Design and SolidWorks-Based Simulation of an Automated Robotic Cleaning System for Diesel Storage Tanks
Henry.O Sibete *
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun, Nigeria.
J.E Okhaifoh
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study presents the design and analysis of a robotic cleaning system tailored for diesel storage tanks, utilizing SolidWorks as the primary design and simulation tool. The project aims to address the challenges associated with the manual cleaning of large-scale storage tanks, particularly focusing on improving efficiency, safety, and overall cleaning performance. The robotic system was carefully designed to navigate and clean the internal surfaces of diesel tanks, employing advanced mechanisms to ensure thorough coverage and reliability. SolidWorks was instrumental in the design process, enabling detailed visualization and optimization of robotic components. Various analytical tools within SolidWorks, such as stress analysis and motion studies, were employed to simulate the system's performance under different operational conditions, ensuring the robustness and efficiency of the design. Key challenges encountered during the development, including design constraints and simulation complexities, were overcome through iterative design strategies. The analysis demonstrated that the robotic cleaning system effectively meets the established performance criteria, offering significant improvements in cleaning efficiency and safety compared to traditional manual methods. The system’s design also allows for adaptability, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications where similar storage solutions are used.
Keywords: Solid works, storage tanks, diesel, robotic, cleaning, automated, manual cleaning