Communities in DSpace

Select a community to browse its collections.

Recent Submissions

Thumbnail Image
Item
IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY IN FEED MIXING MACHINE MANUFACTURING IN NIGERIA
(2015-09-10) Rufus Ogbuka Chime; Samuel I.Ukwuaba; Benedict.N Ugwu; Abdulrahim Abdulbaqi Toyin; Anthony Igwe; Benjamin Ibe Chukwu
The idea of mixing various feed materials such as grains, feed supplements and other animal feeds to produce a homogenous mix ready for dispensing for animal consumption had being part of man’s activities since the creation of man. This has always been done using crude method such as hands, sticks etc. in this recent time, the advancement in technology has brought about the use of machines to perform the same function much faster, accurate and less energy consuming. It is for this purpose that the feed mixing machine has been designed. The scope of this project are to design a small feed fixing machine, to model and simulate the machine before production, to fabricate component of feed mixing machine based on design specifications and to test the machine after fabrication , while in designing and in material selection consideration was given to the tech-economic status of the micro scale industries who are intended users of the machine. Feed mixing machines are used in feed mills for the mixing of feed ingredients. The machine plays a vital role in the feed production process, with efficient mixing being key to good feed production. If feed is not mixed properly, ingredients and nutrients will not be properly distributed within a précised time. This means that the feed will not have even nutritional benefit would be bad for the birds that are feeding on the feed. Feed mixing machine comprises of a frame structure, the mixing chamber (a cylinder and cone structure) where other components such as electric motor, shaft and hopper are mounted on. The mixing of feed to form a uniform ration is a regular need on large stock poultry purposes. The mixing is performed by a vertical shaft which revolves continuously in a cylindrical cone suspended by an iron bar. The relative motion of the shaft about the frame (body) is achieved by the use of knuckle bearing. Mixing is done in the mixing chamber. The mixer is constructed to take a capacity of 30kg, but the excess capacity of 40kg was provided to take care of overloading .this machine was powered by 3hp power motor. Product Lifecycle manufacturing (PLM) is redefining the use of information throughout the product lifecycle and specifically, as discussed here, in the manufacturing phase of the product’s lifecycle. Product manufacturers need to consider manufacturing two products: the physical products that they have always produced and the virtual product that is the information about the physical product. This virtual product can provide manufacturers with a new source of value. After thoroughly researching, designing and experimenting with soft ware’s final machine was developed optimizing the process, the product time was successfully reduced from several hours to 5 minute. All other engineering and customer design requirement were met, through the success of the design
Thumbnail Image
Item
INVESTIGATION OF THERMAL INSULATION PROPERTIES OF BIOMASS COMPOSITES
(2016) Abdulkareem S; Ogunmodede S; Aweda J.O; Abdulrahim A.T; Ajiboye T.K; Ahmed I.I; Adebisi J.A
This paper reports on the investigation of thermal properties of Kapok, Coconut fibre and Sugarcane bagasse composite materials using molasses as a binder. The composite materials were moulded into 12 cylindrical samples using Kapok, Bagasse, Coconut fibre, Kapok and Bagasse in the ratios of (70:30; 50:50 and 30:70), Kapok and Coconut fibre in the ratios of (70:30; 50:50 and 30:70), as well as a combination of Kapok, Bagasse and Coconut fibre in ratios of (50:10:40; 50:40:10 and 50:30:20). The sample size is a 60mm diameter with 10mm – 22mm thickness compressed at a constant load of 180N using a Budenberg compression machine. Thermal conductivity and diffusivity tests were carried out using thermocouples and the results were read out on a Digital Multimeter MY64 (Model: MBEB094816), while a Digital fluke K/J thermocouple meter PRD-011 (S/NO 6835050) was used to obtain the temperature measurement for diffusivity. It was observed that of all the twelve samples moulded, Bagasse, Kapok plus Bagasse (50:50), Kapok plus Coconut fibre (50:50) and Kapok plus Bagasse plus Coconut fibre (50:40:10) has the lowest thermal conductivity of 0.0074, 0.0106, 0.0132, and 0.0127 W/(m-K) respectively and the highest thermal resistivity. In this regard, Bagasse has the lowest thermal conductivity followed by Kapok plus Bagasse (50:50), Kapok plus Bagasse plus Coconut fibre (50:40:10) and Kapok plus Coconut fibre (50:50).
Thumbnail Image
Item
SOLAR CONCENTRATORS’ DEVELOPMENTS IN NIGERIA: PROSPECT AND CHALLENGES
(2014) Abdulrahim Abdulbaqi Toyin
Solar radiation has been identified as the largest renewable resource on earth. Solar energy can be applied in different ways and also many different methods for collecting the solar energy from incident radiation are available. The use of concentrators in the forms of solar energy collectors in order to concentrate sunrays for better usage is on the increase world wide. To this effect, different types of solar concentrators have being developed over the years for various applications. They have proved to be effective way to provide the energy needed for cooking to people with less access to other energy sources. The present study reviewed the various solar concentrators developed in Nigeria such as the parabolic fresnel concentrator, paraboloid solar cooker, parabolic trough collector, conical concentrator, compound parabolic solar concentrator and solar tracking bi-focal collectors. It identified their level of performance and limitations, and made suggestions for further improvement. The needs for support by adequate funding through research grants and patronage by governments, corporate bodies and individuals was emphasized. Awareness on the various types of solar concentrators available and their areas of applications needed to be intensified in order to achieve a sustainable development.
Thumbnail Image
Item
Design Optimization and Performance Evaluation of a Single Axis Solar Tracker
(2015) Mohammed Ben OUMAROU; Abdulrahim Abdulbaqi TOYIN; Fasiu Ajani OLUWOLE
The paper presents the optimization in design, construction and performance test of a microcontrollerbased, single axis solar panel tracking system, using locally available recoverable materials. The tracking system consists of two light sensors and an automated microcontroller to drive the motor and three batteries. Three parameters were considered: solar intensity, voltage and time of alignment/exposure of solar panel to solar radiation. Current and power were obtained and compared with those of a fixed axis solar panel of same specifications. The solar tracker provided a constant alignment, better orientation of the solar panel relative to the sun; and ensured production of more energy by capturing the maximum of sun rays hitting the surface of the panel from sunrise to sunset. The present study has shown that the solar tracking system could both be optimized in terms of design with a performance increment of 47.5% and cost. The solar tracking system is affordable and found to cost $ 154.00. It is also a sustainable energy solution which would assist in reducing both solid and liquid wastes as well as noise and air pollution.
Thumbnail Image
Item
PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHARCOAL, SAWDUST AND SUGARCANE BAGASSE AS SOLID FUEL MATERIALS
(2017) S. Abdulkareem; H.A Badejo; I.I Ahmed; J.A. Adebisi; Y. Taiwo; T.K Ajiboye; A.T Abdulrahim
This paper reports on the physical and mechanical characteristics of briquettes produced from charcoal, sawdust and sugarcane bagasse using molasses with sodium silicate as binders. Charcoal, sawdust and sugarcane bagasse were mixed in a respective ratio of 20:20:60, 20:30:50, 20:40:40, 20:50:30 and 20:60:20. The briquettes were produced using Budenberg dial gauge compression machine, with a pressure of 64 MPa at 120 seconds dwell time. Physical properties (relaxation ratio, compaction ratio and shattering index) and mechanical property (compressive strength) of the produced briquettes were investigated. Results show that briquette with sample composition of 20:30:50 has better physical properties with a relaxation ratio of 1.562, a compaction ratio of 7.573 and shatter index of 99.6%, while sample with ratio 20:40:40 has the highest compressive strength of 55.43 kN/m2 .