Material Transfer Cleaning System

Genentech aims to develop and manufacture medicines for life-threatening medical conditions. To do so, Genentech receives shipments of raw materials that arrive in barrels ranging from 1 to 55 gallons. These barrels often have visible external contaminants, such as dirt, chemical powder, and dust, so they currently employ workers to manually wipe and spray the barrels with isopropyl alcohol, followed by disinfection with a surfactant- this process becomes an ergonomic and time-intensive issue.  A more efficient and scalable cleaning solution is critical to optimize this resource-heavy approach.

Objective

Our project aims to design a better barrel-cleaning system that effectively cleans barrels' external surfaces. We aim to develop a robust and repeatable system that removes contaminants while improving efficiency. By automating this process, we strive to reduce the labor-intensive nature of barrel cleaning and enhance overall ergonomics.

Our design prioritizes user safety, ease of operation, and reduced physical strain by incorporating intuitive controls, optimal height adjustments, and automated handling mechanisms. By streamlining the workflow and minimizing manual effort, we seek to create a more efficient and ergonomic cleaning solution that improves productivity and workplace safety.