ICNET Maiden Conference 2021

Abstract

Fuel consumption is unavoidable in farm practices to boast mechanization of agriculture. In this study, field experiments were performed to evaluate the variability in tractor fuel efficiency parameters during ploughing operations. An experimental plot of 138 m by 50 m (6900m2) area was cleared and divided into three blocks of nine subblocks. Each of the blocks was marked out in 2 m by 50m for different treatments. Alleys to the plot of dimensions of 1m by 50m were provided. The equipment and tractor used for the tillage operations were DFM 100CD fuel flow meter, disc harrow and Swaraj 978FE. Soil-implement-machine parameters (draught, moisture content, bulk density, tractor forward speed, ploughing depth, width of cut), time and tractor fuel efficiency parameters (hourly fuel consumption (FCh) and tilled area fuel consumption (FCta)) during ploughing operations were evaluated. The field test data gotten were analysed statistically by means of analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Coefficient of variation (CV). The results obtained revealed that increased in the soilmachine-implement parameters increased in line with hourly and tilled area fuel consumption (FCh and FCta). ANOVA results also showed significant difference with 95% and highly significant at 99% confidence levels and coefficient of variation (CV) of (a) 0.07 % and (b) 07 %; and (a) 0.18 % and (b) 0.13 %, which inveterate that experimental error was low and dependable. In general, the variability in tractor fuel efficiency parameters during harrowing operations are influenced by differences in the soil-implement-machine parameters and thus become the decisive factors for reduction of fuel consumption..

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Raymond Alex Ekemube, Silas Ovua Nkakini, Asinyetogha Hilkiah Igoni, and Jackson Gunorubon Akpa
International Conference of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (ICNET),Evaluation of Tractor Fuel Efficiency Parameters Variability during Ploughing Operations [Online Full Text]

Abstract

This investigative study was aimed at comparatively evaluating the characteristics of biochars derived from Elaeis guineensis biomasses and activated with HCl for optimum produced water treatment. The biomasses (palm kernel shells, PKS and empty palm bunch, EPB) were prepared and converted to biochars by pyrolysis, and then activated with 0.2M HCl at a temperature of 450oC. The ACs (adsorbents) produced were characterised for pH, bulk density, particle size, iodine numbers, ash and moisture contents. The characteristics of the adsorbents indicate that the iodine numbers ranged from 700.14-1181.48mg/g for EPB particle sizes 75-1180 μm; 525.10-918.93mg/g for PKS particle sizes 150-1180 μm; ash content ranged from 6.20-6.80% for EPB and 2.00-2.80% PKS. Moisture content could get as low as 5.4% for EPB and 1.6% for PKS when warmed in an oven at 105oC for 1 hour. The acid concentration and adsorbent particle sizes were optimized; and based on iodine number, the 300μm particle size for both adsorbents (with pH= 9.8, iodine no.= 962.69, moisture content=5.4% and ash content=6.20% for the EPB, and pH = 7.4, iodine no.=918.93, moisture=6.2% and %ash=2.00 for the PKS) showed good prospects for removing contaminants and was therefore chosen for the treatment. To encourage local content development, it is recommended that activated carbons (Adsorbents) from Elaeis Guineensis biomasses should be mass-produced and used for PW treatment and other purposes. To improve on the adsorption capacity of the PKS any other stronger reagents should be used to activate it since from its bulk density, PKS is a strong material than EPB.

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Dune, Kingdom K., Ademiluyi, F. T., Nmegbu, G. C. J., Dagde, Kenneth K, & Nwosi-Anele, A. S.
International Conference of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (ICNET),Comparative Study: Biochars from Elaeis Guineensis Biomasses activated with HCl for Optimum Produced Water Treatment[Online Full Text]

Abstract

In this study, the potential of utilizing biogas from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), as a potent alternative source of energy in Nigeria, was vividly established. The current energy situation and extent of integration of MSW in the energy mix in Nigeria was critically examined. The energy potential of MSW in Nigeria was determined, especially in relation to the quantum of MSW generated in the country. This was done in juxtaposition with energy generated from other sources in the country, with their attendant environmental implications. The trend analysis indicated a general and steady decline in the energy generation and consumption pattern in the country, in the last decade, which was evidently attributable to her mono dependence on fossil fuel.

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Asinyetogha H. Igoni, Ibiye D. Amafabia, Davidson D. Davis.
International Conference of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (ICNET),Biogas Production from Municipal Solid Waste: An Energy Imperative for Nigeria[Online Full Text]

Abstract

Sifting of dewatered cassava mash lump into finer particles to remove oversized grain fractions is a key process in the cassava-to-garri production chain. However, to eliminate the problems associated with the traditional method of garri sifting in Nigeria, a motorized garri sifting machine was designed, fabricated, and tested. The machine design employed the fundamental principle of vibratory motion associated with rotor dynamic systems. It consists of the mainframe, hopper, sifting chamber, pulley, belt arrangement and the discharge outlet; and powered by two electric motors of 1-horsepower (0.745 kW) rating with angular speed of 1,725 rpm. The sifting action is achieved by an induced vibratory motion, generated by the rotation of the camshaft in the pulley and belt arrangement. The results of the performance evaluation of the machine showed a throughput capacity of 124 kg/hr, while the sifting capacity was 164kg/hr, with an average sifting rate of 0.047 kg/s, resulting in an overall sifting efficiency of approximately 76%. The development of this machine has improved the timeliness of the garri sifting process and eliminated the drudgery and hazards associated with the prevalent manual sifting process.

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Nnanna C. Ajanwachuku, Silas O Nkakini, Asinyetogha H. Igoni
International Conference of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (ICNET),Development and Performance Evaluation of an Improved Garri Mash Sifter[Online Full Text]

Abstract

Longitudinal strength assessment is a regulatory requirement that precedes Tanker conversion to FPSO vessel in order to verify capacity and reveal the extent of renewal necessary for structural members of Tanker for the new service. This paper therefore presents Part 1, Longitudinal strength assessment of a Tanker “MV Energy concentration” for the actual conversion project that will be presented in Part 11. Use is made of elastic-plastic principles together with IACS (International Association of Classification Societies) Common Structural Rules and DnV design Codes for the prescribed analyses. Results reveal that the candidate Tanker requires structural modification in a few but critical structural elements for the new service. The section modulus for deck Longitudinals determined as 332543.296cm3 fell short by about 94% relative to the Rule required minimum value requiring serious intervention as do the deck girders with a Section modulus of 559421.4579cm3 and capacity inadequacy of 99% relative to Rule required minimum. The deck plate thickness requirement also fell short by a minimum of about 30% requiring intervention. Conclusively, even with the confirmed buckling capacity adequacies of the longitudinal bulkheads and side-shells and section moduli at the deck and keel, some level of renewal is still necessary considering the effect of the severe site-specific environmental forces when being converted into FPSO and constrained to maintain position without dry-docking. Besides this, a very conservative analysis has been conducted as corrosion wastages were not considered and so, renewal is recommended as actual values will be lower than reported.

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Dick, Ibitoru F; Charles U. Orji
International Conference of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (ICNET),Tanker Conversion into FPSO vessel: Part 1 - Longitudinal Strength Assessment of the Candidate Tanker [Online Full Text]

Abstract

In this research, the production line was modeled according to the various workstation processes for noodle production and optimized with a multi-channel queuing network for application in a food (noodle production company). The service and arrival times for processing in each work station was calculated on an average basis daily. The average utilization of each workstation for noodle process was also determined by mathematical models using the multi-channel queuing system for an infinite queuing network.. It was observed that the arrival rate ranges of 10-25 units/minute was processed at each workstation and the rate of service of each process was from 12-16 units/minutes. The time for each process varied as the highest arrival rate and service were observed at packaging station while the lowest was observed at the cutting station. The workstation most utilized was the cutting (slicking) workstation and the least utilized was the rolling station. In summary, the noodle production company can be able to increase its productivity if results obtained from this research are implanted on the production workstations for each of the processes.

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OMAH, Iheanyi, Okwu E. Isaac
International Conference of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (ICNET),Application of Multi-Channel Infinite Queuing Network in a Noodle Production Company[Online Full Text]

Abstract

A comprehensive review of the research in vegetable oil based lubricants and their applications was carried out in this study. The materials used in this review were from 38 research publications on vegetable oil-based lubricants as environmental friendly alternatives to petroleum-based lubricants. The methods used for gathering the materials were searched through the databases of publishers such as Google Scholar, Reseachgate, Sciencedirect, and multiple search engines. This was followed by sorting out the relevant ones for detailed review. The review showed research results on oils from various vegetable seeds, namely, groundnut, avocado, jatropha, water melon, star apple, sand box, nicker nut, Barbados nut, mango, black date, yellow oleander, calabash, castor, palm fruit syrup, neem, palm, mustard, cotton, soyabean, jojoba, olive, melon coconut, shea butter, palm kernel, african bean, and african elemi. The research areas were mainly on analysis of their physicochemical properties, experimental investigation of their tribological performance, and their industrial application. It is expected that the outcome of this review would constitute a repository of knowledge on the potentials in vegetable-based lubricants, particularly in their friction and wear behaviour.

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Steven Odi-Owei, John Ameh, Sylvanus Alibi, Akobuche Chikezie
International Conference of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (ICNET),Potential Vegetable Oil-based Lubricants: A Review [Online Full Text]

Abstract

The performance of activated coconut shell and corn cob as adsorbent for adsorption of iron (II) ion (Fe2+) and nickel (II) ion (Ni2+) from aqueous solution was investigated. Effects of initial metal concentration, temperature, dosage, pH, particle size and contact time on the adsorption was also studied. Adsorption kinetics and isotherms used Adsorption process. Results of the amount of metals removed, increased with increase in adsorbent dosage and contact time, while increase in temperature, initial metal concentration and particle size decreased the adsorption percentage. Fe2+ adsorption reached equilibrium at about 120 minutes, while that of Ni2+ was attained at about 150 minutes in both adsorbents. The adsorbents were more effective in the removal of Fe2+ (up to 83% removal at optimal conditions) than Ni3+ (with up to 67% removal at optimal conditions), while coconut shell slightly outperformed activated corn cob. The second order kinetics fitted better than the first order and the intra-particle diffusion. Hence, the pseudo second order kinetics is most suitable for the adsorption process. Finally, the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherms, all showed capability for interpretation of Fe2+ and Ni2+ adsorption onto activated coconut shell and corn cob. Therefore, it is recommended that activated coconut shell and corn cob be used for treatment of industrial effluent before disposal, to reduce environmental contamination.

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Chie-Amadi, G. O.
International Conference of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (ICNET),Kinetics and Isotherm of Heavy Metal Adsorption on Activated Nigerian Coconut Shell and Corn Cob [Online Full Text]

Abstract

Engineering and technology play an essential role in the economy of a nation and it had contributed immensely in enhancing and advancing the overall wellbeing of humanity. It is the bedrock for innovation and creativity in entrepreneurship and local content development. This study is aimed at investigating some of the core emerging technologies in information engineering in the twenty first century. In this research work, a concise review of these cutting edge technologies were investigated to aid researchers who are interested in these fields to ascertain how these technologies works: blockchain, the internet of things (IoT), machine learning (ML), big data analytic (BDA), embedded system, mechatronics and robotics, cloud computing, and cyber-physical systems (CPS) are presented along with their respective features with some sample implementation to demonstrate how some of the technology works. This would aid researchers in this area of study.

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Enoch, Joseph Diema
International Conference of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (ICNET),Emerging Information Technologies in the 21st Century [Online Full Text]

Abstract

The discharge of untreated industrial wastewater containing lead and the indiscriminate disposal of periwinkle shell causes lead poisoning and blockage of drainage. The cost of industrial wastewater treatment is demanding; thus the research is focused on creating wealth from waste periwinkle shell as a cheap adsorbent material to reduce the cost of lead removal from industrial wastewater. Therefore, activated periwinkle shell char (APSC) in removal of lead Pb (II) ion from industry wastewater was investigated using fixed-bed adsorption column. APSC was prepared by treating the periwinkle Char with 1M H2SO4 solution. Characterization of the adsorbent before and after continuous adsorption was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to show modifications in the surface and chemical structure of APSC after adsorption process. The effect of design variables such as bed height, Influent concentration and withdrawal flowrate were studied. The breakthrough profiles were obtained by an analysis of the column experimental data and the relationship between operating parameters using the Thomas, Clark, Yoon-Nelson and Adams-Bohart models. The equilibrium data was best represented by the Yoon and Nelson model having the highest correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9751. This suggest that Activated periwinkle shell char is a potential adsorbent for heavy metals removal from industrial wastewater..

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Babalola R. and Aniediong U
International Conference of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (ICNET),Recovery of Lead (II) Ion from Industrial Wastewater using Activated Periwinkle Char in Fixed Bed Adsorption Process [Online Full Text]

Abstract

It is not uncommon to find a less than 3% coating breakdown in the first 2 to 3 years of operation among FPSOs operating world-wide having hulls with conventional coatings (Cc). Two different coatings S1 and S2 formulated from an aggregate of paints shall be investigated along-side the conventional coating by means of factorial experiment, pull test, GCMS and Holiday test in order to ascertain the superiority of S1 and S2 to Cc. Thermal radiation values of 3.9Kw/m2 and 4.1Kw/m2 were simulated from two flare stacks operating at 3.5 bara and 1.5 bara respectively using DNV PHAST software. Temperature conversions from these thermal radiation values using Stefan Boltzman’s equation yielded 123.850C and 102.430C. These temperatures, salinity of 55.25ppt and Ph of 7.52 will be combined to treat twenty-four (24) carbon steel coupons coated with the three coatings. The main effects from the factorial experiment and the pull test will be reported. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry will be used to study the degradation of the coating layers over time of immersion in the saline environment at the different temperatures123.85 0C and 102.43 0C while Holiday test will be conducted to determine any discontinuity in the coatings. The ability of S1 and S2 to overcome the 3% coating breakdown problem will be examined using Anova and the best option adopted as FPSO coating against corrosion in saline environment under elevated temperature.

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Charles, Watiminyo James, Izionworu, Vincent Onuegbu and Orji Charles U.
International Conference of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (ICNET),FPSO Hull Corrosion Management to Minimize Operational Down-Time Due to Artificial Metocean Conditions: A Thermal Approach [Online Full Text]

Abstract

This paper explained the need to repositioning engineering profession and practice in Nigeria for sustainable development. It pointed out that some countries that had independence in the same period with Nigeria are far ahead of Nigeria in technological advancement. It considered the influence of politics and economy on Engineering profession and emphasised on the major causes of the slow pace of economic growth of the country as corruption, lack of political will, nepotism, and tribalism. The paper also provided antidotes for repositioning engineering profession and practice for sustainable development which include but not limited to running the nation’s secondary and tertiary institutions on public private partnership (PPP) basis, dichotomization of technological and vocational institutions, introduction of innovation and creative studies in the school curricula, training and retraining teachers, optimization of entrepreneurship opportunities, adequate funding and proper utilization of funds.

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Christopher O. Ahiakwo and Grace N. Ahiakwo
International Conference of Newviews in Engineering and Technology (ICNET),Repositioning Engineering Profession and Practice for Technological Advancement and Sustainable Development in Nigeria. [Online Full Text]