Arid Zone Journal of Engineering, Technology and Environment (AZOJETE)
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Quality Assessment Of Commercial Sandcrete Hollow Blocks Produced In Kaura District, Abuja
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Design and Fabrication of a Canvas Belt Thresher for Efficient Cowpea Threshing
Get PDFThe increasing demand for efficient and cost-effective cowpea threshing machinery led to the development of a canvas belt thresher. This study focuses on the design and fabrication of a thresher that minimizes grain damage while enhancing threshing efficiency. The machine was constructed using mild steel iron, 22-gauge sheet metal, and canvas materials, ensuring robustness and cost-effectiveness. The total production cost of the machine was ₦253,000, making it affordable for small-scale farmers. The canvas belt system, selected for its rubbing action, was designed to improve grain separation and reduce kernel bruising compared to traditional impact-based mechanisms. Key design considerations included material selection, power transmission, shaft design, and motor capacity to ensure durability, ease of use, and affordability. A 3.18kW gasoline engine powered the thresher, enabling both field and off-field operations. Performance results showed that the machine (1500mm × 800mm × 820mm) operates between 400 to 1200 rpm of drum speed, yielding a high level of efficiency with minimal grain loss and damage. This machine offers a reliable solution for small-scale farmers, significantly reducing labor, time, and operational costs associated with cowpea threshing
Mechanical Properties of Goat Hoof Fiber Reinforced Polystrene Composite for Car Bumper
Get PDFNatural materials are good reinforcements for composite materials due to their eco-friendliness and potentials for improved mechanical properties. This study explores the potential of goat hoof fibers as a reinforcing material in polystyrene composites for car bumpers. Different % composition mixes of goat hoof fibers and polystyrene matrix were used as samples A-F. Samples A(100% polystyrene and 0% goat hoof), sample B(90% polystyrene and 10% goat hoof), sample C(80% polystyrene and 20% goat hoof), sample D (70% polystyrene and 30% goat hoof), sample E (60 polystyrene and 40% goat hoof), sample F (50 polystyrene and 50% goat hoof. The samples were then moulded into different shapes depending on the type of test to be conducted on the samples. The test conducted on sample composition mixes are tensile test, impact test, flexural test and hardness The results of the experiments conducted on sample D (70% polystyrene and 30% goat hoof) gave the following results (14.9MPa, 75.23KN, 71.3MPa, 56.92KN/m2) and for sample E (60% polystyrene and 40% goat hoof) gave the following results (11.66MPa, 69.2KN, 71.2MPa, 51.4KN/m2) and for sample C (80% polystyrene and 20% goat hoof) gave the following results (10MPa, 70.9KN, 70.9MPa, 46.2KN/m2) respectively. The results of the values obtained by samples D, E and C composition mixes gave values that compare reasonable with the values obtained by the conventional car bumpers
Development of Plaster of Paris (Pop) From Gypsum Deposits of Fune - Yobe State, Nigeria by Calcination Process
Get PDFGypsum is a common sulfate mineral which has significant commercial value mostly made up of hydrated calcium sulphate. over dependence on foreign/imported POP into the country is in the high rise, local economy is affected and local miners are not patronized. Thus, the study produced and characterized POP from Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State- Nigeria (Alangefe deposit site). The Gypsum sample was collected at three layers of 0.5m each after excavating the top soil. The samples were beneficiated and calcined at the Civil Engineering Laboratory of Eighteenth Engineering Company at 1700C. Porosity, shrinkage, compressive strength and density tests were carried out on these samples. The gypsum collected were processed and characterized with the sample having porosity of 53.37% on the average, 0% shrinkage, compressive strength of up to 23.03N/mm2 and 21.04N/mm2, density of 0.91g/cm2 and 1.01g/cm2. Water:POP ratio of 80-100:100 gave the best results. The properties of the characterized POP from Fune (Alangefe) mining site had excellent properties as compared with the POP obtained in the market. Thus, the produced POP can replace the ones being sold in the market in terms of availability and its properties
Tilapia Fish Scale-Derived Hydroxyapatite Inhibitor for Copper Corrosion: Electrochemical, Adsorption, and Mechanistic Investigations
No full textThis investigation analyzes hydroxyapatite (HAp) derived from tilapia fish scales as a green and sustainable corrosion inhibitor for copper in 1M HCl. While fish scales are an abundant biowaste source, the use of the scales' in assessing its corrosion inhibition capability will provide an eco-compatible option for the protection of industrial metals. The hydroxyapatite was purified using a multi-step process consisting of deproteinization, alkaline treatment, and high-temperature calcination under 1000°C to yield a purified nano-HAp powder. Open Circuit Potential (OCP), Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV), and Tafel polarization were used to determine the corrosion inhibition efficiency under various temperatures (30°C, 40°C, and 50°C) and different concentrations (0.2 g, 0.4 g, and 0.6 g). The results showed an extensive reduction in the current density of the corrosion and the rate of the corrosion, with a maximum inhibition efficiency of (~95%) occurring under the 0.6 g concentration. The analysis of the adsorption showed that the inhibitor conformed to the Freundlich and Temkin isotherms, inferring multilayer adsorption and strong surface interactions. Optical micrographs corroborated the protective capability of the inhibitor through reduced roughness of the surface and reduced pitting. This study established that hydroxyapatite obtained from fish scales is an effective alternative, and eco-compatible corrosion inhibitor, contributing to waste reduction and green chemistry
Assessment of the Hydroelectricity Generation Potential of Gwaigwaye Reservoir in Funtua, Katsina State, Nigeria.
Get PDFAccess to quality and adequate supply of electricity is one of the major challenges hampering development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Funtua as the industrial, commercial, and agricultural hub of Katsina State, Nigeria, needs to overcome the problem of epileptic power supply from the national grid. This study explored the hydro generation potential of Gwaigwaye Reservoir, the largest water resource in the area, by evolving a hydrological profile using water surface area in absence of flow gauging data. It also outlined from analysis, the technical requirements for hydroelectricity generation from the reservoir. Consequently, it was discovered from analysis that the average discharge obtainable is 18.54 m3/s. This would flow through four bulb turbines of 750 rpm speed to generate 17.8 MW of power or 14.033 GWh of energy in a year. It is therefore recommended that the Government of Katsina State should seek to implement this project for its potential to improve the living conditions and economy of the people of Funtua, the surrounding communities and the State
Development of a Pipe Leakage Detection with Simulated Acoustic Model for Water Distribution System
Get PDFThe paper presents a method for detecting pipe leakage in a water distribution system using a simulated acoustic model. The study utilized Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to determine the optimal position for the leakage point in relation to the sensors. The objective function was created, and time delays were optimized using PSO simulated via MATLAB. The analysis focused on examining both vertical and horizontal flow configurations. The system was calibrated, data was extracted, and it was utilized for leakage automation. The study found that the optimal leakage point is 10.12 cm, measured to the left sensor1 in the horizontal configuration with a 0.02 second time delay. The second leakage point in the horizontal configuration has a time delay of 0.05 seconds, while the third point has a delay of 0.08 seconds. Eight false alarm frequencies were detected in the water flow and no leakage mode, with 100% of the false alarms indicating no flow or leakage. The system false alarm disappears when the system is pressurized for a long period of time. The study demonstrates the importance of detecting pipe leakage in water distribution systems using a simulated acoustic model in rural areas, developing countries, and small and medium-sized industries
Evaluation of Performance Against Contractors’ Tender Position on Selected Public Construction Projects
Get PDFPrevious studies have investigated tendering of construction projects and project performance in silos. This study examines project performance of contractors, based on their tender positions as perceived by clients. Quality and speed of delivery of construction projects formed the study remit. A questionnaire was administered to selected public clients (Federal Ministries and Departments). Responses received were analyzed with aid of simple means and percentages. The analysis showed that 76.92% of tenders submitted were below the mean tender sum. Similarly, 23.08% of the tenders were above the mean Tender sum. Further examination revealed that 23.08% of projects were completed at costs significantly higher than the original contract price. Accordingly, 80.77% of the contractors delivered their projects within the contract price. Inadvertently, clients’ rating of the performance of contractors showed that their projects were delivered within budget at final accounts, with performances below average as Clients disapproved the quality and speed of delivery by such contractors. On the other hand, contractors whose projects overran their budgets were rated above average in terms of performance and delivery quality. The mean tender sum was recommended as the most important benchmark for clients in early projects decision at tender
Effect of Particle and Fiber Loading on Tensile, Flexural and Impact Properties of Hybridized Balanite Shell Particles and Palmyra Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composite
Get PDFThe new trend of using natural fibers and fillers has greatly improved the formulation of composites. It has been established over the years that natural fibers and fillers have the required characteristics to reinforce polymers. In this study, Palmyra fiber and Balanite shell particles were used to reinforce epoxy C28H3002. Palmyra fiber and Balanite shell particles together formed the reinforcement having equal weight percentage of 50:50. The particle size of the Balanite was 150µm while 90 mm length of the Palmyra fiber was utilized. The compounding ratio of reinforcements to epoxy was 10:90, 20:80, 30:70, 40:60 and 50:50 respectively in order to see the effect of reinforcements loading of the Epoxy on the hybrid composite’s mechanical properties. Palmyra fiber was treated with 5% NaOH solution before compounding in order to improve fiber-particle matrix adhesion. The composite was formulated based on the mixing plan using hand lay-up method which was followed up by a compression molding operation at 2.5 MPa of pressure in order to have good compaction of the composite and further matrix distribution. These formulated composites were named Balanite Palmyra Epoxy (BPE), that is, BPE1, BPE2, BPE3, BPE4 and BPE5 with the numbers describing weight percentage loading of reinforcements of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 respectively. Characterization of the composites were done to determine their tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also carried out in order to know the interaction of the matrix and reinforcements. BPE3 with 30% reinforcement was found to have had the highest tensile strength of 52.99 MPa from 30 MPa of the pure Epoxy, resulting in 44% improvement of the tensile property of the matrix with elongation at break gradually dropping with material loading as a result of reduced flexibility of the matrix resulting from interruptions of its extension by the reinforcements; impact strength of 0.494 J/mm was obtained which gave about 63% improvement of the matrix. BPE2 with 20% reinforcement gave the highest flexural strength of 141.2 MPa and presented an improved flexural property of the matrix by 34%. Tensile modulus increased with reinforcements loading while flexural modulus dropped after 20% loading mainly because of the brittle nature of the matrix. The properties obtained from the hybrid composite make it suitable for low to medium load applications
Design, Construction and Performance Evaluation of a Manual Cum Motorized Orange Juice Extracting Machine
Get PDFA manual cum motorized operated juice extractor was designed and fabricated using locally sourced materials. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) a synthetic fluoro polymer was used in the construction of the screw shaft and stainless steel for the extraction chamber. Rotational motion needed by the screw shaft to compress and transport the fruits was supplied both manually cum motorized to the machine through a handle and electric motor device of 10w because this has capacity to handle the performance operation. The screw shaft crushes, squeeze and facilitate the movement of residues to the waste outlet while the juice passes through the screen to the juice collector. Tests were carried out to investigate the performance of the machine on the basis of juice yield, extraction efficiency and extraction loss. The fruits were washed and weights (1kg, 1.5kg and 2kg respectively) of fruit slice (8 and 16 slices) were then processed using the extractor to extract the Juice. The juice yield, extraction loss and extraction efficiency were determined by standard Formula and methods. Maximum juice yield of 64.6 % extraction efficiency of 68.2 % and Corresponding extraction loss of 7.05 % were obtained from the 16 slice lengths orange fruits were used for the test. The juice produced from the extractor was of good quality which further proves the effectiveness of the extractor. The manual fruit juice extractor is cheap(N48770), durable and cost of operation is low while motorized juice extractor is faster in terms of operation or extraction efficiency and extraction loss, and also it could be used by an average Nigerian household and small-scale farmers