Development of Semi-Automatic Water Tank Cleaning Machine

Abstract

The aim of this project is to develop a mechanical system for cleaning water tanks, incorporating two primary mechanisms: a rack and pinion mechanism and a reciprocating four-bar linkage mechanism. The rack and pinion mechanism enables the vertical movement of the entire cleaning system, allowing it to reach different sections of the tank. This movement is controlled via a switch-operated control unit. The four-bar linkage mechanism is connected to a motor shaft and is responsible for scrubbing the tank’s inner walls. PVC brushes are attached to the ends of the four-bar linkage, ensuring effective cleaning. The linkage is designed to be adjustable, accommodating various tank diameters. When the motor is activated, the four-bar linkage rotates, and the attached brushes clean the tank walls through a reciprocating motion. This project aims to minimize human effort and eliminate the health risks associated with chemical exposure and manual entry into water tanks for cleaning. By automating the process, the system enhances efficiency, safety, and effectiveness in maintaining hygienic water storage conditions.

Introduction

Introduction & Background

• Cleaning is essential for health and hygiene across many industries.

• Water tank cleaning is particularly critical due to risks from sediment, algae, and other contaminants that affect water quality and human health.

• Traditional cleaning methods (chemical use and manual labor) are inefficient, hazardous, and time-consuming.

• The study proposes an automated mechanical system to clean overhead water tanks, improving safety, efficiency, and water hygiene.

II. Objectives

1. Reduce human effort.

2. Improve cleaning efficiency.

3. Save time.

4. Ensure hygiene and water quality.

5. Minimize chemical and water usage.

III. Methodology

• The system uses mechanical components to clean tank interiors without manual entry.

IV. Components

• Gear Motor: Produces high torque at low speed (3.5 HP, 75 rpm).

• Four-Bar Linkage: Adjusts to the tank’s diameter and supports brush motion.

• Rack and Pinion: Converts motor rotation into vertical brush movement.

• Shaft: Transmits motor power to brushes.

• Brush: Made of PVC, scrubs tank surfaces.

• Frame: Steel structure holding all components, aligned for proper function.

• Battery: Lead-acid rechargeable power source.

V. Design

• The machine has a modular design, with 2D and 3D models showing the mechanism layout.

• Components are mounted on a steel frame and move inside the tank using controlled motion.

VI. Working Principle

• The system is inserted into the tank in a retracted state.

• The four-bar linkage expands to touch the tank walls.

• The motor spins the shaft and brush, scrubbing the walls.

• A DC motor with rack-and-pinion moves the brush vertically to clean upper and lower areas.

VII. Advantages

• Simple, low-cost, and easy to build.

• Does not require skilled labor.

• Safe and reliable.

• Suitable for tanks of varying heights.

• Easy to repair and maintain.

VIII. Applications

• Suitable for:

  • Domestic and industrial water tanks

  • Construction sites

  • Any environment requiring regular water tank hygiene

Conclusion

In this work, an automated water tank cleaner was successfully developed to clean water tanks using rotating brushes. This method is more effective and safer than conventional cleaning techniques, as it reduces cleaning time and human effort. The rotating brushes efficiently clean the tank walls, while water splashes across the surfaces, aiding the cleaning process. The mechanism used for component movement is simple in construction and allows for easy replacement in case of failure. The use of an automated tank cleaning machine also eliminates the health risks faced by workers, such as suffocation from inhaling toxic cleaning agents. The machine has been extensively tested and redesigned to meet modern standards of tank cleaning. Thus, the design effectively saves both human effort and time. We have developed a \"Semi-Automatic Water Tank Cleaning Machine\", which not only enhances safety and efficiency but also reduces accident rates. Additionally, this concept introduces a new approach to bore water tank rescue operations, making it useful in defense and rescue fields. With further modifications and advancements, this technology can be adapted for various applications, making it even more versatile and effective.

References

[1] S. Srivastav, \"Design and development of cylindrical water tank cleaner,\" January 2016. [2] B. Shelke, P. K., \"Automatic water tank cleaning machine,\" February 2017. [3] C S Abhishek , “Design and fabrication of automatic system overhead tank cleaning” 4, April 2017 [4] D. Ms.smitagourkhede, “Design & fabrication of drain cleaning machine”, [5] www.visionengineer.com [6] www.howstuffworks.com

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Saravanakumar M, Nagaraj A, Hari Prasad R S. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.