final report etp group 2

DRAIN CLEANING MACHINE ETP02

ENGINEERING TEAM PROJECT JAN 2012

ENGINEERING TEAM PROJECT

DRAIN CLEANING MACHINE

BY

GROUP 2

MUHAMMAD SYAFIQ BIN MOHAMAD KHAIRI ( 15312)

AISHAH SAKINAH BT ABDUL HAMID ( 13020)

NOR AMALIA BINTI HUSSIN ( 13291)

SUNTHARESAR A/L SHUMMUGHAM ( 15309)

IKHWAN BIN MD SHAHSAZIZAN ( 15483)

FARIZUL FAHMI BIN SHAHRANI (16606)

SUPERVISOR : DR. SHARUL SHAM B. DOL

JANUARY 2012

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI PETRONAS

BANDAR SERI ISKANDAR

31750 TRONOH,PERAK DARUL RIDZUAN



ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Alhamdulillah, praise to Allah (S.W.T), with His will, we finally completed this

project, drain cleaning machine. First of all, a special thank goes to our supervisor,

Dr. Sharul Sham bin Dol. The supervision and support that you gave, truly help us in

doing this project. Although your time with us was limited due to your time

constraint and your problems, we really appreciate the time you spend with us

before. You advices and ideas were really helpful in making our project, the drain

cleaning machine become successful. The co-operation is much indeed appreciated.

Our grateful thank also goes to Dr. Suhaimi Hassan for spending his time for

fabrication of our drain cleaning machine. Your advices and recommendation for our

project really helps us for Pre-SEDEX presentation. The project would be not

successful if there is no guide and recommendation from you.

Not forgotten, the two panels that judges our project during Pre-SEDEX, thank you

very much for your advices and comments. We will noted the points so that there

will be no more same mistakes when we doing the project in the future.

The last and foremost, thank you to our parents, family and friends for supporting us.

Without your support either for financial or motivation, we will not be able to finish

this project. Thank you very much to all.



ABSTRACT

In this Engineering Team Project, the project was done to produce a machine, which

is called Drain Cleaning Machine. The idea is based on our observation towards

problems faced by people to clean drains at their house by using conventional

method (ordinary brush). Observations were conducted from type of drain, drain

cleaning problems, design of the machine and economical consideration of the

machine. From an online shop in the web, this machine was still not famous in the

market of Malaysia and still not available in certain places. Moreover, the available

machines were for large drains and there is no water supplied from the machine.

Therefore, our machine was specifically for an open drain sized 0.3m width and 0.15

depths with a water supply that can straight away cleaning dirt after we brushed it.

The design of the machine was made ergonomically in order to ease women to use it

as well. It is specifically designed to be lightweight, easy to handle and affordable.

The specifications of the machine will be explained later in the next chapter. As the

result of our experiment, the machine takes only 30 minutes to completely clean the

drain compared to the conventional method (using ordinary brush and manpower to

scrub) that takes about more than one hour to completely clean the drains.

Therefore, it is proven that the machine can save time and manpower. From

economic views, this machine is affordable because the cost for making this project

is only RM 199.60.

As the conclusion, this project is useful for people doing their chores in cleaning

drains. With the aid of water supply, the effectiveness of this machine will be more.

It will give a great implication to our daily lives as our work will be easier and save

time and money too.



TABLE OF CONTENTS

No Subjects Page numbers

1 Background of project 5-6

2 Identification and definition of problem 7-8

3 3.1Objective

3.2Scope

9

4 Project management

4.1Gantt Chart

4.2Task allocation

10-11

5 Literature review 12-20

6 Theory 21-22

7 Procedure / Methodology 23-26

8 Engineering analysis 27-30

9 Business / economic analysis 31-32

10 Results and discussion

10.1 Result

10.2 Discussion

33-37

11 Conclusion

Recommendation

38

12 References 39

13 Appendices 40-43



1.PROJECT BACKGROUND

Open drains are the most common means of transporting wastewater in most

countries. The significant of open drains can be seen during heavy rains; clogged

drains usually lead to flash flood during heavy rain in cities where natural water

reservoir is unavailable. Flash flood does not only blocking roads but also cause

rubbish from the drains to float and also contamination towards people. In Nigeria,

93% of the population had parasitic infection and water borne due to contaminated

open drains. This is why maintaining open drainage system is important because

people are able to be in contact with them unlike closed drainage system.

From our research through websites, drain cleaning machine is hardly to find in

Malaysia. If we search through markets, the price is expensive and the function only

for brushing dirt and not be able to unclogged rubbish and watering the dirt after

cleaning.

In this project, we will design a drain cleaning machine that could clean and unclog

open drains easily. This machine is the combination of the conservative brush which

is used to clean drain and a water jet. A rotating brush is inserted to ensure efficient

cleaning impact to the drain compare to one direction of normal brush and also break

any obstacle that clog the drain. High pressured water is use to break any

accumulated clog that prevent water to flow. By this action, we do not need to take

out the sludge in the drain. Therefore, our machine is different from any drain

cleaning machine in the market. There are few aspects that we analyzed in making

this machine such as:



• The depth and width of the drain – this is to ensure that the brush can be

rotated perfectly

• The motor speed, torque, and horse power – to ensure the speed of brush is

bigger than friction force as it will affect the effectiveness of the brush.

With the invention of this drain cleaning machine with water jet, it will gives

advantages to society especially whose dealing with this business. Cleaning drain is

not a difficult task anymore for human.



2.IDENTIFICATION AND PROBLEM DEFINITION

Open drain can be seen almost everywhere especially in housing area. It acts as a

channel to transport waste water from houses or storm water .Maintaining an open

drain is important because it is directly in contact with human and can be a medium

to transmit disease unlike closed drain. A blocked drain could trigger flash flood in

town during heavy rain .For example, the flash flood occurred this year in Raffles

City Mall, Singapore ,is believed to be caused by clogged drain at the ground level

said the Phyllis Cheong, the spokesman to the The Straits Times .

The problem is there are no efficient tools to maintain and clean open drain like the

closed drain. Tools that are usually used to clean open drains are brush with stick that

needs a lot of energy and hoe that is used to pick up rubbish that blocked the drain.

These tools are not effective and time consuming to complete a simple task.

In term of workforce on developing the prototype, we also detected a few problems.

These problems might cause some delay or imperfections in our project. The

problems are as below:

I. Task Constraint

This team project consists of mostly Mechanical Engineering disciplines. Therefore,

there are some difficulties in evenly assigning the tasks that need to be done. The

other team members from other engineering disciplines are assigned with tasks

which are related to them. Knowledge limitation is also a problem since mostly all

the team members have extensive knowledge and experience in engineering.

II. Resources Constraint



The ETP budget is set at maximum RM 200 for all teams. We went from shop to

shop to get lower price for some of our equipments. Extensive demonstration using

expensive equipment is impossible so other alternatives must be identified.

III. Time Constraint

We have time constraint since we are taking other subjects. We have to cope with

other subjects and the Engineering Team Project (ETP). Assignments and tests for

other subjects consume a significant amount of time causing less time for the ETP.



3.OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF PROJECT

3.1 OBJECTIVE

This project focuses on cleaning and unclogging open drainage system. There are

several main objectives for this project:

i. To design a machine that is able to clean open drains efficiently and

effectively. Using power supply to rotate the brush, more force is exerted on

the drain surface which results in better result than using human force alone.

Rotating brush breaks through clogged obstacles and unclogged them.

ii. To create a drain cleaner machine that could unclog drains without the

need to remove them out from the drains. The rotating brush alone is not

enough to make the clogs particles to flow, installation of water pump to

supply water to the rotating brush helps to break the clog into smaller pieces

and allow them to flow easily with the water. Therefore, risks for flash flood

to occur would be reduces as the drains are not clogged with rubbish.

3.2 SCOPE OF PROJECT

There are four scopes in producing this prototype. Firstly, we would like to produce a

drain cleaning machine that is specifically for open drains of housing area of size

0.3m width x 0.15m depth. This is to ensure the machine could work efficiently to

that particular drain. Secondly, there is no distance limitation for this machine. As

long as the power supply is not run out, we still can use this machine. The duration

for battery life is approximately 4 hours. Furthermore, it is made for man and

woman. Therefore, it is suitable for any adults. The last scope is to make an

agronomic, easy and comfortable to use machine.



4.PROJECT MANAGEMENT

4.1)Gantt Chart

Table 1 : The table below shows that project planning of the group with respect to the week starting from week 2 until week

14. This is to make sure every work will be done and finished on time.

Week Number

Activities

1 2 3 4 5 6

7

7 8 9

10

11 12 13 14

ETP Briefing

Mid

Se

me

ste

r B

rea

k (

8 –

11

Ma

rch

20

12

)

Group organization &

brainstorming

Assessment & choose of title

of project

Consult supervisor

Data collection for proposal

Finalize proposal

Proposal submission

Design solution

Cost analysis for the system

design

Work on progress report

Designing process and

prototype

Purchase required tools and

materials

Progress report submission

Implementing the process of

project

Construction of prototype

Prototype testing

Submission of FORM 03

Posters designing

Consult supervisor

Final check on the prototype

Preparing and presenting slides

EDX

Submission of UTP claim form

Oral presentation

Submission of final report



4.2) Task Allocation

Table 2 : The table below shows the task allocation for each member of the group.

Unit Person in

charge

Department Task

Fabrication of

brush and

shaft part

Syafiq

Mechanical

Engineering

• Design the structure of

the brush and shaft part.

• Do research on the most

suitable type of brush and

also material for the front

part.

• Prepare mechanism for

the brush to rotate with

the shaft .

• Draw machine using

software

Farizul

Mechanical

Engineering

Fabrication of

water pump

Ikhwan

Mechanical

Engineering

• Design the mechanical

system for the pump and

water outlet

• Decide the best arrangement

for the prototype when

combining with mechanical

and electrical part.

• Design backpack for water

tank

• Fabricate the water pump

system so that the flow of the

water could be controled

Suntha

Mechanical

engineering

Analysis

Aishah Sakinah

Petroleum

engineering

• Do research on material used

such as what type of steel

suitable for the prototype

• Perform analysis on machine

• Record analysis

• Report

Nor Amalia

Chemical

engineering



5.LITERATURE REVIEW

5.1 Literature Review

There is several research has been made, but since there is not equivalent machines

that can clean open drains that currently available in the market, the research are

more towards the design of the machine as it being influenced by other machines that

share the similarity on its parts. The design features that being studied is the

ergonomics, machine’s mechanisms, motor, battery, water pump and the materials

used. Machines or tools such as grass cutter all the way to water jet is made as an

examples because of its availability on the market and their design meets most of the

consumer requirements and parts and design from the machines can be applied to the

drain cleaning machine.

5.1.1 Conventional method

The conventional method is a method where the drain is cleaned by the person. In

this method, equipments or tools that being used is brush, shovels, hoe and broom.

This can be done by brushing the drain by hand to clean the dirt in the drain.

However, this method had various weaknesses such as ergonomics (human factors)

in difficulties of cleaning the drain, very limited cleaning range, fatigue, time

consuming and poor cleaning results.

5.1.2 Motor

Motor is a crucial part where it produces kinetic energy to do work. This part is very

important because the drain cleaning machine in order to work it needs a motor to

rotate the brush since the design of the machine is to clean out the drain by rotating

brush. To fulfill the cordless design of the machine, research has been conduct



towards other cordless tools such as cordless power drill and battery powered grass

cutter. Commonly motor that being used in such machines is the 12V DC motor

where it powered by direct current. This motor is chosen because the battery can only

provide direct current and its reliability.

DC motor works by the principle where an electric current through an armature that

being twisted by wire and the armature is placed in one magnetic field. The magnetic

field was created whether from a permanent magnet or an electromagnet called

twister. Connected to the armature is an internal commutation where current flow

through carbon brushes.

The DC current is supplied to the brush where it will flow to the commutation and

armature thus creating a magnetic field. The magnet pole on the commutation is the

same with the magnet pole on the armature. When both magnetic field are the same

pole, it will against each other and rotate counter clockwise.

When the armature rotate at 90˚, it is under the influence of the opposition pole from

the permanent magnet; where the opposite poles is tendency to pull each other, the

armature is pulled at counter clockwise and keep rotating until exceed 90˚. In this

position, magnetic field in the internal commutation is charged, so the commutation

will against the armature, making it continue to rotate further than 90˚. Armature

later then being pulled to the opposite pole and continue to rotate more than 90˚ and

the poles the armature being charged so the both fields against each other. This

sequence will create continuous rotating motion, however the rotating armature can

cause the brush is fade and create arc inside the motor.



Type of DC motor:

1. Brushless DC motor

Figure 1: brushless DC motor

2. Brushed DC motor

Figure 2 : Brushed DC motor

Advantages:

• Low cost.

• Motor control is easier.

• Torque and speed is linear.

Disadvantages

• Motor size is big.

• Excessive heat can weaken the

motor.

Advantages:

• Do not have any brush, so the

friction is small.

• Motor cools faster.

Disadvantages

• Require complicated computer

control.

• Price is quite expensive.

• Torque output is less.



3. Stepper DC motor

Figure 3 : Stepper DC motor

5.1.3 Casing

Casing functions is to house the motor, bearing, shaft, water pump and other

parts of the machine. There is to main casing for the drain cleaning machine, one is

for brush gun part and bag part. The handle part is to house the motor, bearing, shaft

and motor. The handle casing must rigid enough to withstand the torque produce by

the motor. The casing also must have and ergonomic and suitable weight to ease the

operator to use. The bag casing is to house the water pump, water tank, battery and

inverter. The bag casing also must be design to light and strong enough to house the

equipment and comfort for the operator to carry on their back.

Advantages:

• Motor is stabile, it can handle various

loads.

• Torque output is high even at low

speed

Disadvantages:

• Not efficient. Motor is using lot of

power even there is no load on the

motor.

• Cannot accelerate fast.

• Motor speed is slow.



5.1.4 Bearing

Figure 4 : Bearing

Bearing is a type of mechanism that has rotating element to separate moveable parts

inside the bearing. The use of bearing is to reduce rotating friction and withstand the

axial and radial loads. The common bearing is being used is the ball bearing. Ball

bearing functions by using two rings that have balls in the middle, and the load will

distributed through the balls. One of the rings is in fixed position. When a ring is

rotated, other balls will also rotate. When the balls rotate, it has less friction

coefficient. The advantages of this bearing are it can support the axial and radial

loads with less friction. Ball bearing also still can operate even the load alignment is

not precise. It has less cost compared to other types of bearing.

5.1.5 Brush

Brush idea is taken from the concept from the polishing machine. The concept is the

rotating brush is used to polish the work item by hitting the side and the surface of

the brush to the work item.

5.1.6 Battery

Battery in general is a tin that filled with chemical that can produce electron.

Chemical reaction that create electron is called electrochemical reaction. There is



two terminals on the battery, which positive and negative terminal. Electron are

collected on the negative terminal, where is if load are connected to the battery such

as light bulb or motor, electron will flow from negative terminal to positive terminal.

Inside the battery, chemical reaction produces electrons. The speed of producing

electron by this chemical reaction controls the volume of electrons that flow between

the terminals. Electrons that will flow inside the wire must through from negative to

positive terminal to make the chemical reaction happen. This is the cause where

battery that had been kept for so long still has power. In order to produce a cordless

machine, battery is needed to generate the machine. Battery had to be rechargeable

and can supply power for sufficient period of time before it needs to be recharge.

There is two types of battery that being used on the cordless machines, Nickel

Cadmium (NiCd) and lead acid battery.



5.1.7 Study Result

After conducting research, analysis and calculation had been made, finally one final

design has been agreed. The design features are explained in this topic.

Figure 5 : design features of prototype of drain cleaning machine

Descriptions:

Table 3 : The table below shows descriptions for numbering inside the figure above.

1) Brush ` 2) Shaft 3) Casing

4) Switches 5) Power window

motor

6) Handles (middle and

upper)

7) Bag casing 8) Inverter 9) Hose

10) Battery 11) Water pump 12) Pipe

13) Nozzle

1

2

3

4

14

13

6

5

12

11

10

9

8 7



5.1.8 Design Features

1.Handles

After conducting several researches, handles design concept are taken from the

handle of the cordless drill machine and grass cutter machine. The design is chosen

because support the repulsive force from hand while operator using this machine.

The switches also are positioned next to the upper handle, so it can easily reach by

finger. Next to the upper handle is the housing of the power window motor so it can

keep away the motor from moisture or soaking of water from the drain. The middle

handle concept is taken from grass cutter machine because this type of design can

give comfortable grip and can support the body of the machine making it easy to lift

or sway.

2.Body (brush gun part)

The concept of body is taken from the grass cutter machine. Body is consist of

square hollow tube and joint to it is the housing of the power window motor to

prevent the motor to rotating along with the shaft. This body construction is rigid

enough support the repulsive force by operators’ hand. The difference of this design

is inside the body there is shaft to transmit the kinetic energy from motor to brush.

Connected to the shaft are power window motor, ball bearings, screw, and brush.

3.Battery

Battery that been chosen to power this machine is the lead acid type battery. The

main reason this battery is chosen because of the price is cheap and its availability.

Other advantages is self discharge rate is less compared to other rechargeable battery.

Power it can produces last longer.



4.Brush

Brush is the most critical part where it is the cleaning mechanism. Brush concept is

taken from the polishing machine. As discussed before, this type of design is the

most efficient for rotating brush. The design can give more cleaning power and the

round shape of the design can cover the curvature most types of drain.



6.THEORY

The theory that had been used for this Engineering Team Project (Drain Cleaning

Machine) was dynamics, fluid mechanics and basic electrical theory.

6.1 Dynamics

Dynamics is defined as a moving particle or object which subjected to displacement,

velocity and acceleration. Dynamic is an opposite component of static, where it

varies with time compare to static, which does not vary with time. The dynamic

component used in this project is angular motion. Angular motion is a movement that

increases or decreases the angle between two points. It also can be defined as

movement in circular or movement that has curve. This angular motion concept is

used in this project especially in constructing the brush and shaft component. The

brush system for this project needed circular motion in order to clean the drain, so

angular theory is used to develop the design and also the analysis for the brush.

6.2 Fluid Mechanics

Fluid is defined as is a substance that continually deforms under an applied shear

stress. Fluid can be classified as liquid, gas and plasmas. Meanwhile fluid mechanics

is defined as the study of fluid and force on them. Fluid mechanics can be

categorized into three different studies, which are fluid statics, fluid kinematics and

fluid dynamics. Fluid static is defined as fluid at rest; fluid kinematics is study of

fluid in motion and fluid dynamic is defined as study of the effect of forces on fluid

motion. Fluid also can be classified as compressible and non-compressible fluid. In

this Drain Cleaning Machine project, fluid (water) has been used as on cleaning

agent to wash away the dirt after the cleaning process. In order to provide water that



has sufficient pressure and velocity to wash away the dirt, Pascal Law is inherited in

the project. Pascal Law used especially in this project to design the water

compartment. Pascal Law states that pressure exerted anywhere in a confined

incompressible fluid that is transmitted equally in all directions throughout the fluid

such that the pressure ratio remains the same. The important Pascal equation that

used in the project is P = pgh. This equation is used to determine the size and the

height of the water bottle to be used in the project. Other theory that is used is

Bernoulli Equation. This equation is used to calculate and to determine the velocity

of water needed and what kind of pump needed to fulfil the requirement.

6.3 Electrical

Electrical theory that had been used in this project is basic equation such as V = IR

and P = voltage x current. These equations are used to determine the power needed

for the pump and the motor to operate. These equations also used to determine the

appropriate battery voltage needed and how many battery needed.



Problem Definition

Identify potential problems and solutions

Research on topic

Data Analysis

Decision Making

Conceptual Design

Feasibility studies

Detailed design

Fabrication of design

Finalization /Experimentation

Presentation

Compilation of final report

Identify needs Current problems

Supervisor’s advice Internet, Library

Identify alternatives

Confirmation of topic

Design Sketches

Practicability of design

Specification, Testing

Group presentation

Working prototype

7.PROCEDURE/METHODOLOGY

Figure 6 : Methodology of project



1. Identify need – make the current drain cleaning machine as reference and

improve them in terms of price, size, weight and agronomical view.

2. Define problem – Survey about the current drain cleaning machine that still not

available in certain area in Malaysia and its disadvantages by discussing with

experts in the field of construction, lecturers together with sources from the

internet.

3. Research – Conduct research to find the most suitable type of material needed

for the overall design.

4. Set constraint – Time given to complete the project, and cost needed to purchase

the equipments.

5. Set criteria – Cost efficient, able to be completed within time allocated,

marketable, practical, user friendly and portable.

6. Specification – specification of the prototype is made for detailed project report

once everything has been finalized and confirmed.

7. Analysis – All the advantages and disadvantages of the project has been

analyzed, together with its modification and recommendation.

8. Decision – A final decision and initiative has been set, based on the constraints

and criteria of the project to present and produce the proposed project.



In assembling the prototype, we divide into two tasks. One task is for making brush

gun and the other is for making water pump carrier. Next is the procedure of the

process.

7.1 Brush Gun

Figure 7: Procedure of making brush gun

plastic brush was dismantled and combined into round shape

the brush was attached with the round plate and tightened by cable tight

A hollow round bar is welded with bearing and the plate as jointer to shaft casing

At the end of the hollow round bar, there was a bolt been welded to connect the brush with the plate

a casing to power window is made to overcome torque steer

then, the power window is attached by welding to the hollow square. The round plate is welded to ease loosen up the tightened



7.2 Water pump carrier

Figure 8: Procedure of making water pump carrier

A 5.5L bottle cap is being drilled according to the diameter of water pump nozzle

rear bottle been drilled to insert the water filter

the bottle cap and water pump nozzle were glued together

bag frame for the carrier was made.

plywood been rivetted on the surface of the bag frame

battery, inverter and water pump were placed in the frame

a recycle bag was cut and fixed on the vertical side of the frame and being tight by bolt and nut. This bag was used for give comfort to users.

a cover zinc was resize and been cut to make a hole at the center of the bottle for water inlet

the zinc and bottle been placed and rivetted

the bottle was tightened by a wire net to prevent it from moving

a steel pipe was desgned to attach together with sink pipe valve

at the end of the steel pipe, a nozzle was attached and tightened



8.ENGINEERING ANALYSIS

8.1 Data Gathering and Analysis

Table 4 : The table below shows hardware used and its specification

No. Tools/Hardware Specification 1 Battery Brand : GP Rechargeable

Voltage : 12 V

Current : 9 A

Power, P = Current x Voltage

= 9 x 12

= 117 W

2 Motor Brand : Mitsuba

Voltage : 12 V

Current : 1.51 A

Torque : 3 N.m (with load)

By calculation: Power, P = Current x Voltage

= 1.51 x 12

= 18.12 W

Battery life when the machine is operating:

Life = Power of battery / Power of motor

= 117 / 18.12

= 6.45

= 6 hours and 45 minutes.

3 Brush Big brush diameter = 20m

Small brush diameter = 8m

Torque = Force x Radius

Force = Torque / Radius

Force for big brush = 3 / 10

= 0.3 N

Force for small brush = 3 / 4

= 0.75 N

Angular velocity = Power / Torque

= P / T

= 18.12 / 3

= 6.04 rad/s

Brush rotation speed, N = (ω x 60) / 2π

= (6.04 x 60) / 2π

= 57.67 rpm

4 Water pump Brand : Shanda SD-3200

Voltage : 12 V

Current : 2.5 A

Power = Current x Voltage

= 2.5 x 12

= 30 W

Battery life when the machine is operating:

Life = Power of inverter / Power of motor

= 150 / 30

= 5

= 5 hours.

Qmax = 2000 l/h

Hmax = 1.5 m



8.2 Tools required

Table 5 : The table below shows tools and hardware used in this project and their descriptions.

No. Tools/Hardware Description

1 Hand grinder To cut or remove extra metal after the metals are cut with

disk cutter. It is also used for tidying up welded metal.

2 Hand driller For drilling

3 Riveter -

4 Pliers -

5 Multi tools -

6 Solder -

7 Metal saw -

8 Bottle 5.5 L

9 Aquarium water pump 220 V, 30 W, 2000L/h

H = 1.5 m

10 Battery 6V

4.5 aH

11 On/off switch -

12 Power inverter DC to

AC

150 W

13 Square hollow bar 45 cm x 25 cm

25 cm x 25 cm

14 Plywood 45 cm x 25 cm

25cm x 25 cm

15 Washing machine

nozzle

-

16 Sink valve

17 Epoxy metal glue -

18 Hot wire 2.5 cm

19 PVC glue -

20 Screw and nut 1.5 inch

21 Hollow round bar 3.0 m

22 Clipper -

23 Rivet -

24 Power window 12 V

25 Bearing -

26 Round plate -

27 Brush Steel brush and plastic brush

28 Handle (bicycle handle) -

29 Steel plate -

30 Recycle bag -

31 Shaft casing -

32 Aluminium cover 1 ft x 2 ft

33 Plastic rope -

34 Cable tight -

35 Disk cutter To cut metals like mid steel.

Can be use for cutting metals of rectangular shape, angle



iron shaped, hollow bar and etc.

It is also used for cutting metals at angle of 45°, 60° and

90°.

For assembling this drain cleaning machine, we used disk

cutter for cutting hollow pipe stainless steel and round

bar.

36 MIG welding machine In the MIG process, electrode will melt and mixed with

melted metal to produce weld pool.

This machine is used for welding work piece according to

the thickness of our work piece.

In this project, this MIG was used to weld motor housing,

battery housing and shaft.

8.3 Software

Table 6 : The table below shows software used in this project

No Name of software Description

1 Microsoft Office Word For documentation purposes

2 Microsoft Office Power Point For preparing slides shows for

presentation

3 Solid Work 2007 To design 2D and 3D schematic diagram

of prototype

8.4 Specification of project

Table 7 : The table below shows the specifications of the drain cleaning machine

Specification Description

Aesthetical value Attractive and interesting

Cost Cheap and affordable to all people

Design Easy to handle by man and woman

Function Cleaning and unclogged drain

Material Easy to deal with, cost effective, high availability, lightweight

In contrast to the normal drain cleaning machine in the market nowadays, our project

provides some good features. Below are the features comparisons between a normal

drain cleaning machine and our project.



8.5 Project benefits

The benefits of our machine are, it is safe to use for adults. It does not contain any

harmful material or dangerous tools attached. Furthermore, it is cheap and affordable

because of low cost of production. Therefore, people would be afforded to have the

drain cleaning machine. The machine is also easy to handle for adults both man and

woman because the weight is lighter than other machines like grass cutter machine.

Therefore, it is very practical to women.



9.BUSINESS / ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

9.1 Capital Cost Considerations

The cost of a unit drain cleaning machine is approximately RM 199.60. Below is the

cost breakdown for a unit of drain cleaning machine.

Table 8 : The table below shows the cost of project

No. Item Quantity Price per item (RM) Total (RM)

1 Aquarium water

pump

1 28.00 28.00

2 Rechargeable battery 2 18.00 36.00

3 Power inverter 1 90.00 90.00

4 Switch 1 1.80 1.80

5 Portable plug 1 1.80 1.80

6 Battery charger 1 26.00 26.00

7 Light socket 1 3.00 3.00

8 PVC glue 1 5.00 5.00

9 Steel brush 1 6.00 6.00

10 Plastic brush 1 2.00 2.00

TOTAL 199.60

The other parts of the machine are available in laboratory and our own material.

9.2 Operational Cost Consideration

Since we have access to the laboratory provided by university, we fabricated most of

the body parts of our prototype by our own. The equipments needed to fabricate our

prototype are available in the lab and also we used our own equipments. However,

there were still other operational costs during making this prototype as the

breakdown listed below:



Table 9 : The table below shows the cost of operational

No. Description Amount

(RM)

1 Installation 150

2 Labors 50

3 Service (per year) 100

4 Transportation 50

TOTAL RM 350

9.3 Alternative Materials

For our current project, we just used the available materials provided in the

laboratory and materials that can be obtain near Uiversiti Teknologi PETRONAS

only. This is due to time constraints and the price of our required materials was

higher. Therefore, we listed the alternative material for the project in the future so

that it will have a better performance and more effective.

Table 10: The table below shows the alternatives of materials

No Part of machine Materials used

now

Alternative

material

Advantages

1 Plate for brush

gun casing

Steel Alloy/ carbon fibre More lightweight

2 Bag frame Steel Carbon fibre/ alloy More lightweight

3 Power supply Battery Solar power Save energy

(green concept)



10.RESULTS AND CALCULATION

10.1 RESULTS

10.1.1 Less time taken to clean the drains compared to conventional method

When using this machine, the time taken to clean a 5 meter drain only takes 5

minutes. To completely clean the drain, we only need 30 minutes. Compared to

conventional method, which we used an ordinary brush manually to scrub the drains,

it takes about 1 hour to completely clean but still, the result was not the same as

using this drain cleaning machine. The cleaner will need to put out dirt from the

drains manually while when using this drain cleaning machine, the water supply will

straight away wash the particular area to clean it.

Figure 9 : the result of experiment on dirty drain



Figure 10 : A man scrub dirt in the drain by suing conventional method (ordinary brush)

Figure 11: the man trying to put out the dirt from drain after scrubbing it

Figure 12: The dirt (contain of moss) was put out manually by hand



10.1.2 Suitable for all people especially women

Figure 13: A woman can easily handle the machine

As we can see in the picture, the girl could easily handle the machine. This is proven

that the machine is lightweight and easy to handle.

10.1.3 Features of the machine

In contrast to the normal drain cleaning machine in the market nowadays, our project

provides some good features. Below are the features comparisons between a normal

drain cleaning machine and our project.



Features Normal drain cleaning machine The prototype

Mobility Wheel-type machine. Difficult to

move in a small area

Portable, just carry on the back

User friendly Suitable for man only Yes. Both man and woman can

use it easily

Weight More Less

Safety Safe Safe

Price Expensive Cheap

10.2 DISCUSSION

Based on the result on specifications, we can see that the machine could last for

approximately 5 hours .In this machine 12 V batteries are used with 1.51 Ampere

current .The batteries need 4 hours to be fully charged. The torque calculated from

the power window motor is 3 N.m. and the power produced is approximately 18.12

Watt. From the result shown, the motor rotation which is 57.67 rpm is not high

enough because the power window motor used is not design for the drain cleaning

machine but to move car window. On the water pump part, the flow rate is 2000L/h

with minimum head. The water pump diameter is approximately equal to the nozzle

so we calculate the flow rate from the water pump . The actual flow rate at the nozzle

would slightly differ from the result because of friction inside the pipe.

As drain size could vary from small to big, alteration of brush size is needed

depending on the drain size. For this machine we are focusing on small drain size. A

bigger drain size will need bigger brush .Others equipments such as motor and water

pump may also differ. The length of the machine brush is also depends on the drain



depth. There are also two types of brush which are steel brush and fiber brush. Steel

brush is more suitable to be used on tough stain. While fiber brush can be for normal

cleaning.

Secondly, the effect of using brush and machine is observed. When using brush there

are still some dirt and moss left on the side of the drain, while when using machine

with steel brush the moss is cleaned completely .Both activities are conducted in

constant time. We also compare the time required to clean 5 meters drain with brush

and drain cleaning machine. The machine takes less time to complete the job, which

is 15 minutes faster and with better result. The more time allocate to clean the drain

the better the result observed.

The total weight of the machine is around 8kg , but the weight of the water tank part

is around 3kg.So this machine can be carry easily even by woman. This machine is

also ergonomic due to the sponge installed at the backpack. Long duration of using

the machine will not cause any harm to the user.

The machine is design fully portable to ease the user. Instead of limitations caused by

hose connected to water supply and continuous electric supply, this design

overcomes these limitations and user can now clean their drain wherever they want.

This portability is our main advantage over other machines such as water jets.

However it might have some disadvantages such as need to carry heavy batteries and

water tank at the back, but this design ensures the weight does not exert extreme

pressure on the user.



11.CONCLUSION

Drain cleaning machine provides efficient way to clean the drains and lower cost in

operating and purchasing. We have found that by using two main functions which is

consist of water jet and brush gun to clean the drain is more achievable and

successful. By doing some improvements such as continuously water supply and

using solar power for this machine will enhance the progress of the systems.

This drain cleaning machine uses two 12V rechargeable batteries which can stay

about 3 hours for combination of brushing and water jet. By using battery that can

stay longer much better for this machine such as 2 24V rechargeable batteries or

more than that to make it portable and stay longer. For the shaft’s casing and

backpack frame, we used hollow square bar which is heavier. We suggesting that

aluminium is used for lighter material that increased the handling also to overcome

the torque steer. Since our project used limited amount of water which is 5.5L, for

better future we recommend continuously water supply that make the flow rate

moves continuously and reduce the weight of the machine. Meanwhile in order to

get the variable speed of power window rotation, servo motor is suggested because

we used constant speed for power window which is 6.04 rad/s. Furthermore by using

other means such as solar power to run the system would be more eco-friendly.

Suggested improvements are a long-life battery, lighter materials, continuously water

supply, a servo motor and solar power.



12. REFERENCES

• Robert L. Mott, 2006, “Applied Fluid Mechanics”, 6th

ed, chapter 6,

flow of fluids and bernoulli’s equation, pp 153

• R.C. Hibbeler, 2011, “Mechanics of Material”, 8th

ed in SI units.

• David H. Myszka, 2005, “Machines and Mechanisms”, 3th

ed. Chapter

6,Velocity Analysis,pp 171

• Drain cleaning available in Malaysia , 2000, retrieved on 15th

March

2012, from http://www.tradekey.com/product_view/id/2055869.htm

http://www.tradekey.com/product_view/id/2055869.htm



14. APPENDICES

I. Drawing of the drain cleaning machine

Figure 14: drawing of parts of the machine

Figure 15: : drawing of parts of the machine



Figure 16: : drawing of parts of the machine

Figure 17 : the isometric, top and side view of prototype of drain cleaning machine



Figure 18: description of drain cleaning machine

Figure 19: description of drain cleaning machine



Figure 20: Figure 17 : the isometric, top and side view of prototype of drain cleaning machine (with optional

brush)

final report etp group 2

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