Development of water recycling based mechanical drain cleaning system

Abstract

The persistent global issue of manual scavenging in drainage systems, fraught with life-threatening risks, has prompted the development of a tractor powered mechanized drain cleaning system. This innovative solution recycles on-site sewage water, optimizing efficiency through a tractor-trolley setup, recycled water usage, a centrifugal pump replacing vacuum pumps, and the integration of a post-inspection unit for crack and leak detection. The system employs a front water jet with an impact stress of ∼30.10 MPa for penetrating silt, sediments, and debris. Simultaneously, rear jets with ∼20 MPa impact stress each clean pipeline walls and propel the nozzle forward. Inclusion of a power unit (tractor), suction unit, filtration unit, and inspection unit enhances the system's agility, robustness, and affordability compared to alternatives. The system's one of the key advantage is its inspection unit, featuring GoogleNet-powered in-situ crack detection via a camera. Achieving 90% training accuracy in six epochs and 159 iterations, it identifies pipeline features effectively. With its sewage water recycling capability, this mechanized system offers a promising solution to the perilous problem of manual scavenging in drainage systems while promoting sustainability.