Fabrication of Unmanned Trash Skimmer Machine

Project Report

Submitted To

Department of Mechanical Engineering

KIIT POLYTECHNIC

In partial fulfilment to the requirements for the

Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

Under the guidance of

Mr. Rabi Sankar Pattanaik, Lecturer

Submitted by

Chandan Patra - F22019004023

Kamal KC Das - F22019004031
Swadhin Patra - L23019004008
Satyendra Dash - F22019004064
Matru Pattnaik - F22019004037

DECEMBER-2024
 Department of Mechanical
Engineering
KIIT Polytechnic, KIIT
Bhubaneswar-751024(Odisha)

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the minor project work titled “Unmanned Trash Skimmer Machine”
submitted by the 5th semester Diploma students Chandan Patra(F22019004023),Kamal KC
Das(F22019004031),Swadhin Patra(L23019004008),Satyendra Dash (F22019004064) and
Matrusampad Pattnaik (F22019004037) of department of Mechanical Engineering of
KIIT Polytechnic, Bhubaneswar, Odisha for the session 2023-24 .

Date:
Place:

Rabi Sankar Pattanaik (Project D.S. Panda

Supervisor) Lecturer (Project Coordinator) H.O.D
 ABSTRACT

The increasing pollution of water bodies due to floating waste materials such as
plastics, leaves, and other debris has raised significant environmental concerns. To
address this issue efficiently, a water surface cleaning machine has been developed,
aimed at automating the removal of surface waste from lakes, ponds, and rivers.
This machine is designed to operate on the water surface, collecting floating debris
through a conveyor belt mechanism powered by electric motors, thus reducing
manual labor and promoting eco-friendly waste management practices.

The cleaning machine is constructed with lightweight, corrosion-resistant materials

to ensure buoyancy and durability in aquatic environments. It is equipped with a
rotating conveyor system that gathers floating waste and deposits it into an onboard
collection bin. The machine is either manually controlled or can operate
autonomously using sensors for obstacle detection and navigation. The modular
design allows for easy maintenance and scalability based on the size of the water
body, making it suitable for both small-scale and large-scale operations.

The implementation of this project contributes to the sustainable maintenance of

clean water bodies, supports aquatic life, and enhances the aesthetic and recreational
value of public water resources. By integrating renewable energy options such as
solar panels, the machine further minimizes its environmental footprint. Overall, the
water surface cleaning machine presents a practical and innovative solution to one
of the most pressing environmental challenges of urban and rural water
management.

In addition to its environmental benefits, the water surface cleaning machine

offers significant economic and social advantages. By reducing the reliance on
manual labor for water body cleaning, municipalities and organizations can lower
operational costs and allocate resources more efficiently. Furthermore, cleaner water
bodies help prevent the spread of waterborne diseases and improve public health
outcomes. The machine also serves as an educational tool to raise awareness about
pollution and the importance of environmental stewardship, fostering community
engagement and responsibility towards water conservation efforts.
 CONTENT
Acknowledgement

Abstract

Objectives

Contents

List of Table

ChapterID Title PageNo.

Chapter-1:Introduction
1.0 1.1 Introduction 10
1.2 Background 11
1.3 Literature review 12
1.4 0bjective of our project 13

Chapter-2: Resource Planning

2.0 2.1 Schedule Planning 15
2.2 Material & Equipment Planning 16
2.3 Financial Planning 17
 LIST OF TABLES

Table ID Title Page NO.

2.0 2.1 Schedule Planning 21
2.2 Material Planning 22
2.3 Financial Planning 23
 CHAPTER- 1

INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION: -

In developing countries, accumulation of floating waste such as plastic scraps, foam

scraps or tree leaves on city canals or ponds can block water drainage and also cause

pollutions. Cleaning water surface is therefore an essential routine task.” In India

water pollution is increasing day by day so this is becoming a serious problem for

rivers, ponds etc. This mainly consist of impurities like waste water debris, plastics,

garbage on floating water surface. These impurities mainly effect on health of

human being and also effect on life of aquatic animals. This project focuses more on

“Remote Operated and automatic, Floating and stagnant water cleaning using

sensors to detect the weight of waste materials obtained ,and to provide motion to

the waste remover to indicate any kind of obstacles on its path of movement using

an app to monitor.” Wireless sensor networks represent a promising technology for

water quality monitoring and management. The use of wireless sensor networks

facilitates the improvement of current centralized systems and traditional manual

methods, leading to decentralized smart water quality monitoring systems adaptable

to the dynamic and heterogeneous water distribution infrastructure of cities. It helps

to reduce the water pollution on floating and stagnant bodies. The Project aims to

provide a non-polluted water body which can be used for living purposes and a

cleaner environment for aquatic animals. It is cost saving in the long run,

environmental friendly and user-friendly with easy maintenance.

The world today faces major garbage crisis the product from rapid economic

growth, overcrowding, poor urban planning, and corrosive corruption. In this

presents arduinobased totally River Cleaning System. It is the system which floats
on the water and the energy is supplied from battery. The important purpose of the

projects to reduce the manpower, time intake for cleaning the river. For that cause

we designed the automated system for river cleaning. The outcomes of system

performance were found that the conveyor belt can collect the garbage from the

river for ex. Glass bottles, plastic waste, etc. at the surface of the river. This work

emphasis on Design and Analysis of the floating waste collector Machine The

system is basically a boat kind of thing which will float to various corners of the

water body, cleaning the light and floating wastes present in the water. We are using

solar power as a main power source, thus by using alternate source of energy and

recycling of water this machine helps in eliminating the floating wastes present in

the water.

For constantly growing the water pollution inside the lakes, ponds and all the others

water resources that are come inside the human touch and beneficial to the people

for lots reasons. This is the important issue for the human society that the water

required for each and every motive to the human being must be safe, clean and

without pollution. But the lack of the equipment and the coast of the pollution

controlling equipment it’s more difficult to make rivers garbage and pollution free

for this motive the river cleaning a system is designed. Floating bottles, plastic bags

and even toys have become a part of the marine environment in recent times. Pitiful

photographs of such plastic debris washed ashore on remote shorelines have

frequently made headlines. Most of this plastic pollution is attributed to an increase

in tourism, shipping and fishing activities. But according to a recent study, a

considerable portion of plastic garbage afloat in the open waters originates on land,
and is drained into the seas by rivers. The floating water waste extractor used for the

removal of waste debris in water bodies. System consists of mechanism for lifting

waste debris from the surface of water bodies. It consists of belt driver mechanism.

This is remotely controlled machine. The system is work on solar power during

daytime during night time it can operate on battery. 1.1.2 Pollution of Streams by

Garbage and Trash The most common litter in world streams is household trash,

including plastic cups, plastic bags and wrapping materials, fast-food wrappers,

plastic bottles, and other plastic containers. Plastics can be especially hazardous to

wildlife. Depending on their form they can either be ingested, causing internal organ

failure, or they can cause a slow strangulation. Organic waste (e.g., wood wastes)

can have chemical and biological impacts on rivers and streams. Among the many

impacts are interfering with the establishment of aquatic plants, affecting the

reproductive behavior of fish and other animals, and depleting the water of

dissolved oxygen as the wastes decompose. Further, toxic materials can leak or

leach out of certain kinds of trash (e.g., pressure treated lumber, used oil filters, and

lead-acid batteries). 1.1.3 Motivation For constantly growing the water pollution

inside the lakes, ponds and all the others water resources that are come inside the

human touch and beneficial to the people for lots reasons. This is the important issue

Design of Solar Power Water Trash Collector [Link] 455 | Page for the

human society that the water required for each and every motive to the human being

must be safe, clean and without pollution. But the lack of the equipment’s and the

coast of the pollution controlling equipments it’s miles more difficult to easy the

rivers and make it garbage and pollution free for the motive of the river cleaning
robotic is designed. Most developed countries have environmental agencies,

nongovernmental organizations, and special interest groups that support and

participate in environmental protection activities. Environmental regulations have

greatly reduced pollution of streams by sewage and by garbage or rubbish (i.e., wet

wastes such as food byproducts). However, such efforts often are lacking in

developing nations. Figure1: Floating waste 1.2 Problem definitions For the last two

decades, almost all urban water bodies in India are suffering because of pollution

and they are used for disposing untreated local sewages and solid waste. In many

cases, those water bodies turned into landfills and get wasted. For example, at the

beginning of 1960’s Bangalore had 262 lakes, now only 10 hold water. Similarly, in

Delhi in2010-11 to check the changes in 3 water bodies in last 10 years the status of

44lakes were gone dry due to rapid urbanization, rise in population, falling water

tables. To overcome these problems, the government of India has taken initiatives

and implemented many schemes. By taking this into consideration, this project

“Solar Operated Water Trash Collector” is to remove garbage, debris and solid

waste from water bodies and make it clean. The main aim of this concept is to

reduce man power and time consumption for cleaning the river. This system will be

also helpful for cleaning river lakes and other water bodice. Pollution caused by

plastic is unavoidable. It can occur anywhere. Malaysia is one of Asia countries

affected by plastic pollution. In one study, plastic waste accounts for 32 percent of

all garbage found in the Malaysian rivers. According to a University of Plymouth

report, half of at least 700 species of aquatic animals are threatened with extinction

as a result of plastic waste. Aquatic lives are exposed to danger as they can be
strangled by the plastic waste, suffocate and killed.

Need and Scope of Project The project can be used for plenty other functions in the

destiny. It can be changed to throw existence jackets for the duration of rescue

operations. This can be finished by fixing suitable propellers with better motorrpms.

We can also replace battery with solar panels and make it completely work on solar

energy. Technological advancement is one of the important factors, so that it will

lead the future of humanity to prosperity and stability. This Water Cleaning

mechanism is no one-of-kind from this fact as this system can similarly boost

technologically. In this device we will use advance conveyor device and conveyor

material for increasing the efficiency collection of garbage. We can use the solar

panel for providing energy to the boat as opposed to battery operation. To modify

the size of boat consistent with its waste collecting potential is increases. This

project makes only for small lake and by way of performing some amendment in its

size and ability it can be used in large lake and river like Ganga. Design of Solar

Power Water Trash Collector Machine.

System Design The garbage collector system needs to be able to float in the water and

it also needs to remain floating as its weight increases. The motion of the collector

tray will also cause the problem as the weight of the garbage on the collector tray

may result in a slight deviation of the center of gravity of the robot. Keeping this in

mind, we have decided to implement the shape of a boat/canoe which is bottom

heavy, as we have added more mass at the bottom, and has heavy equipment’s like

motors; battery etc. The base of the boat is made of thermocol; the tub is made with

low-density structure type. For the motion of the bot, we have decided to take help
of propellers which will be connected to the sides of the robot and are actuated using

a 100 rpm geared motor. The collector tray is also actuated using the same motors

and all the motors are getting the power of a 9V battery connected in parallel. To

control the motion of the robot and that of the collection tray, we need a

microcontroller and motor drivers.

1.2 BACKGROUND: -

The concept of cleaning water surfaces has evolved significantly over time, driven

by growing concerns over water pollution and the health of aquatic ecosystems.

Initially, cleaning efforts were manual and localized, involving the use of nets,

boats, and human labor to remove floating waste from lakes, rivers, and coastal

areas. These methods, while simple, were labor-intensive, time-consuming, and

often ineffective for large-scale or continuous pollution.

The need for more efficient and mechanized systems emerged during the mid-20th

century as industrialization and urbanization led to increased water contamination,

especially in urban waterways and ports. In response, basic mechanical devices such

as skimmer boats and trash-collecting barges were developed to automate the

collection of floating debris. These machines, operated by municipal authorities or

port services, used conveyor belts or rotating arms to gather and store trash onboard.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, advancements in engineering, automation,
and renewable energy technologies contributed to the development of more

sophisticated and environmentally friendly water surface cleaning machines. These

newer machines are often solar-powered or electrically driven, reducing their carbon

footprint. They may also include features like GPS navigation, remote control

operation, and real-time waste monitoring.

In recent years, with increasing public awareness about plastic pollution and the

impact of human waste on marine life, global initiatives such as The Ocean Cleanup

project have pushed innovation in this field even further. These large-scale projects

have inspired smaller-scale, locally deployed water cleaning machines, including

compact, affordable models suitable for use in lakes, canals, and urban water bodies.

The Water Surface Cleaning Machine project today represents a culmination of

decades of technological improvement and environmental awareness, aiming to

provide an automated, efficient, and sustainable solution for preserving clean and

healthy water environments.

Today, water surface cleaning machines are deployed in a variety of

environments—from urban canals and harbors to lakes and industrial water

treatment facilities. The goal is to develop affordable, efficient, and eco-friendly

systems that can be used not only by governments but also by private stakeholders

and local communities.

1.3 LITERATURE REVIEW:-

Literature Review:

The growing problem of floating waste in water bodies has led to numerous studies and

engineering projects aimed at developing effective surface cleaning technologies. The literature

surrounding water surface cleaning machines includes research on mechanical design, automation,

environmental impact, and sustainable energy integration.

Mechanical and Structural Design:

Several studies have focused on the mechanical configuration of water surface cleaning systems.

Common designs involve a floating platform with a conveyor belt or rotating brushes that collect

debris and transport it into an onboard storage unit. According to R. Kumar et al. (2018), a basic

skimmer boat model using a rotating drum and conveyor system was found effective in small-

scale operations in lakes and harbors. Their research emphasized ease of construction and

maintenance as key design considerations for local deployment.

Automation and Control Systems:

Modern literature also explores the integration of control systems and automation in cleaning

machines. S. Banerjee and P. Sharma (2020) proposed a semi-autonomous water cleaning robot

equipped with ultrasonic sensors and microcontroller-based navigation to detect and avoid

obstacles. The inclusion of IoT-based monitoring systems has also been studied to remotely

control and track the performance of cleaning machines in real-time, increasing operational

efficiency.

Renewable Energy Integration:

A significant trend in recent research is the use of renewable energy sources, particularly solar

power. Patel and Singh (2019) developed a prototype water surface cleaning machine powered by
solar panels mounted on the floating platform. Their results showed that solar power could

effectively sustain the operation of lightweight motors used for propulsion and waste collection in

small-scale machines, making the system environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability:

Environmental studies, such as the work of K. L. Rao (2017), stress the importance of continuous

cleaning efforts to prevent the degradation of aquatic ecosystems. The presence of floating plastic

and organic debris can reduce oxygen levels in water, block sunlight penetration, and threaten

aquatic life. Literature also highlights that regular surface cleaning, especially when done with

automated or semi-automated systems, significantly reduces the environmental footprint compared

to traditional manual methods.

Related Innovations and Projects:

Large-scale initiatives like The Ocean Cleanup project and the deployment of Seabins in marinas

have inspired numerous academic and commercial efforts. These systems utilize floating barriers

and water filtration mechanisms to remove micro plastics and floating waste. While these projects

operate on a larger scale, they provide valuable design insights for the development of smaller,

localized machines like the one proposed in this college project.

The literature indicates a strong foundation for developing efficient, affordable, and eco-friendly

water surface cleaning machines. Key areas of focus include mechanical simplicity, renewable

power integration, partial automation, and low maintenance requirements. The current project

aims to contribute to this evolving field by designing a compact, solar-powered, semi-automated

machine tailored for use in small to medium-sized water bodies

1.4 OBJECTIVES: -

◆ 1. Utilize Renewable Energy:

To harness solar energy as the primary power source, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and

promoting sustainability.

◆ 2. Clean Water Surfaces Efficiently:

To collect and remove floating debris (plastic waste, leaves, bottles, etc.) from lakes, ponds,

rivers, or other water bodies effectively.

◆ 3. Reduce Environmental Pollution:

To contribute to the reduction of water pollution and improve the overall quality and appearance

of aquatic ecosystems.

◆ 4. Automate the Cleaning Process:

To minimize human effort and enable continuous or scheduled cleaning using autonomous or

semi-autonomous operation.

◆ 5. Promote Eco-Friendly Technology:

To design a non-polluting, quiet, and clean machine that aligns with eco-friendly practices and

green technology initiatives.

◆ 6. Increase Accessibility and Affordability:

To develop a cost-effective and easily deployable solution that can be used in both urban and rural

settings, even in remote areas without electricity access.

◆ 7. Ensure Easy Maintenance and Operation:

To design the system for simple maintenance, durability, and user-friendly controls, making it

accessible for local authorities or community workers.

◆ 8. Raise Environmental Awareness:

To demonstrate the practical benefits of clean energy and motivate communities.

 CHAPTER2

Resource Planning
2.1 SCHEDULE PLANNING:

SL NO. ROLE DURATION

1 Project Finding 1Week

2 Literature Review 4 Week

3 Material study 1 Week

4 Study on Project 2 Week

5 Resource Planning 1 Week

6 Methodology 2 Week

7 Material Collection 1 Week

8 Project Testing 1 Week

9 Result analysis 1 Week

10 Report Writing 2 Week

Table 2.1: - [Schedule Planning]

2.2 MATERIAL & EQUIPMENT PLANNING: -

SL NO. MATERIAL & EQUIPMENT NAME Quantity Specification

1. DC Motor 3 4 Volt

2. Transmission Circuit 1

3. Solar Panel 1 12 Volt

4. Power Supply Circuit 1

5. Battery 3 12 Volt

6. Rectifier 1

7. Voltage Regulator 1

8. Transformer 1

9. Motor Driver Module 1

10. Coloring Wires 20

Table 2.2: - [Material & Equipment Planning]

2.3 FINANCIAL PLANNING:

SL NO. ROLE EXPENSES

1. Travel Allocation 500

2. Equipment Cost 8000

3. Material Transport 500

4. Making Cost 1000

5. Miscellaneous Cost 500

6. Report Writing 1500

7. Expo Preparation 1000

Table 2.3: - [Financial Planning]