Robotic Auger Cleaner for Anaerobic Digester Floor Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for cleaning inaccessible floors in closed systems, such as anaerobic digester tanks and lagoons, require shutting down operations, are hazardous, and involve significant manual labor and time, leading to sub-optimal performance and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system that allows for remote access and operation, using an auger cleaner and gate complex to enter the closed system below the liquid surface, enabling waste removal without human entry and minimizing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning methods are used, then waste removal can be achieved, but production must be shut down and cleaning time increases to at least two weeks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning with an automated robotic cleaning system that uses mechanical augers and conveyors to remove waste. The robot navigates autonomously or remotely-controlled to collect waste materials from the digester floor, eliminating the need for human workers to manually enter and clean the tank while maintaining continuous production operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is designed to operate autonomously without requiring human intervention during the cleaning process. The robotic platform self-navigates, self-propels, and self-operates the waste collection mechanisms, enabling the system to service itself and perform cleaning tasks independently while the digester remains operational.
2Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed, then waste can be removed, but human safety risks increase due to hazardous gases and confined space entry
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic cleaning system serves as an intermediary between the hazardous environment and human operators. The robot enters the confined space with hazardous gases and performs cleaning tasks, acting as a mediator that eliminates direct human exposure to dangerous conditions while maintaining effective waste removal capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces human mechanical cleaning operations with automated robotic mechanisms. The robotic system uses mechanical augers, conveyors, and collection devices to remove waste, substituting human workers with automated machinery that can operate safely in hazardous environments without exposing humans to harmful gases and confined space risks.
3Reliability
If the system is shut down for cleaning, then waste removal can be performed, but cleaning frequency decreases and system operates at sub-optimal volume
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic cleaning system enables continuous operation of the digester while waste removal activities proceed uninterrupted. The robot can navigate and collect waste during normal digester operation, maintaining continuous useful action of both digestion and cleaning processes simultaneously, thereby increasing cleaning frequency without sacrificing production time.
4Reliability
If manual cleaning procedures are used, then waste can be removed, but labor requirements and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual labor with automated robotic mechanical systems. The robotic platform incorporates mechanical augers, conveyors, and collection mechanisms that automatically perform waste removal tasks, eliminating the need for human workers to manually enter, navigate, and clean the digester, thereby dramatically reducing labor intensity and time consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and safe cleaning of inaccessible floors during operation, reducing manual labor, time, and safety risks, while maintaining optimal system performance and extending maintenance intervals.
Implementation Method 1
an auger cleaner configured to clean the floor of the closed system
Data Source
AI summary
In one or more arrangements, a cleaning system for cleaning a floor of a closed system is presented which has a cleaner configured to clean the floor of the closed system, and the cleaner enters the closed system at a position located below a surface level created by liquid within the closed system. In one or more arrangements, the cleaning system may contain a gate complex configured to allow selective access into the closed system. In one or more arrangements, the cleaning system may contain a box system and wherein the cleaner is initially positioned at least partially within the interior volume of the box system.