In a world where tech is quietly solving everyday problems, a research team from Shoolini University came up with a smart fix for something most people never think about — cleaning water storage tanks. Their new invention, the Tank Cleaner, recently received a patent (Design No. 336797-001), giving the team lots to celebrate. The creators behind it are Dr Robin Thakur, Sunil Kumar, Saikat Ghosh, Raj Kumar Sharma, Chandra Shekhar Aazad, Prashant Katuwal, Yaduveer, and Arshdeep Singh.
The idea didn’t start in a lab. It began during a visit to an industrial site where the team watched workers climb into tanks filled with dirty water and fumes, just to scrub them clean. It was tough to watch, and one simple thought triggered the project: Surely, there has to be a safer way to do this.
That question led to a compact, electricity-operated device that can be placed inside cylindrical tanks with minimal effort. Once it’s inside, the system rotates and sprays cleaning fluid under pressure, clearing sludge, dirt and leftover residue from the walls. Brushes or scrubbers move along the tank’s length, giving the inside a thorough clean — without putting anyone at risk.
What makes the Tank Cleaner appealing is how straightforward it is. It’s light, easy to put together, and works well across different tank sizes because of its 360-degree cleaning motion. It also saves energy and costs far less than the bulky industrial systems usually seen in factories.
A lot of teamwork went into getting it right. Dr Robin Thakur worked on the concept, design and documentation. His former student, Manu Saraswat, handled the 3D modelling, fabrication and testing. They spent months fine-tuning the machine, balancing motor pressure and perfecting the smooth rotation needed for consistent cleaning.
The project grew with support from iCreate (International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology), Ahmedabad, through its SparkUp Scheme. The team received funding, guidance and technical advice that helped them build a working prototype. Shoolini University also stepped in with testing facilities, research support, and helped with the patent process.
If scaled up, the Tank Cleaner could make a real difference in industries like water treatment, food processing and chemicals. It cuts down manual labour, saves time and — most importantly — keeps workers out of dangerous spaces. A simple idea, built carefully, now has the potential to improve safety and maintenance practices in many places.
Avantika Basu
December 5, 2025