Abstract

Sand Filtering machine has the function to filter sand from unwanted materials
that is mixed together.The sand and the unwanted materials cannot process further
if they are mixed.Thus, this machine will help the labour to filter sand and get rid
of unwanted materials from it.With machine mechanism driven by pneumatic
power i.e it will operated by pressurized air,so it will reduce the time to filter and
also reduces the effort which the labour earlier required when filtering sand without
any machine.The objective of our project is to make the best concept design in
terms of ergonomics and production cost.The stages of making the project begin
with problem definition, reading research, problem solving, calculations, designing
the model, ordering parts and fabrication and testing .From this project, it can be
concluded that the design of this sand filtering machine will be environmentally
friendly and bring many benefits to labours and decrease time of filtration.

Keywords: Filtering, Pneumatic power, pressurized air, environment friendly

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Contents

Acknowledgement iii

Declaration iv

Abstract v

List of Figures vii

List of Tables viii

List of Abbreviations ix

1 Introduction 1
1.1 Motivation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 Problem Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.3 Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.4 Organization of Project Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

2 Literature Review 3

3 Project Description 5
3.1 Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.1.1 Air Compressor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.1.2 Pneumatic Actuator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.1.3 Pneumatic Pies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.1.4 Pneumatic fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.1.5 Pneumatic Regulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.1.6 Mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

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 3.1.7 Arduino UNO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.1.8 Single Channel Relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.1.9 Jumper Cables(Male to Female) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.1.10 Solenoid Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.2 Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.3 Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.4 Fabrication Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.5 Working Principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.6 Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4 CAD Model 17

5 Analysis and its results 19

5.1 Analysis of Body Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.2 Analysis of Handle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

6 Conclusion 21
6.1 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
6.2 Future Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
6.3 Cost Estimation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

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List of Figures

2.1 Traditional Sand Filtering Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3.1 Air Compressor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

3.2 Pneumatic Actuator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.3 Pneumatic Pipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.4 Pneumatic Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.5 Pneumatic Regulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.6 Mesh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.7 Arduino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.8 Single Channel Relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.9 Jumper Cables(Male to Female) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.10 Solenoid Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.11 Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.12 Free Body Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4.1 Front View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4.2 Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.3 Top View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.4 Isometric View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

5.1 Body Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

5.2 Handle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

viii
List of Tables

6.1 Cost Estimation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

ix
List of Abbreviations

MU University of Mumbai

SFIT St. Francis Institute of Technology

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Chapter 1

Introduction

1.1 Motivation
The idea of this project had come from the construction sites. We often saw the
construction work at home, in neighborhood, in college and at the other construction
site like bridge, large buildings etc. So we observe that there are many problems
the constructor face at the construction site. We are focusing one such problem i.e.
problem regarding sand filter. This is one of the most important problem that must
be solved to increase the efficiency of the work at the construction site. Actually
the labour at the construction site uses the hand filters to filter the sand before it
is mixed with the cement to make mixture required for the construction. In hand
filtration the labour gets fatigue and also this take much time to filter the sand
which slows the construction work some time. So we are trying to give an idea to
solve this problem in the form of minor project. Actually we are using principle
of reciprocating the mesh using compressed air using pneumatics ,which helps in
filtration.

1.2 Problem Statement

Sanding filtering with hand causes labour fatigue and reduces efficiency at
construction site and to solve this issue, idea of making a pneumatic sand filtering
machine is used in our project.

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1.3 Methodology

Problem Literature Problem

Calculations
Definition Review Solving

Ordering
Testing Fabrication Designing
Parts

1.4 Organization of Project Report

This project report is organized as follows:
Chapter 2 presents the literature review
Chapter 3 provides a brief explanation of project.
Chapter 4 presents CAD models.
Chapter 5 is dedicated to the analysis and its results.
Chapter 6 presents the conclusions and future scope for this project.

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Chapter 2

Literature Review

From years sand has been the most important thing in human community. Most
sediments, including sand, are made up of the fragments that result when rock
is broken down by wind and rain (weathering). Generally, they start as larger
fragments(gravel), which are broken down as rivers carry them down stream; the
finer the particle, the further it has traveled. In other words, large bits of gravel
are plentiful on the banks close to the head of a river. As you travel downstream,
gravel becomes finer into cobble, pebble, granule, and eventually turning into sand,
and finally flowing into the ocean, where these sediments deposit.Most sediments,
once formed in the ocean, subduct to the Earth’s interior (mantle)from trench with
a subducting tectonic plate. However, some pieces tear loose from the whole, and
accreted to the hanging wall continental plate, once again becoming part a continent.
Geological structures formed in this way are called accretionarybodies (prisms).
Accretionary bodies are characteristic to the subduction zone like Japan, which
make up a large part of the Japanese islands.As the sand is basic element of every
construction work and usually available in mixture (gravel), many ideas have been
developing to separate the sand from mixture.The figure 2.1 below shows the process
been use by people before to filter and collect the sand they wanted. This process
filters the sand into it size depending on the size of the net been used. This smooth
sand or the product usually use as main material in construction to build building
or house. Smooth sand is required to achieve better quality product example in
making sand casting or making any product based on sand. [2]

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 Figure 2.1: Traditional Sand Filtering Method

The Traditional Sand Filtering Method required a lot of effort and reduces the
efficiency of work at construction sites.So the aim of this project to tackle the above
mentioned issues.

4
Chapter 3

Project Description

3.1 Components
The components required for the project and their function in the project are given
below:

3.1.1 Air Compressor

An air compressor is a device that converts power (using an electric motor, diesel or
gasoline engine, etc.) into potential energy stored in pressurized air (i.e., compressed
air). By one of several methods, an air compressor forces more and more air into a
storage tank, increasing the pressure. When tank pressure reaches its upper limit
the air compressor shuts off. The compressed air, then, is held in the tank until
called into use.

Figure 3.1: Air Compressor

5
3.1.2 Pneumatic Actuator

Pneumatic cylinder(s) (sometimes known as air cylinders) are mechanical devices

which use the power of compressed gas to produce a force in a reciprocating linear
motion. Like hydraulic cylinders, something forces a piston to move in the desired
direction. The piston is a disc or cylinder, and the piston rod transfers the force it
develops to the object to be moved. Engineers sometimes prefer to use pneumatics
because they are quieter, cleaner, and do not require large amounts of space for fluid
storage. Because the operating fluid is a gas, leakage from a pneumatic cylinder will
not drip out and contaminate the surroundings, making pneumatics more desirable
where cleanliness is a requirement.

Figure 3.2: Pneumatic Actuator

3.1.3 Pneumatic Pies

An pneumatic pipe is a tube, that contains and carries a compressed air supply.

Figure 3.3: Pneumatic Pipes

6
3.1.4 Pneumatic fittings

Pneumatic fittings are parts used to connect sections of pipe, tube, and hose in
pneumatic (pressurized gas) systems. Compared to hydraulic fittings, pneumatic
fittings are typically characterized by tighter seals and lower pressure requirements.
They are frequently used in pneumatic logic control systems and instrumentation.

Figure 3.4: Pneumatic Fittings

3.1.5 Pneumatic Regulator

Pressure regulators, commonly called pressure reducing valves, maintain constant

output pressure in compressed-air systems regardless of variations in input pressure
or output flow. Regulators are a special class of valve containing integral loading,
sensing, actuating, and control components. Available in many configurations, they
can be broadly classified as general purpose, special purpose, or precision.

Figure 3.5: Pneumatic Regulator

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3.1.6 Mesh

Wire mesh filter is wire mesh that is stretched by use of metal threads, with fine
openings between the different metal threads. When mixture of sand and unwanted
particles is passed through the wire mesh filter, the unwanted particles from the
sand will stay behind in the openings of the wire mesh filter.

Figure 3.6: Mesh

3.1.7 Arduino UNO

Arduino UNO is a low-cost, flexible, and easy-to-use programmable open-source

microcontroller board that can be integrated into a variety of projects.We have
used arduino uno for automating the pneumatic system.

Figure 3.7: Arduino

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3.1.8 Single Channel Relay

The Single Channel Relay Module is a convenient board which can be used to control
high voltage, high current load such as motor, solenoid valves, lamps and AC load.In
our case we have used relay to control solenoid valve.

Figure 3.8: Single Channel Relay

3.1.9 Jumper Cables(Male to Female)

A jump wire (also known as jumper, jumper wire, jumper cable, DuPont wire or
cable) is an electrical wire, or group of them in a cable, with a connector or pin at
each end (or sometimes without them – simply "tinned"), which is normally used
to interconnect the components of a breadboard or other prototype or test circuit,
internally or with other equipment or components, without soldering.

Figure 3.9: Jumper Cables(Male to Female)

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3.1.10 Solenoid Valve

A solenoid valves general function is to stop or allow flow in piping and tubing. The
operation is facilitated by an electro magnet.

Figure 3.10: Solenoid Valve

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3.2 Circuit

Figure 3.11: Circuit

• First we connect the three jumper wires to the three terminals of the 5V relay
i.e IN, GND and VCC

• Then the jumper wire from VCC terminal to 5V pin on arduino UNO.

• Connect the jumper wire from GND terminal of relay to GND pin of arduino
UNO.

• Then connect jumper wire from IN terminal to pin 8 of arduino UNO

• Connect two wires to the coil and connect one end of wire to two pin plug.

• Take another and connect it to NO port of relay.

• And lastly connect the other end of NO port wire to the two pin plug and the
connection is done.

• Now connect the arduino UNO to the laptop and upload the code on it.

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3.3 Code

c o n s t i n t r e l a y P i n =8; // S e t s i g n a l p i n
void setup ( ) {
pinMode ( r e l a y P i n , OUTPUT) ; // Se t th e s i g n a l pi n as an output

}
void loop (){
d i g i t a l W r i t e ( r e l a y P i n , LOW) ; // Turn th e s i g n a l o f f
d e l a y ( 5 0 0 ) ; // Pause
d i g i t a l W r i t e ( r e l a y P i n , HIGH ) ; // turn th e s i g n a l on
d e l a y ( 5 0 0 ) ; // Pause
}

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3.4 Fabrication Process
• First we order all the parts required for the project.

• Then the first step to do fabricate the frame according to design.

• To fabricate the frame ,cutting of M.S square rods is carried out according to
the dimensions using the power hacksaw.

• Then the rods which has been cut are welding together using metal arc welding
process.

• After welding the frame is let to cool down.

• Then mounting the wheels, rollers, handles and pneumatic cylinder is done.

• Connections of arduino, Jumpers, Relay and Solenoid valve is done.

• Then pneumatic cylinder is connected to air compressor using pneumatic

fittings and pneumatic lines.

• After doing all the mounting and connection, air compressor is turned on and
set to required pressure required and the code is ran and the machine starts
working.

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3.5 Working Principle
• This machine operates with the help pneumatic systems.

• Initially the air-compressor is started and allowed the receiver tank air pressure
to reach up to value obtained through calculations.

• After desirable value of air pressure is obtained the air is carried by pneumatic
pipes to the solenoid valve.

• Solenoid valve is a electrically activated valve, which controls the flow of air
and hence controls the motion of piston which is there in the pneumatic
cylinder

• Pneumatic cylinder used would be double acting i.e both forward and
backward motion of piston is controlled by compressed air.

• The input to solenoid valve would be given by arduino UNO and hence the
motion of the piston would be automated.

• The mesh frame would be attached to the piston rod and hence it would
reciprocate according to the input give in the arduino UNO.

• Tossing the sand on to the mesh would be the only activity where human
interference is required, rest the filtration would be automatic as the
pneumatic cylinder piston rod would be reciprocating automatically with the
help of arduino UNO.

14
3.6 Calculation

Figure 3.12: Free Body Diagram

Where,
fs = F riction F orce (N )
F = F orce required to move the mesh (N )
m = mass of sand + mass of mesh f rame (kg)
D = cylinder bore
d = piston rod diameter
L = stroke length

P
fy = 0
N = mg cos(5)
N = 147.15 cos(5)
N = 146.59N (1)
f s = µs × N (2)
fs = 0.4 × 146.59 (f or material P V C µs = 0.4, f rom 1 and 2)
∴ fs = 58.64N (3)

P
fx = 0
F + mg sin(5) − fs = 0
F = fs − mg sin(5)
F = 58.64 − 147.15 sin(5) (f rom 3)
∴ F = 45.82N

15
 F
P ressure required to generate this f orce(F ) = P = A
45.82
∴P = π×(502 −102 )
N/mm2
4
∴ P = 0.024 N/mm2
∴ P = 0.24 bar
∴ P = 3.48 psi

V olume of air required in f orward stroke

π
×D2 ×(P +1)×L
V1 = 4
1000
π
×52 ×(0.24+1)×20
V1 = 4
1000
(D = 5cm, P = 0.24bar, L = Stroke length = 20cm)
V1 = 0.48 litres

V olume of air required in backward stroke

π
×(D−d)2 ×(P +1)×L
V1 = 4
1000
π
×(5−1)2 ×(0.24+1)×20
V1 = 4
1000
(d = 1cm)
V1 = 0.31 litres

16
Chapter 4

CAD Model

Figure 4.1: Front View

Figure 4.2: Side View

17
 Figure 4.3: Top View

Figure 4.4: Isometric View

18
Chapter 5

Analysis and its results

5.1 Analysis of Body Frame

Figure 5.1: Body Frame

Analysis of frame was done where a load of 100N was applied which is around
weight of 2 shovels of sand.Material used for frame is Mild steel and square cross
section is used of 25 x 25 mm and thickness 3 mm. On doing the analysis the
deformation found was 0.009mm which is very desirable and hence the designed
frame has considerable strength and is suitable for the project.

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5.2 Analysis of Handle

Figure 5.2: Handle

Analysis of frame was done where a load of 200N was applied.Material used for
frame is Mild steel and square cross section is used of 25 x 25 mm and thickness 3
mm. On doing the analysis the deformation found was 1.5mm.

20
Chapter 6

Conclusion

6.1 Conclusion
The main purpose to make this project was sand filtering in less time than sand
filtration by hand or manually, which has been achieved.This project increases the
efficiency of work at construction sites and reduces the labour effort. Compared to
electric sand filtering machine, this project will have less parts to be replaced to be
replaced from time to time.

6.2 Future Scope

• This project can be used in agriculture field to filter grains by replacing the
mesh according to grain size.

• Precision of filtration can be increased by adding multiple meshes.

• A mechanism can be developed further which will ensure constant input of

sand.

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6.3 Cost Estimation
The cost estimation given below is the manufacturing cost:-

Sr. No. Components Cost

1. Air Compressor Rs. 6900/-
2. Pneumatic Cylinder Rs. 1500/-
3. Pneumatic Pipes Rs. 200/-
4. Pneumatic Fittings Rs. 200/-
5. Pneumatic Regulator Rs. 700/-
6. Mesh Rs. 350/-
7. Arduino UNO Rs. 550/-
8. Single Channel Relay Rs. 70/-
9. Jumper Cables Rs. 60/-
10. Solenoid Valve Rs. 1200/-
11. M.S Rod Rs. 2000
Total Rs. 13730/-

Table 6.1: Cost Estimation

22
References

[1] V Chandramohan, T Ragunath, S Sanjith, G Santhoshvishnu, and N Vivek.

Design and fabrication of automated sand filter and waste separator machine.

[2] Mohd Effi Mohjee. Design and Fabricate Sieve Machine. PhD thesis, UMP,
2008.

[3] Suman Pathak, Anish Poudel, Lekhnath Gyawali, and suman bhattarai. A
detailed report on design and analysis of sand sieving machine, 02 2021.

[4] Vijay Saini. Sand filter machine project. https://drive.google.com/file/d/

1Iu9UfTC8VOBHMgx9Yc5LnM_HE1LqfUMV/view, February 2016.

[5] SL Sanda. How to make sand filter machine. https://www.youtube.com/

watch?v=UvyZiYhz0BI&t=540s.

[6] Vishal Tambat, Nilkanth Rane, Omkar Savant, and Pankaj Yadav. Pneumatic
shearing and bending machine. International Journal of Recent Research in Civil
and Mechanical Engineering (IJRRCME) Vol, 2:9–18, 2015.

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Physical Model: