CSIR-CMERI developed indigenous Mechanized Scavenging System successfully demonstrated at the premises of the National Physical Laboratory, Delhi

New Delhi: CSIR-CMERI developed indigenous Mechanized Scavenging System successfully demonstrated at the premises of the National Physical Laboratory, Delhi on 27.10.2021 in gracious presence of Dr.Shekar C. Mande, DG,CSIR & Secretary DSIR, GOI, Prof.(Dr.) Harish Hirani, Director, CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur, Prof. Venugopal Achanta, Director, NPL, Delhi , Ms Rupa Mishra IAS, JS, Ministry of housing and urban affairs GOI, government officials, Engineers & industrialists.

On the occasion Prof. (Dr.) Harish Hirani, Director CMERI Durgapur explained the details of the indigenously developed technology of mechanised scavenging system. It was developed within the span of eight months. The developed system was benchmarked with the market available system in India, and a number of features have been added which makes it first of its kind in India. Prof. Hirani further explained that in the developed system, the water collected from the drain is recycled to be used for drain/road cleaning. Whereas in the market available systems utilized fresh water, which cannot be sustainable. A camera mounted inspection system is also provided in the vehicle to inspect the current condition of the sewer pipe: Pipe cracks, roots in pipe etc.

Mr. Avinash Kumar Yadav, Sr. Scientist, CSIR-CMERI told that in the market available systems, a rodding mechanism is commonly used to clear the blockage in the sewer pipes, but it may erode the inside surface of the pipe. Whereas CSIR-CMERI Durgapur’s developed system uses a high flow rate system jetting pump which exerts high force to clear the blockage without any damage to the pipe. He also told that the collected sludge may not directly be useful for agricultural purpose. It is recommended to use pyrolysis process to convert sludge to useful products.

Director mentioned that the developed mechanised drain cleaning system is rigorously tested in the National Institute of Technology Durgapur, National Power Training Institute, Durgapur, DVC colony, DSP colony in Durgapur.
Ms Rupa Mishra IAS, JS Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, GOI was impressed with the CSIR-CMERI developed mechanised scavenging technology with all the advanced features available in the developed system. She enquired about the roll out business plan for the developed technology. She also commended that reuse of water for drain cleaning in this system is very unique and sustainable approach for mechanised drain cleaning.

Mr. Bhupesh Kumar additional Chief Engineer, Delhi Jal board encouraged the CSIR-CMERI developed technology for its conceptual work and working. He appreciated the reuse of water for drain cleaning as well as post inspection system in this developed technology. However, he was curious to know whether the present developed system can be installed on CNG fuelled powered vehicle in-order to operate in Delhi and NCR region. Mr. Kumar offered the demonstration of the machine in Keshopur area under Delhi Jal board.

CSIR-CMERI has developed a Vehicle Integrated Mechanized Scavenging System after intensive studies of the diverse nature of Indian Sewerage Systems and the manner of its blockages. The System is built in the BS-VI vehicle chassis mainly considering for the Bharat Stage VI pollution norms from Government of India. The technology is modular in design so as to ensure customised deployment strategies as per situational requirements. The System also focuses upon Sustainable Usage of water (i.e. sucked slurry from the choked Sewerage Systems is in-situ filtered adequately and redirected for Clearing of blockage using Self-Propelling Nozzle). The high-pressure jetting system (110 lpm @ 130 bar) makes system suitable for any tough choke condition. The various electronic feedback system like digital water level indicator for the storage tank, sensors for the filter clog checking, sensors for assess of conditions of various pumps (slurry, jetting & hydraulic) added additional benefits for safety and better utilisation of the system. All the modules like slurry dispensing unit, high pressure jetting unit & Grabbing system engages through the pneumatic pressure for better safety. The hydraulic operated grabbing system with hopper system is designed and integrated in the system for collection of the silt. The Jetting hose system is assisted with hydraulic motor system and disinfectant system for minimising the effort as well as improving the health safety of the operators. Many Sewage lines are old, and therefore it is very important to check the health of the sewer pipe periodically. For this purpose, a self-propelled Inspection system is developed and integrated with vehicle to provide inside details of the sewer pipes. The CSIR-CMERI developed machine is designed for up to 5000 people density i.e. best suitable upto 300 mm diameter and upto 100 meter length of sewer system.

Key features of the system:
 High Pressure Jetting System.
 Equipped With Safety Operator feedback system
 Post Cleaning Inspection camera system (self-propelled type)
 Disinfectant System for jetting hose disinfection.
 Appropriate filtration and Re-utilization of drain Slurry
 Indigenous, cost effective & Reliable machine
 Developed in BS VI chassis (Green and Clean India)

Technical Specification:
• Chassis: BS-VI, Max power 98 HP & 300 NM torque.
• Overall length of vehicle: 6.1 meters
• Slurry Dispensing Unit Power required: 5 HP, 100 lpm
 Head of the slurry System – 40 feet.
• Jetting Unit: 30 HP, 100 lpm, 110 bar.
 Jetting length – 60 meters.
 Hose Dia – 1 inch
 D-silting mechanism details –
 Bucket capacity – 30 ltrs
 Boom Tilting 180 degrees.
 Max reach – 3.8 meter (2-meter boom + 1.8-meter stroke)
 Waste Bucket – 30 ltrs
 Hydraulic operated.
 Vertical reach -12 meters.

The developed System would help the Manual Scavengers Skill themselves on the latest technological advancements in Sewerage Maintenance Systems as well as enhance their efficiency, performance and safeguard them against intrusive pathogens. This would remove the Indignity from the Profession of Scavenging and help convert their practice from Skilled to Unskilled.