NEDO: the world’s first automatic pump testing machine capable of transporting sediment
NEDO / Takenaka Corporation / Chuo University
NEDO conducts leading research programs that lead to future national projects.
Recently, in collaboration with Takenaka Corporation and Chuo University, we have developed a testing machine’the world’s first peristaltic pump that can transport earth and sand‘
What is a peristaltic pump:
It mechanically mimics the peristaltic movement of the intestines. Pressurizing mechanisms are distributed on the path.
“Transport the object while it is blocked from the outside”.
Therefore, energy loss is small and there is no theoretical limit to the height that can be lifted.
Conventional peristaltic pump:
Conventional peristaltic pumps are used for highly fluid liquids, viscous bodies, and slurries (suspensions of liquid and solid particles).
However, until now, it was “not applicable to sediment with low fluidity”.
This peristaltic pump:
This time, we analyzed the relationship between the properties, moisture content, and transport characteristics of sediment particles.
Equipped with a mechanism that can adjust the shape of the rubber tube and the water content ratio.
This completes the prototype of a peristaltic pump that can transport earth and sand.
Future fields of use:
As a result, it is expected to be applied to excavation and transportation work in extreme environments such as large depths, the seabed and the moon.
Conventionally, large heavy machinery called clam shell * 1 and terha * 2 have been used for deep excavation work.
Weaknesses of large heavy machinery:
Large heavy machinery requires a wide and solid workbench to support its weight.
The maximum transfer depth is about 70m depending on the length of the wire.
Moreover, the conveyance time of excavated material becomes longer as it becomes deeper.
There is a problem that conveyance efficiency decreases.
In addition, these heavy machines are difficult to transport in extreme environments such as the ocean floor and the moon in a vacuum.
This tester is scheduled to be exhibited at the Chuo University booth at Tokyo Big Sight “2019 International Robot Exhibition” from December 18 to 21, 2019.