Department of Food and Agricultural Engineering

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Mixing Index of a Starch Composite Extruder for Food Packaging Application
(CRC press, 2016) Adeshina Fadeyibi; Zinash Delebo Osunde; Gbabo Agidi; Egwim Chidi Evans
This encapsulates the performance of a single-screw extruder for use in the mixing and homog-enization of the composite of cassava starch (1000 g),glycerol (45%‒55% w/v), and zinc oxide nanopar-ticles (0%‒2% w/v), based on the mixing index and rate constant. The machine was designed such that itcan accommodate two diameters (5 and 7 mm) in thebreaker plate; the output/1000 g of the starch compos-ite was determined at a resident time of 5 min over aperiod of 1 h machine operation. The research revealedthat the composite containing 55% w/v glycerol, 1% w/vzinc nanoparticles and 5 mm diameter of the holes inthe breaker plate has the highest mixing rate constant(k = 0.527). Decay trends were observed as the mixing index increases with an increase in the resident time in the range of 45%–55% w/v glycerol concentration and a decrease in the output per 1000 g of the starch compos-ite through both the 5 and 7 mm diameters of the hole of the breaker plate. The optimum output of the machine, whose desirability function is closer to the optimization goal, gave 0.53/1000 g. The amount of unmixed com-posite was significantly lower than the machine output and thus the single-screw extruder can be used to quan-tify and monitor mixing behavior of starch composites in the food industry.
Design of a single screw extruder for homogenizing bulk solids
(Agricultural Engineering International: The CIGR Journal, 2016) Adeshina Fadeyibi; Zinash Delebo Osunde; Gbabo Agidi; Egwim Chidi Evans
The research was conducted to design a single screw extruder from locally available materials for the mixing and homogenization of bulk solids, such as the composites of cassava and yam starch-glycerol with nanoparticles. The design was made by computing the hopper outlet size, shaft diameter, screw geometry, barrel volume and the capacity of the conveyor, empirically. The stresses in the conical section of the hopper were also evaluated to assess its load requirement, thus avoiding any problem associated with the flow of materials through the hopper opening. The extruder was dynamically simulated to assess its throughput at the feeding, compression and metering zones. This was done by investigating the dynamic effect of the time of operation, with respect to the linear displacement, velocity and power, from the practical motion of the moving auger by Computational Fluid Dynamics method. The results showed that the vertical pressure acting downwards and the shear stress within the section were 37.02 and 6.44 kPa. The shaft diameter and screw geometry, which includes screw pitch and angle, were 20 and 56 mm, and 16.54o. The capacity of the extrusion conveyor and its power requirement were respectively, 18.46 tons/hour and 2.04 kW. The maximum linear displacement and velocity occur at the compression zone at every 3.03 rev/sec, which cause the bulk solid materials to melt, and are pushed by the resulting pressure into the metering zone. The relationship between the linear displacement and the time of operation obeys the power law. Consequently, a 5 hp electric motor was selected to power the single crew extruder.
SELECTED PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF AFRICAN PEAR SEED FOR CONSIDERING IN DESIGN OF MECHANICAL EXPELLER
(Published by Asian Research Publishing Network (ARPN), 2016) Busari R. A; Olaoye J. O
The study was conducted to investigate the physical properties of African pear seeds, the flesh African pear seed was purchased from Ojo market in Ibadan and mesocarps of the fruits were removed to obtain the nuts. The nuts were dried under ambient conditions for several days, the actual moisture content of the nuts at the time of experimentation was determined, using KT100S Moisture Meter with measuring range of 5-35% to be 21.50%. The nuts were sorted into three grades: small, medium and large, based on the visual physical assessment of their sizes. The three principal axial dimensions of 250 nuts from each grade were measured using a vernier caliper. In this study some selected physical properties of African pear seeds were determined which are essential for designing engineering processes, material handling, storage, equipment design and fabrication. The physical properties, namely, arithmetic mean diameter, geometric mean diameter, surface area, sphericity, aspect ratio, true density and bulk density were determined. Also, angle of repose and coefficient of friction were tested on mild steel, plywood and PVC plastic which are probable engineering materials for construction of food processing equipment. The results revealed that average geometric mean diameters of the nuts are 25.22, 30.74 and 35.26 mm for the small, medium and large size grades respectively. The nuts are fairly ellipse with average sphericity of 0.54, 0.54 and 0.59 for the small, medium and large size grades respectively while true and bulk density0.96 g/cm3 and 1.14 g/cm3 respectively. The angles of repose were 40.99, 47.92 and 47.53 small, medium and large size respectively. These findings can provide the information that could be helpful for development of mechanical expeller or processing machines.
EFFECT OF VEGETATIVE COVER AND SLOPE ON SOIL LOSS BY EROSION USING RAINFALL SIMULATOR
(JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN FORESTRY, WILDLIFE AND ENVIRONMENT, 2016-03) Yusuf, K. O, Omokore, S, Oyebode, O. O and Adebayo, K. R
Top soil is very important for crop production but it is usually washed away in the tropical countries like Nigeria by erosion due to heavy rainfall with high intensity. In this study, a rainfall simulator was used to determine the quantity of soil loss (sediment load) from a bare soil and vegetative cover soil under different slopes. The slopes of the land for plots 1 to 5 for a bare soil varied from 5.20 to 9.7 % but for a vegetative cover soil (grown with grasses), the slopes varied from 2.8 to 3.2 %. The uniformity coefficient and drop velocity of the rainfall simulator used were 84.4 % and 8.156 m/s, respectively. The soil of the experimental site was sandy loam and the area of coverage by rainfall simulator was 3 by 3 m. Soil loss (sediment load) for a vegetative cover soil for slopes 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1 and 3.2 % were 0.252, 0.358, 0.350, 0.371 and 0.422 kg, respectively. Soil loss from a bared soil for slopes 5.2, 6.7, 9.0, 9.6 and 9.7 % were 1.045, 1.070, 1.100, 2.266 and 3.121 kg, respectively. Vegetative cover soil with grasses reduced the runoff volume and soil loss. Runoff volume and soil loss increased as slope of the land increases.
DEVELOPMENT OF PEAK RUNOFF HYDROGRAPHS FOR OBA AND OTIN RIVERS IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA
(International Journal of Latest Engineering Research and Applications (IJLERA), 2016-06) Adejumo, L. A., Adeniran, K. A., Salami, A.W., Abioye Tunde., and Adebayo, K. R
The unit and storm hydrographs for the catchments of Oba River and Otin River, Osun State, Nigeria were developed. Soil Conservation Service (SCS) and Snyder’s unit hydrograph methods were used to develop synthetic hydrographs for the two catchments, while the SCS Curve Number method was used to estimate excess rainfall values from rainfall depth of different return periods. The peak storm flows obtained based on the unit hydrograph ordinates using convolution procedures determined by SCS for rainfall events of 10yr, 20yr, 50yr, 100yr and 200yr return periods for Oba River and Otin River vary from 336.12 m3/s to 611.53 m3/s while those based on Snyder’s method vary from 142.31 m3/s to 283.34 m3/s for both Oba River and Otin River. The statistical analysis at 5% level of significance indicated that there were significant differences in the two methods. The analysis shows that the values of the peak flows obtained from SCS method is higher by about 58.11% and 54.08% than that of Snyder’s method for both the Oba and Otin rivers respectively. SCS method was recommended for use on the two watersheds since it incorporates most major hydrological and morphological characteristics of the basins like the watershed area, main channel length, river channel slope and watershed slope.
ASSESSMENT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT ON TIDAL LEVEL RISE FOR LAGOS COASTAL AREA USING STATISTICAL METHODS
(UMUDIKE JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (UJET), 2016-06) Salami A. W.,Ikpee O. D., and Adebayo K. R.
This paper presents an evaluation of the impacts of climate change on tidal level rise in the coastal area of Lagos State. The meteorological data such as air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, rainfall and tidal level rise were obtained from Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET),Oshodi spanning a period of 1992-2013. The meteorological parameters were subjected to statistical analysis to obtain the maximum, minimum, mean values, standard deviation, variance, coefficient of variation, coefficient of skewness values. Autoregressive moving-average (ARMA) was also adopted to fit the parameters by considering the Tidal level rise as the dependent variable while other parameters were the independent variables. The analysis revealed the value of correlation coefficient as 0.64, which is an indication of a good fit. The relationship between the predicted tidal level rise and other meteorological factors shows a downward trend with temperature and wind, while an upward trend were exhibited between the predicted tidal level rise with rainfall and relative humidity. The relationship of predicted tidal level rise with time shows an upward trend, which implies that there is tendency for increase in tidal level rise in future. The Pearson type III distribution revealed return period of 23 and 25 year for the maximum value of tidal level rise and rainfall depth of 1250mm and 368 mm respectively. The statistical distribution also revealed that tidal level rise and rainfall value of1400mm and 430mm respectively is rear.
Characteristics of Onion under Different Process Pretreatments and Different Drying Conditions
(Journal of Food Processing and Technology, 2016-07-19) Alabi KP, Olaniyan AM and Odewole MM
Introduction: Onion (Allium cepa) is an important spice crop often grown outdoors in temperate climates as an annual crop because of its adaptability to varying weather conditions. It is an underground vegetable which varies in size colour, firmness and strength of flavour. Onion is often called “poor man’s orange” because it is a good source of vitamins, particularly Vitamin A and C. It is also a rich source of minerals such as iron, thiamine, niacin and manganese contents. Onion is said to be very useful against heart diseases and many bacterial species including bacillus subtilis, salmoneva, and E. coli. This vegetable crop is highly perishable in its natural state after harvest resulting in huge postharvest losses during storage, transportation and marketing in the production season and extreme scarcity in the off-season which can be checked by drying. Material and methods: The main materials used were 192 samples of pre-treatment and 10 samples of untreated (control) fresh onion. Others equipments used were temperature controlled dryer, sensitive weighing balance, water baths (Shell Lab Model and HH-W420, XMTD-204 Model), thermo-hygrometer, desiccators, desiccants, stop watch, onion slicer, stainless tray, foil wrap, conical flask, measuring cylinder, NaCl and distil water. Agarry and AOAC methods were used for quantitative analysis and nutritional analysis respectively. Statistical analysis of all data obtained was done. Results: Results showed that drying rate, water loss, solid gain, vitamin C, manganese and iron contents varied with different levels of OSC, OPD and OST at p ≤ 0.05. However, drying rate, water loss, solid gain and all the quality parameters were influenced by all the process parameters. Where; OSC = Osmotic solution concentration OST = Osmotic solution temperature OPD = Osmotic process duration Conclusion: Osmotic dehydration pretreatments had significant effect on process outputs (drying rate, water loss, solid gain, vitamin C, manganese and iron content of onions
Investigation into properties of starch-based nanocomposite materials for fruits and vegetables packaging- A review
(FUTAJEET, Faculty of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, 2017) Adeshina Fadeyibi; Zinash Delebo Osunde; Mohammed Gana Yisa; Abiodun Okunola
The huge environmental impact associated with the use of conventional packaging materials, like polyethylene, has led to the renewed interest in alternative ways of food packaging. Recently, green polymer technology, which involves the application of renewable packaging materials made from biodegradable resources like starch, has been the subject of discussion among stakeholders in food processing and storage. This review was carried out to investigate the mechanical, thermal, barrier and structural properties of biodegradable nanocomposite packaging materials made from starch. Emphasis was given to the application of the starch-based biodegradable packaging materials in fruits and vegetables packaging. The prospect of the new materials in terms of strength, barrier to moisture and oxygen, morphology and thermal stability, with regard to the inclusion of nanoparticles, for this application was highlighted. The information provided will help address the environmental challenges often posed by the conventional materials while at the same time improve the post harvest storage stability of fruits and vegetables through packaging.
BIODIESEL PRODUCTION FROM CASTOR BEAN SEED: AN OPTIMIZATION PROCESS USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY
(Valahia University Press, Targoviste, Romania., 2017) Olaoye, Joshua Olanrewaju; Busari Rasheed Amao
Castor plant grows naturally in the wild over a wide range of geographical regions in Nigeria and it has an oilseed which has no much use. Production of biodiesel from this oil bearing plant offers potential of converting this waste seed that contain between 35 to 55 % of oil to useful product that is environmental friendly. In this study, the effects of process variables such as reaction time and reaction temperature on the transesterification of the castor oil to biodiesel were investigated. Methanol with potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a homogenous catalyst was used for the transesterification process at a different reaction temperature of 500C, 550C, 600C, 650C and 700C while reaction time was varied from 0.5 to 2.5 hours and the corresponding volume of the biodiesel produced were recorded for each of the variations. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) results of the Response Surface Methodology showed that the quadratic coefficients were significant (p = 0.05). The R2 and R2 adj. value of 0.9594 and 0.9304 respectively indicated that the regression model was a good one and verification experiment confirmed the validity of the predicted model. The experimental results suggested the optimal condition of 65 °C and 1.87hours; reaction temperature and time respectively to achieve a maximum biodiesel yield of 96.2%. In addition the fuel properties of the biodiesel produced which include; specific gravity, density, kinematic viscosity, pH, ash content, carbon content, acid value, flash point, fire point and calorific value were investigated and compared with the standards.
OPTIMIZATION OF MECHANICAL EXPRESSION OF CASTOR SEEDS OIL (RICINUS COMMUNIS) USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY.
(Published by Faculty of Engineering, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria, 2017) R. A. Busari; J. O. Olaoye
The effect of the processing parameters of Castor seed on its oil yield was investigated. The castor seeds were passed through drying, crushing and separation into seeds and shells. These processing conditions were further succeeded by seed roasting and subsequent mechanical expression of the roasted nut by means of screw press in the course of its preparation for oil expression. Seed samples were conditioned by adding calculated amount of distilled water to obtain different moisture levels from the initial moisture content of the seeds. Samples were roasted at the temperatures of 83.18, 90.00, 100.00, 110.00 and 116.82°C, over periods of 6.59, 10.00, 15.00, 20.00 and 23.41min, seed moisture content of 6.32, 7.00, 8.00, 9.00 and 9.68 % wb, respectively and the oil was expressed using a screw roaster-expeller. Optimization of the oil expression process was achieved by applying Central Composite Rotatable Design of Response Surface Methodology. The optimal conditions for oil yield within the experimental range of the studied variables were 7%, 110°C and 20 min; moisture content, roasting temperature and roasting duration respectively. These values of the optimum process conditions were used to predict optimum value of oil yield to be 25.77%. A second-order model was obtained to predict oil yield as a function of moisture content, heating temperature and duration. Thus the result from this research work has established the optimal conditions for mechanical extraction of oil from castor seed. Closed agreement between experimental and predicted yield was obtained.
A SIMPLE SLOW-SAND FILTER FOR DRINKING WATER PURIFICATION
(Arid Zone Journal of Engineering, Technology and Environment, 2017-04) K. O. Yusuf, K. R. Adebayo and I. E. Onah
Water-borne diseases are commonly encountered when pathogen-contaminated water is consumed. In rural areas, water is usually obtained from ponds, open shallow wells, streams and rain water during rainy season. Rain water is often contaminated by pathogens due to unhygienic of physical and chemical conditions of the roofs thereby making it unsafe for consumption. A simple slow sand filter mechanism was designed and fabricated for purification of water in rural areas where electricity is not available to power water purification devices. Rain water samples were collected from aluminum roof, galvanized roof and thatched roof. The waters samples were allowed to flow through the slow sand filter. The values of turbidity, total dissolved solids, calcium, nitrite, faecal coliform and total coliform from unfiltered water through thatched roof were 0.92 NTU, 27.23 mg/l, 6 mg/l, 0.16 mg/l, 5cfu/100ml and 6.0 cfu/100ml, respectively while the corresponding values for slow sand filter from thatched roof were 0.01 NTU, 0.23 mg/l, 2.5 mg/l, 0.1 mg/l, 0 cfu/100ml and 0 cfu/100ml, respectively. The values of turbidity, total dissolved solid, nitrite, calcium, faecal coliform and total coliform from unfiltered water for aluminum roof were 0.82 NTU, 23.68 mg/l, 2.70 mg/l, 1.0 mg/l, 4 cfu/100ml and 4cfu/100ml, respectively while the corresponding values for slow sand filter were 0.01 NTU, 0.16 mg/l, 0.57 mg/l, 0.2 mg/l, 0 cfu/100ml and 0 cfu/100ml, respectively. The values obtained for galvanized roof were also satisfactory. The slow sand filter is recommended for used in rural areas for water purification to prevent risk of water-borne diseases.
DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND TESTING OF A BIOGAS REACTOR FOR PRODUCTION OF BIOGAS USING CASSAVA PEEL AND COW DUNG AS BIOMASS
(Arid Zone Journal of Engineering, Technology and Environment, 2017-08-15) ALABI K.P. A. M. Olaniyan, T. T. Olawale, A. E. Adeleke and S. K. Oyeniyi
Cassava peel and cow dung have constituted to global warming worldwide because it constitutes heaps of agro-wastes that contributes immensely to greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. Their contributions to environmental hazards are enormous due to high production of methane gas while degrading. A methane gas can be used for domestic and industrial application if produced and refined in a biogas reactor. A biogas reactor of capacity 0.29 m3 was designed and constructed to produce biogas (methane) using dried cassava peel and cow dung biomass as substrate. The simplicity of the design aids easy loading and unloading, air tightness and operated at mesophilic temperature of 32°C and pH of 6.80. The machine consists of agitator for mixing the biomass to prevent the formation of scum, inlet pipes, valves, gas outlet, and stand, crank and pressure gauge. All components were made of galvanized steel except valves outlet and inlet pipes which was made of galvanized aluminum pipe. The criteria considered in the design of the biogas reactor included air tightness of the whole unit, mesophilic temperature, pH, nature of substrate, and substrate retention period. The biogas reactor was tested with 24 kg of dried cassava peel co-mixed with 48 kg of pasty cow dung in ratio 1:2. Daily gas yield was determined; gas pressure in the biogas reactor was measured by pressure gauge, while the ambient temperature was measured using hand held mercury-in-glass thermometer. Results show that biogas was produced after 24 days retention period at average substrate temperature and pH of 32°C and 6.80 respectively. The reactor was designed to accommodate 0.145m3 of substrate equivalent to half of the reactor volume. The reactor has a total production cost of ₦31,360 with all materials being available locally.
Design, Fabrication and Testing of a Manually Operated Locust Bean Cubing Machine
(Asian Journal of Applied Sciences, 2018) Mohammed Gana Yisa; Adeshina Fadeyibi; Salman AbdulHafeez
Background and Objective: Cubing is a process of consolidating bulk agricultural products to allow precise sizing prior to packaging and marketing. This research was undertaken to develop a locust bean cubing machine. Materials and Methods: The machine was designed to cube 2 kg of fermented locust beans with the help of a piston-connecting rod arrangement, as a conveying mechanism. A handle attached to the connecting rod provides the drive and force required for cubing and the resultant piston speed was computed empirically. Results: The results showed that the machine required a piston speed and pressure of 33 m secG1 and 25.1 kN mG2, respectively. Also, the machine was able to produce cubed locust beans of an approximate size of 0.06 m2. Conclusion: Thus, the cubing of locust beans condiment can be successfully achieved with the help of this machine.
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN AND SIMULATION OF AFRICAN OIL BEAN SEED DEHULLER
(Arid Zone Journal of Engineering, Technology and Environment, Faculty of Engineering University of Maiduguri, Nigeria, 2018) Adeshina Fadeyibi; Mohammed Gana Yisa; Olawale S. Oladeji
Dehulling is a unit operation preceding oil extraction of most agricultural products. While it is common to dehull the African oil bean seed manually, the mechanical operation of the process has not been reported. Thus, this study was undertaken to design and simulate African oil bean seed dehulling machine. The design was based on previous investigation of the physical and mechanical properties of the seed at 15 % moisture content (db), including average breaking force of the seed (1.12 kN). Computational fluid dynamic method was used to carry out machine simulation and the effect of time of machine operation on motor torque; angular velocity and linear displacement were investigated. The design results show that a 3 HP, single phase electric motor was required to power 25 mm shaft diameter of the machine. The simulation results show that the angular velocity was high as soon as the machine commences operation, but this progressively decreases with an increase in the time of operation. The reason for this may be due to a decrease in the viscous effect of the internal wall which causes the air stream flow to slow down with a resultant drop in the relative angular velocity to the surface. This implies that the machine is practicable with performance likely to decrease with time of machine operation.
Prediction of Some Physical Attributes of Cassava Starch–Zinc Nanocomposite Film for Food‑Packaging Applications
(Journal of Packaging Technology and Research, Springer Nature, 2018) Adeshina Fadeyibi; Zinash Delebo Osunde; Mohammed Gana Yisa
Characterization of nanocomposite film requires a high level of instrumentation and accuracy in measurements. It is normally arduous to achieve correct measurement of a system under different conditions using the same instrument without allowing for errors. For this reason, model representation of a system is usually encouraged. In this research, empirical model equations were developed for predicting some physical attributes of cassava starch–zinc nanocomposite film for food-packaging applications. Samples of the films, with thickness ranging between 15 and 17 μm, were developed by blending 24 g of cassava starch, 0–2% zinc nanoparticles, and 45–55% glycerol. The permeability of the films, which helps in maintaining the quality of packaged food, was determined due to oxygen and water vapour at a temperature of 27 °C and 65% RH. Elastic modulus and hardness were determined using nano-indentation techniques. Empirical model equations were developed using Box–Behnken design from 60% of the total data and the remainder were predicted. Results showed that the models developed are fit, and there were no significant differences between the 40% remaining data and model predicted data (<0.05). The contributions of the model terms to the validity of the equations were generally high with mean square error (MSE) < 10%. The result indicates that the models can be suitable for predicting permeability, hardness, and elastic modulus of cassava starch-zinc nanocomposite film.
Potentials of zinc and magnetite nanoparticles for contaminated water treatment
(Agricultural Reviews, 2018) A. Fadeyibi*, M.G. Yisa, F.A. Adeniji, K.K. Katibi, K.P. Alabi and K.R. Adebayo
Water contamination is an issue requiring continuous remedy on daily basis because of the high demand for clean quality water. Scientists have proffered numerous ways of making this possible but the techniques involved is often difficult to replicate at small scale. For this reason, easier and cheaper techniques for contaminated water treatment are often sought after. One way of actualizing this is via nanotechnology, which involves the use of smaller particles (< 100 nm in size) to coagulate suspended substances and inhibit microbial growth in the targeted water. The mechanisms involved have been presented for zinc and magnetite nanoparticles in this write-up. This technology provides way of getting clean quality water for domestic, agricultural and industrial applications.
Modelling the Effect of Variability of Temperature and Rainfall on Water Resources of Asa River Catchment, Nigeria
(U6 INITIATIVE FOR DEVELOPMENT, 2018-09) A. G. Adeogun , A.A. Mohammed , K.R. Adebayo
The study of the effects of variability of temperature and rainfall on the quantity and quality of water resources has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years, particularly at a regional and global scale. Therefore, this research tends to evaluate the impacts of variability of climate change on the water resources of Asa river catchment in Kwara State, Nigeria. Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) embedded in Geographical Information System (GIS) environment was adopted to predict the streamflow and runoff of Asa River for a period of 30 years (1986-2015). The predicted streamflow and runoff were subjected to three different statistical analyses which include the Mann-Kendall, Regression trend and Reduction analysis. The statistical analyses were carried out to determine the measures of central tendencies, measures of dispersion, skewness and the nature of the trend in the studied parameters. The results showed that streamflow and precipitation (rainfall) were observed to have exhibited negative trends, though none of the two parameters showed a significant trend. This implies that the trend of the rainfall and stream-flow are slightly decreasing. Likewise, both maximum and minimum temperature exhibited a significant positive trend which is an indication that the temperature of the region may increase in the near future. These observations imply that climate change has started taken its toll on the water resources of Asa river catchment in Kwara state, Nigeria.
Development and Performance Evaluation of a Modified Africa Bush Mango (Irvingia gabomensis) Cracker .
(Published by the World Bank assisted National Agricultural Research Programme., 2019) BUSARI, RA; AKPENPUUN, TD; IYANDA, MO
An African bush mango cracker was modified and fabricated to address the challenges of the conventional method of cracking nuts which involves striking the nut. The tedious nature of this process constitutes a major setback which restricts the production to a very small scale. The cracker consists of a frame, cracking table, slider–crank mechanism, hopper, feed chute, slot, cracking unit electric motor and reduction gear. The machine was evaluated with respect to throughput capacity and cracking efficiency at five moisture content levels (13, 15, 17, 20 and 25%) moisture content (MC) dry basis. At 13% MC; the output capacity was 7.13 kg/hr and cracking efficiency was 98% while at 15% MC; the output capacity and cracking efficiency reduced to 7.04 kg/hr and 96% respectively. Similarly, at 17% MC; output capacity and cracking efficiency further reduced to 7.02 kg/hr and 95% respectively while at 20% MC; the output capacity and cracking efficiency were reduced to 6.74 kg/hr and 93% respectively. There was a similar trend when the test was performed at 25% MC, as the output capacity and cracking efficiency showed a further reduction to 6.50 kg/hr and 90% respectively. These results were different from the old cracker that had throughput capacity and cracking efficiency of 4.32 kg/hr and 70% respectively. A significant trend was established which showed that as the moisture content of the nuts decreases, machine performance increases. Based on these results, drudgery and other hazards associated with manual cracking of the African bush mango are eliminated, the machine saves time and made processing of the seeds easier.
EFFECT OF PROCESSING PARAMETERS ON SOLVENT OIL EXPRESSION FROM LOOFAH SEEDS (LUFFA CYLINDRICA L.) USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY
(Published by Faculty of Engineering, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria, 2019) Akpenpuun T. D; Busari R. A.; Iyanda M. O.
Luffah cylindrica plant grows in the wild, around uncompleted buildings and fenced walls. The percentage oil composition of its seeds is about 30% oil. The research focused was the extraction oil from loofah seed using a solvent extraction methodology. Optimum conditions for oil extraction were determined using Response Surface Methodology of Central Composite Rotatable Design. A total of 20 experimental runs were used to investigate the optimum condition considering three independent variables at five levels each: extraction temperature (55, 60, 65, 60, 75ºC), seed/solvent ratio (0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08 g/ml) and extraction time (4, 5, 6, 7, 8 hr.). An empirical model equation that could be used to forecast oil yield as a function of the independent variables was developed. The optimum oil yield obtained was 27.43% at the extraction temperature (74.05ºC), seed/solvent ratio (0.05 g/ml) and extraction time (5.35hr). The analysis of variance showed that extraction temperature and time had significant effect on oil yield (p = 0.05). The interaction of the independent variables with oil yield gave R2 and R2 adj. values of 0.98 and 0.93, respectively. The result showed that the selected independent variables had a significant effect on oil yield, thus an optimum condition was established.
POTENTIAL IMPACT OF INDUSTRIAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN ILORIN METROPOLIS.
(Published by Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agriculture, Makurdi., 2019) Akpenpuun, T. D; Adeniran, K. A; Busari, R. A; Ajayi-Banji, A; Issa, B. B.
Solid waste is an inevitable consequence of human activities on earth; hence an investigation was carried out to assess the impact of methods of solid waste management of selected industries on the environment in Ilorin metropolis. Two main tools used for the study were: a structured questionnaire and physical collection of solid wastes generated from the industries located within Ilorin metropolis. Percentages and charts were used in analysing the data. Sawmill waste recorded 98.69% out of the total weight of waste collected for the experiment. 1.04%, 0.22% and 0.04% were recorded for plastic, printing (papers) and films (publishing) industries, respectively. The results showed that 58% of the industries monitored their solid waste with 15% and 20% of PVC and sawmill industry, respectively. It was also observed that 20% of the respondents employ contractors for waste disposal, 6% deposit their waste at the dump site while 44% sell their industrial waste and 30% respondents burn their waste.

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