College of Engineering

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://ir.funaab.edu.ng/handle/123456789/252

Browse

Recent Submissions

Now showing 1 - 20 of 38
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    EVALUATION OF CRUMB-RUBBER IN THE STABILISATION OF SOFT SOIL
    (2025-06-17) ADEKANMBI, ADEWALE YUSUF
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    DEVELOPMENT OF AN AUTOMATED-TURNING EGG INCUBATOR
    (2025-06-28) MICHAEL, FRIDAY ONORIODE
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    EVALUATION OF CRUA4B-RUBBER IN THE STABILISATION OF SOFT SOIL
    (2025-06-20) ADEKANMBI, ADESALE YUSUF
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    PRODUCTION OF REFRACTORY BRICKS FROM TERMITE MOUND
    (2025-09-09) ADEKEYE, MOYINOLUWA SOLOMON
    ABSTRACT Refractory bricks are widely used in various industries such as steel, construction, and agriculture. Refractories are typically classified into two groups based on porosity: dense and porous refractories. Porous refractories constitute a significant category and are commonly employed in industrial applications due to their excellent thermal insulation properties and lightweight nature. Porosity is usually achieved by introducing combustible materials into the raw material mixture. This study investigated the utilization of Abeokuta termite mound for the production of refractory bricks using rice husk as a pore-forming agent. The termite mound was sourced from an area near the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, while rice husk was obtained from Oshodi Market. The termite mound was crushed, ground, sieved, and characterized to determine its mineralogical and chemical compositions. Refractory bricks were produced from the termite mound with rice husk contents of 0% and 16% serving as the pore former. The bricks were oven-dried at 105 °C for six hours and subsequently fired at 1000 °C. The physical properties of the produced bricks—specific gravity (SG), apparent density (AD), bulk density (BD), water absorption (WA), apparent porosity (AP), thermal shock resistance (TSR), linear shrinkage (LS), compressive strength (CS), and refractoriness were evaluated. The results revealed that the main chemical constituents of the termite mound were 65.77% silica and 18.48% alumina. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis showed a homogeneous microstructure with fine grain distribution. The refractoriness values obtained were 1300 °C for bricks without rice husk and 1520 °C for bricks containing 16% rice husk. Similarly, the values of SG were 1.97 and 1.73; CS were 4.75 and 4.56 N/mm²; AP were 33% and 57.5%; BD were 1.781 and 0.8 g/cm³; WA were 16% and 24.7%; and LS were 4.0% and 6.0% for 0% and 16% rice husk contents, respectively. All measured parameters were within the acceptable ranges specified by international standards for refractory bricks. The standard ranges include BD (1.0–2.1 g/cm³), SG (1.8–2.5), TSR (10–24 cycles), LS (≤4.0%), AP (30–60%), WA (13.4–27.6%), and refractoriness (≥1400 °C). The thermal shock resistance decreased from 24 to 16 cycles with an increase in rice husk content. The relatively high alumina content in the Abeokuta termite mound enhanced the refractoriness of the bricks, increasing it from 1300 °C at 0% rice husk to 1520 °C at 16% rice husk. Overall, compressive strength, apparent porosity, water absorption, and refractoriness increased with increasing rice husk content, while specific gravity, bulk density, and thermal shock resistance decreased. This study demonstrates the feasibility of producing refractory bricks from termite mound material, highlighting its potential as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative for refractory brick production. The use of locally available resources and agricultural waste materials not only improves material performance but also contributes to environmental sustainability.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    DEVELOPMENT OF AN INSTRUMENTED RIG SYSTEM FOR MEASURING TRACTOR TILLAGE PERFORMANCE IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA
    (2025-07-16) BABALOLA, Ayoola Abiola
    ABSTRACT Tractor use and implement selection in Nigeria have not been fully optimised for sustainable agricultural mechanisation due to insufficient information on tractor-implement performance in field operations and robust tractor implement testing standards. In this study, an instrumented rig system for measuring tractor performance was designed, fabricated and evaluated for the measurement of tillage parameters during ploughing and harrowing on a sandy loam soil. The instrumented system included an IoT-based three-point hitch dynamometer, travel speed device, wheel slip meter, a 3D vibration meter, a 5- in-1 emission meter (that can measure carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, total volatile organic compound, PM 2.5 and PM 10), a carbon monoxide meter, an inclinometer, and a sound meter.The system was tested on a well-maintained Case II tractor in a completely randomised factorial experiment on a 130.5 by 30 m plot at coordinates 7.218° N and 3.434 °E, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. The factors of the study were, tractor travel speed (kmhr-1), implement depth (cm) and implement type while the parameters measured included implement draft, power consumption, wheel slip, fuel consumption, ride quality, sound level, vibration (acceleration) and exhaust gas emissions.The results showed that draft values duringploughing ranged from 284.67 N at 10 cm depth, 3 kmhr-1 travel speed to 12944.4 N at 30 cm, 7 kmhr1 while the values ranged from 315 N to13710N for the same depths and travel speed combination during harrowing. Power consumption ranged from 359 to 25169.97 W during ploughing while it ranged from 293 to 27588.4 W during harrowing. Fuel consumption ranged from 0.21 to 0.83 litremin-1during ploughing and 0.21 to 0.95litremin-1 during harrowing.The minimum and maximum values of ride quality recorded during ploughing were 0.06 to 5.4ms-2while values recorded during harrowing were 0.0207 to 4.193 ms-2. Vibration (acceleration) ranged from 1.46 to23.7 ms-2 for ploughing while the value for harrowing ranged from 2.21 to18.57 ms-2 at the maximum travel speed and implement depth, respectively. The wheel slip ranged from 3.4 to 8.7¬¬% during ploughing while during harrowing, the wheel slip ranged from 2.5 to 8.9%.The sound levels for ploughing ranged from 82.6 to 85.1 dB while the harrowing operation produced sound levels of 64.79 to 86.73 dB which are within NIOS and OSHA standards, respectively. The CO2 obtained from the study during ploughing ranged from 835 to 2478 ppm (<5,000 ppm WHO standard) while the values recorded obtained during harrowing was from 899to 2513 ppm. The values of carbon monoxide emission recorded during ploughing ranged from 200 to 659 ppm (>90ppm EPA standard), while the CO emission values for harrowing ranged from 189 to 355 ppm at 3 kmhr-1 and 7 kmhr-1 respectively. ANOVA (α= 0.05) revealed that implement draft, power consumption fuel consumption and vibration (acceleration) were significantly affected by a change in implement depth and travel speed. The performance recorded for the instrumented rig system improved greatly on the sandy loam soil in southwest Nigeria.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    DRYING CHARACTERISTICS OF PAWPAW (CARICA PAPAYA) SEED AND THE EFFECT OF PROCESSING FACTORS ON THE NUTRITIONAL/PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF PAWPAW SEED OIL
    (2025-07-24) ODUNUKAN RISIKAT OLUWATOYIN
    ABSTRACT Pawpaw (Carica papaya) seeds, often treated as agricultural waste, are a rich source of oil (25–34%) and contain valuable bioactive compounds such as benzyl isothiocyanate, phenolics, and flavonoids. This study investigated the drying characteristics of pawpaw seeds and examined how heating and expression temperatures affect the yield and quality of the extracted oil. The study employed a 2×3×3 factorial experimental design to evaluate the effects of drying methods (oven-drying at 40, 50, and 60°C; ambient air-drying) and expression temperatures (180, 200, and 220°C) on oil yield and quality. Ripe and unripe pawpaw seeds were collected, cleaned, and dried to determine moisture content and drying kinetics. Oil was extracted using an electric press, and the yield was calculated. The oil was analyzed for physicochemical properties (saponification value, free fatty acids, peroxide value, iodine value, pH, pour point, refractive index, specific gravity), proximate composition (moisture, protein, ash, carbohydrates, energy), and phytochemical content (total phenols, flavonoids). Drying kinetics were modelled using moisture ratio (MR), drying rate (DR), and effective moisture diffusivity (Deff). Oil quality parameters were assessed using standard Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) methods. Results showed that oven-drying at 60°C significantly reduced drying time, but it also risked degrading heat-sensitive compounds. Ambient air-drying was slower but preserved more bioactive components. The Midilli-Kucuk model best described the drying behaviour. The highest yields were obtained from ripe seeds that were air-dried and expressed at 200°C (37.14%). Unripe seeds required higher expression temperatures (220°C) to achieve comparable yields (34.28%). Overheating (>200°C) reduced yields due to thermal degradation. Oil from seeds dried at 50°C showed good quality, with low free fatty acids (0.91%) and peroxide value (1.62 meq O₂/kg), v indicating stability. Its high viscosity (45.2 mPa•s) makes it suitable for cosmetic use. In contrast, oil from ripe seeds dried at 60°C and expressed at 220°C had the highest saponification value (223.13 mg KOH/g), iodine value (73.51 g I₂/100g), and refractive index (1.47). These values suggest the oil contains short-chain fatty acids ideal for soap making, has good unsaturation levels beneficial for skin care, and a molecular structure suitable for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. Phytochemical analysis revealed that higher retention of phenols (301.11 mg/100 mg) and flavonoids (99.30mg/100mg) occurred. In air-dried samples. The study showed that drying and expression temperatures significantly (p < 0.05) influenced pawpaw seed oil yield and quality, with oven-drying at 50°C combined with expression at 200°C providing the best balance between efficiency and oil quality for ripe seeds, while unripe seeds require higher expression temperatures and ambient air-drying, though slower, preserves bioactive compounds better. These findings provide a foundation for optimizing industrial-scale pawpaw seed oil extraction, promoting sustainable utilization of this underutilized by-product.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    PHYSICAL, MECHANICAL AND COMBUSTION CHARACTERISTICS OF BAMBOO (BAMBUSA VULGARIS) CHARCOAL IN COMPARISON WITH THREE OTHER INDIGENOUS WOOD CHARCOALS
    (2025-06-17) OGUNSOLA, ADETUNJI OLUSEUN
    ABSTRACT Charcoal is a carbonaceous solid with a fixed carbon content of 70% or more. Wood charcoal is processed by heating wood materials in a low-oxygen environment.Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) is a woody material composed of hemicelluloses, cellulose and lignin that can produce higher value-added products by pyrolysis processes with low ash content. This study investigated the energy potential of bamboo (bambusa vulgaris) as an alternative charcoal material in comparison to indigenous wood in terms of mechanical and combustion properties. Bamboo and three other wood species Teak (Tectona grandis), Afara (Terminalia superba) and Omo (Cordiamillenii) were dimensioned for mechanical properties’ determination using ASTM standards. All samples were carbonized in a portable laboratory kiln at 400oC to charcoal. Combustion characteristics were determined for the carbonized samples using standards of the ASTM, while Fuel Value Index (FIV), Modulus of Rupture (MOR), Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) and Compressive Strength (COMP) were obtained for all the samples and comparedusing ANOVA at 5% significant level. Results from proximate analysis showed that charcoal from Volatile Matter values ranged from 20.0 to 25.95% with Teak Charcoal(TC) having the highest value and Bamboo Charcoal(BC) with 22.70%. The calorific value ranged from 2.300 to 2,725 kcal/kg. The BC with 2,500 kcal/kg was not significantly (p>0.05) different from TC with 2,725kcal/kg. The ash content for all charcoal types ranged from 2.2 and 2.68% with BC having the highest ash content. The percentage fixed carbon for the species ranges from 66.75 to 72.25%, with ANOVA revealing no significant (p < 0.05) differences between all charcoal types. The Nitrogen and Sulphur contents ranged from 0.07 to 0.13% and 0.09 to 0.11%, respectively. The BC had the highest values for both properties, however, there were no significant (p > 0.05) differences for all charcoal types. The hemicellulose and cellulose contents ranged from 0.4 to 1.2 and 0.3 to 0.5%, respectively. The BC had the highest values of hemicellulose and cellulose contents with the lowest extractive percentage compared to other woody materials. Mechanical test revealed that MOE values ranged from 110.0 to 501.7 N/mm2 with BC having the least value and TC gave the highest value. The MOR and COMP values ranged from 4.8 to 187.2 N/mm2 and 3.3 to 18.7 N/mm2,respectively, while the hardness values for all samples ranged from 11 to 61.4N and the FVI ranged from 3733 to 14140. Bamboo charcoal had lowest values for all mechanical properties studied due to its morphological structure compared to the other tree species but has a higher potential as source of fuel due to its high calorific value, fixed carbon and oxygen contents comparable to Teak and Afara wood charcoal. The combustion property of Bamboo charcoal is higher while its mechanical property is lower as compared to other wood charcoals.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    OPTIMIZATION OF THE PROCESS PARAMETERS OF AN EXISTING CASHEW NUT SHELL OIL EXPELLER
    (2025-06-20) Aina, Elijah Oladimeji
    ABSTRACT The shell of the cashew nut in its natural state is leathery and contains thick vesicant oil called Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) within a sponge-like interior. The oil has been known for its innumerable applications and its ability to undergo all the conventional reactions of phenols. This study optimized the existing expeller by monitoring the process parameters used in assessing product quality. The machine consists of a frame, compression chamber, perforated cylinder, hopper and funnels. Design Expert 13 package was used for Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and response surface optimization. A CCRD of RSM factorial design was used for the process parameters and varied at 2 varieties (Ogbomoso and Brazilian). Also RCBD factorial design of 3 levels of sizes (small, medium and large), 3 levels of moisture content (14.5, 15.9 and 16.4% w.b.), 4 levels of wormshaft speed (30, 45, 60 and 75 rpm) and 2 levels of varieties (Ogbomoso and Brazilian) in triplicates were varied. The machine response varizbles namely machine throughput, machine throughput efficiency, machine processing temperature and oil qualities (free fatty acid, oil volatile impurities at 105 oC, rancidity level and acid value) were studied. The optimum performance of the machine at maximum machine throughput, machine throughput efficiency, machine processing temperature, free fatty acid, oil volatile impurities at 105 oC, rancidity level and acid value were 0.226 and 0.279 Kg/hr, 50.76 and 80.63%, 125.2 and 123.3 oC,1.84 and 2.02%m/m, 14.2 and 22.8%m/m, 5.1 and 7.04 Meq/Kg, 0.3 and 0.14%m/m for Ogbomoso and Brazilian varieties respectively. Meanwhile, the optimum performance of the machine at maximum machine throughput, machine throughput efficiency, wormshaft speed and moisture content were 0.408 and 0.306 Kg/hr, 91.68 and 86.02%, 30 and 35 rpm, 14.5 and 15.3% w.b. for Ogbomoso and Brazilian varieties respectively. The interaction effect of process variables was significant (p<0.05) on oil qualities, machine throughput and machine thrroughput efficency of both Ogbomoso and Brazilian sizes. Thegenerated regressionmodelswere suitable for predicting machine throughput, machine throughput efficiency and machine processing temperature based on highest coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.90-0.99, significant lack of fit (0.050-0.778) and models significance (p<0.05). The optimum condition was found to be heating temperature of 130 and 70 oC, heating duration of 5 and 5 minutes, storage duration of 4 and 1 months, monitored average relative humidity of 58 and 56%, monitored average atmospheric temperature of 32.2 and 31.2 oC, free fatty acid of 1.84 and 2.02%m/m, oil volatile impurities at 105 oC of 14.2 and 22.8%m/m, rancidity level of 5.1 and 7.04 Meq/Kg, acid value of 0.3 and 0.14%m/m with a desirability of 0.695 and 0.728 for Ogbomoso and Brazilian varieties respectively. The study revealed an optimised machine for good quality oil attainable within the process parameters range. The optimum condition of the machine produced up to 0.41 Kg/hr and 90% of machine throughput and machine throughput efficiency respectively for both Ogbomoso and Brazilian varieties without compromising standard quality.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    ASSESSINGTHEEFFECTIVENESSOFTHEALUMINIUMANODECATHODIC PROTECTION SYSTEM ON OIL STEEL PIPELINE ALONG THE MOSIMI- IBADAN SEGMENT IN NIGERIA.
    (2025-06-17) AJAYI,ISAIAHKEHINDE
    ABSTRACT Pipeline networks are capital intensive yet efficient and safer method for transporting petroleum products, offering lower distribution costs compared to alternatives. However, the steel used in pipeline construction is highly susceptible to corrosion, which can compromise structural integrity, reduce service life, and increase maintenance costs. Therefore, the effectiveness of Aluminium sacrificial anode cathodic protection (CP) system on a multi products steel pipeline along the Mosimi-Ibadan segment is assessed in this study. Soil samples from three locations of Redeem, Ogere, and Olorunda were analysed for pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration. The steel corrosion rates, and impedance were determined in soil solutions using Potentiodynamic Polarization and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) methods. The corrodedsteel samples from these test locations were characterizedusing X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy-DispersiveX-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) to determine crystalline structure, surface morphology, and elemental composition,respectively. The results from potentiodynamic polarization showed the steel sample atOgere hadthehighest corrosionrate(2.82 mm/yr),which correlated withthelowestpH(5.8) and highest conductivity (0.22 dS/m). This was followed by that from Olorunda, with a corrosion rate of 0.96 mm/yr, pH of 6.4, and conductivity of 0.20 dS/m while the sample at Redeem exhibited the lowest corrosion rate (0.68 mm/yr), with a pH of 7.3 and conductivity of0.14dS/m.Additionally,OgereshowedthehighestCorrosionProtectionEfficiency(CPE) of 67%, followed by Olorunda (19%) and Redeem (13%). The EIS results indicated higher impedance and better corrosion resistance at Redeem, followed by Olorunda, while Ogere exhibitedthelowestimpedance.TheXRDanalysisrevealedlowFe₂O₃contentatRedeem, moderate levels at Olorunda, and high levels at Ogere. The phases revealed on samples from Ogere, showedlittle presence of SiO₂ (2.25%), compared to Redeem (0.34%) and Olorunda (0.33%).TheSEManalysisshowedasmoothsurfaceatsamplesfromRedeem,severepitting corrosion at Ogere, and interconnected corrosion features at Olorunda. Also, iron depletion supported the level of corrosion of the samples which stood at 60.02, 70.02, and 70.17% at Ogere, Olorunda and Redeem respectively, compared to a baseline of 96–98% as shown in EDX. These findings highlighted the influence of soil chemistry and sacrificial anode cathodic protection on pipeline corrosion. The study revealed that the Aluminium anode cathodic protection system employed on the pipeline was effective at the Ogere section.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    PHYSICAL, MECHANICAL AND COMBUSTION CHARACTERISTICS OF BAMBOO (BAMBUSA VULGARIS) CHARCOAL IN COMPARISON WITH THREE OTHER INDIGENOUS WOOD CHARCOALS
    (2025-06-11) OGUNSOLA, ADETUNJI OLUSEUN
    ABSTRACT Charcoal is a carbonaceous solid with a fixed carbon content of 70% or more. Wood charcoal is processed by heating wood materials in a low-oxygen environment.Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) is a woody material composed of hemicelluloses, cellulose and lignin that can produce higher value-added products by pyrolysis processes with low ash content. This study investigated the energy potential of bamboo (bambusa vulgaris) as an alternative charcoal material in comparison to indigenous wood in terms of mechanical and combustion properties. Bamboo and three other wood species Teak (Tectona grandis), Afara (Terminalia superba) and Omo (Cordiamillenii) were dimensioned for mechanical properties’ determination using ASTM standards. All samples were carbonized in a portable laboratory kiln at 400oC to charcoal. Combustion characteristics were determined for the carbonized samples using standards of the ASTM, while Fuel Value Index (FIV), Modulus of Rupture (MOR), Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) and Compressive Strength (COMP) were obtained for all the samples and comparedusing ANOVA at 5% significant level. Results from proximate analysis showed that charcoal from Volatile Matter values ranged from 20.0 to 25.95% with Teak Charcoal(TC) having the highest value and Bamboo Charcoal(BC) with 22.70%. The calorific value ranged from 2.300 to 2,725 kcal/kg. The BC with 2,500 kcal/kg was not significantly (p>0.05) different from TC with 2,725kcal/kg. The ash content for all charcoal types ranged from 2.2 and 2.68% with BC having the highest ash content. The percentage fixed carbon for the species ranges from 66.75 to 72.25%, with ANOVA revealing no significant (p < 0.05) differences between all charcoal types. The Nitrogen and Sulphur contents ranged from 0.07 to 0.13% and 0.09 to 0.11%, respectively. The BC had the highest values for both properties, however, there were no significant (p > 0.05) differences for all charcoal types. The hemicellulose and cellulose contents ranged from 0.4 to 1.2 and 0.3 to 0.5%, respectively. The BC had the highest values of hemicellulose and cellulose contents with the lowest extractive percentage compared to other woody materials. Mechanical test revealed that MOE values ranged from 110.0 to 501.7 N/mm2 with BC having the least value and TC gave the highest value. The MOR and COMP values ranged from 4.8 to 187.2 N/mm2 and 3.3 to 18.7 N/mm2,respectively, while the hardness values for all samples ranged from 11 to 61.4N and the FVI ranged from 3733 to 14140. Bamboo charcoal had lowest values for all mechanical properties studied due to its morphological structure compared to the other tree species but has a higher potential as source of fuel due to its high calorific value, fixed carbon and oxygen contents comparable to Teak and Afara wood charcoal. The combustion property of Bamboo charcoal is higher while its mechanical property is lower as compared to other wood charcoals.