CONTENTS

Improving the Nigerian 330kV Power System Steady State Voltage Stability Using Static VAr Compensation and Genetic Algorithm Optimization

Prof. Omoigui M.¹, Lawal O.A.² & Alao R. A.³……..…………………………….1

Factorial Design on the Corrosion Inhibition Effects of Castor Seed Oil on Mild Steel 

Offurum, J. C.; Iheme C.; Mbadike C. A.; Chukwu M. M. & Chinagorom E.N………………………………………………………………………….….….26

Comparative Study of the Behavior of a Field Model versus

a Theoretical Model in Sugar Manufacture from Sugar Cane 

A. B. Istifanus¹, A. M. Ezekiel² I.D. Kwino¹..………………………..………….35

Handrilling and Thermal Characteristics of Briquettes made from Fonio Husk

Bisu, D. Y., Y. H. Kwala and S. I. Ige…………………………………..………68

Roadmap towards Nigeria’s Technological and Industrial Independence

Isioto, Nte Nathaniel, Philip-Kpae F.O & Dickson Rachael …………………91

Removal of Heavy Metals from Petroleum Refinery Effluent Using Coconut Shell-Based Activated Carbon

O. O. Olayebi & A. T.  Adebayo……………………………………………….102

Structural Properties of Rice Husk and Sawdust Composite Bricks

Daniel Momngu Tiough, Ph.D………………………………………………….118

A Mathematical Model of Hepatitis B Virus Transmission Dynamics considering HBV Mutants

O. Abu & E. Jalija…………………………………………………….…………146

Design and Fabrication of Tray-Type Semi-Continuous Tunnel Dryer

Omame Onyebuchy Bernard; Ugwu Hyginus Sunday; OnyiaThankGod & Nebo Fidelis………………………………………………………………………68

The Effect of Gum Arabic on Sisal Fibre-Reinforced Concrete: Alternative Material for Prevention of Balling

Audu Isa Ibrahim Dakas¹, Segun Emmanuel Agboju² and Akolo Peter Enjugu³……………………………………………………………………………186

Improving the Nigerian 330kV Power System Steady State Voltage Stability Using Static VAr Compensation and Genetic Algorithm Optimization

ABSTRACT

The Nigeria 330kV network has been presented in this research work. The network just like many power systems in the world suffer from voltage instability caused by the variation in the reactive power requirement of the systems’ components. This has a resulting effect on consumers’ loads designed to operate within a specific voltage range. The system voltage goes high when there is excessive injection of reactive power and goes low when there is excessive absorption of reactive power.   Ten (10) generating station buses and twenty-two (22) transmission line buses totalling thirty-two (32) buses were considered. Load flow solution was performed on the buses using Newton-Raphson method. This was programmed in matlab and the voltage magnitudes of all the buses were determined. The steady state voltage stability was investigated and the problem buses were identified. These were bus 16 (Yola), bus 23 (Alaoji), bus 26 (Gombe) and bus 30 (Ugwuaji). The voltage magnitude of bus 16 (Yola), bus 26 (Gombe) and bus 30 (Ugwuaji) are higher than what is specified in the Operating Procedure of the National Control Centre while that of bus 23 (Alaoji) is lower than the statutory limit specified. The Static VAr Compensation scheme deployed did not allow a noticeable voltage drop or voltage increase beyond the statutory limit. The scheme was used in this research to supply reactive power to boost the power system voltage magnitude on any of the problem buses and absorb reactive power to reduce the voltage on any of the buses. The compensation scheme reduced the voltage magnitudes of bus 16 (Yola), bus 26 (Gombe) and bus 30 (Ugwuaji) from 1.137pu to 0.975pu, 1.131 to 0.986pu and 1.055pu to 0.987pu respectively. The reactive power compensation scheme was also applied to bus 23 (Alaoji) to increase its voltage magnitude from 0.832pu to 0.954pu. Other buses that were affected positively are bus 10 (Kaduna) from 1.049 pu to 1.000 pu, bus 13 (Kano) from 1.042 pu to 0.992 pu, bus 14 ( Jos) from 1.052 pu to 0.993 pu, bus 15 (Makurdi) 1.051pu to 0.992pu, bus 18 (Benin) from 1.026pu to 1.027pu, bus 19 (Onitsha) from 0.978 to 0.984, bus 22 (New Haven) from 0.975pu to 0.981pu.  The transmission line active power losses in the network were also determined before and after the compensation were applied. These two values were compared to get the increase in transmission efficiency due to the compensation. The compensation brought about a 17.48 percent increase in efficiency. The Static VAr Compensation scheme in this research has been shown to be an efficient tool in maintaining short and long term voltage stability so as to reduce overall transmission losses in the Power System Network. In order to ensure a cost effective optimal load flow, Genetic Algorithm was employed to reduce the cost of electricity generation by the generating power stations. These allotted the generating stations with appropriate capacity to meet the load demand while reducing the cost. This further improved the voltage stability of the network.

Factorial Design on the Corrosion Inhibition Effects of Castor Seed Oil on Mild Steel

Offurum, J. C.; Iheme C.; Mbadike C. A.; Chukwu M. M. & Chinagorom E. N.

Department of Chemical Engineering

Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo-Ohaji

E-mail: jullyengine@yahoo.com

Corresponding Author: Offurum, J. C.

ABSTRACT

2³-Factorial Design on the corrosion inhibition effects of castor seed oil on mildsteel was performed in this study. Factorial experiments were conducted using the standard matrix developed by Frank Yates (the Yates Analysis), which incorporated eight (8) experimental runs. The experiments were also replicated, and the average values were obtained in each case. The Chochrain’s distribution, G for the study was found to be 0.4968, which is less than the G_Table at 0.05 level of significance (0.6798), indicating that the homogeneity of variance for the process is acceptable. Also, the F-distribution (as computed) was found to be 7083.1130, which is greater than the F_table (4.46), indicating that the model is adequate, and as such acceptable. However, the model equation was found to be linear, indicating that the factors considered are in linear relationship with the response variable (the weight loss).

Keywords: Factorial Design, Corrosion Inhibition, Castor Seed Oil, Mild Steel.

Comparative Study of the Behavior of a Field Model versus a Theoretical Model in Sugar Manufacture from Sugar Cane

*A. B. Istifanus¹, A. M. Ezekiel² I.D. Kwino¹

¹Department of Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

²Department of Soil Science and Land Resources Management, Federal University, Wukari, Nigeria

Email: yowiri@gmaill.com; mamaiezekiel@yahoo.com; kwinodanlami@gmail.com

^*Corresponding Author: A. B. Istifanus

ABSTRACT

A theoretical (simulation) model was developed with the objectives to predict sugar yield from sugar cane, as well as to compare the results with field production model. The model developed was used to predict the sugar, bagasse, filter cake and molasses yield from sugar cane. The predicted values from the model were compared to yield data obtained from the production of sugar cane from the Savannah Sugar Company, Numan, Nigeria for 90 days. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) at p ≤ 0.01 was used to determine if there were significant difference in the yield predicted by the model and the measured factory yield. The least significant difference (F-LSD) at p ≤ 0.01 was used to separate the means. The model is validated where there was no significant difference between its predicted yield and the factory-obtained yield. The sugar cane input of 2,150.52 MT was obtained from the Savannah Sugar factory. The corresponding imbibitions water pumped into the mixed juice was 673.12 MT. The predicted sugar, bagasse, molasses and filter cake yield using the theoretical model was 279.5MT (13%), 1,049.46MT (48%), 111.828MT (5.2%) and 101.1MT (4.7%) respectively. The ANOVA showed that there was no significant difference between the theoretical and the factory-based model. It is concluded that the theoretical model was capable of predicting sugar yield from a giving quantity of raw cane. Consequently, this model is recommended for use in predicting sugar and by-products yields from sugar cane. Keywords: behavior, model, prediction, sugar, byproducts, yields, sugarcane

Handling and Thermal Characteristics of Briquettes made from Fonio Husk

Bisu, D. Y., Y. H. Kwala and S. I. Ige

Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology

Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, Nigeria

Email: danladibisu@fptb.edu.ng

Corresponding Author: Bisu, D. Y.

ABSTRACT

This study attempted to convert fonio husk, an agricultural waste into a fuel for cooking in households, making its disposal sustainable. Samples of fonio husk and wild acacia nilotica fruits were acquired from dehusking mills in Tafawa Balewa and Muda Lawan market respectively. The fonio husk and gum extracted from the dry acacia fruit were characterized using standard procedures such as ASTM E870 – 82(2013) for proximate analysis, BS 1377 – 2:9.2, 9.3, 9.4 for particle size determination and ASTM D2015-00 for calorific values. Briquettes were produced from mixtures of fonio husk and various concentrations of wild Acacia nilotica fruit gum (15 %, 25 % and 35 %) at 3 different compaction pressures (2 MPa, 4 MPa and 6 MPa) using a cylindrical mould (with piston) of 41 mm depth and 37.5 mm inner diameter at a moisture content of 15 %, using a local fabricated machine fitted with a pressure gauge. The briquettes were sun dried for 14 days and subjected to durability test using ASTM D440 – 86 standard procedures for drop shatter for coal, and water absorption test. The moisture content and bulk density of unprocessed fonio husk were determined as 5.81 % and 195.32 kg/m3 respectively, while those of the relaxed briquettes were  (5.09 – 5.65 %) and 223.90 – 425.08 kg/m³ respectively, with volume reduction of 144.63 – 217.63 %. The relaxed densities decreased with increase in binder concentration and compaction pressure. The maximum densities of the briquettes increased with increase in binder concentration and compaction pressure ranging from 565.75 – 823.05 kg/m³. The impact resistance index of the briquettes ranged from 143 – 333, as against the minimum acceptable value of 1000. The briquettes absorbed 83.33 – 223.08 % water within 5 seconds, beyond which it dispersed. The ignition time and burning rate of the briquettes ranged from 25 – 60 seconds and 10.20 – 22.80g/min respectively. This study concludes that fonio husk is a good briquette material with good densification characteristics and ignition time, but has poor handling characteristics and burning rate. Further study is recommended on other binder materials and processing conditions to improve handling characteristics and burning rate.

Keywords: Acacia nilotica, Briquettes, Fonio husk, Waste disposal

Roadmap towards Nigeria’s Technological and Industrial Independence

Isioto, Nte Nathaniel, Philip-Kpae F.O & Dickson Rachael

¹Department of Electrical and electronic Engineering

 Ken Sarowiwa Polytechnic, PMB 20 Bori, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Email: nnisioto@gmail.com, philipkpae1@gmail.com, richowaji@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The utmost concern of this paper- factor affecting technological growth in Nigeria and the way forward is to examine the challenges and the factors affecting technological growth in Nigeria, with the view of proffering solution or a structural base for technological development and industrialization framework for total national development. It is rather surprising that after over fifty years of independence, Nigeria still depends largely on foreign nations for her various technological and industrial needs. This research paper relied majorly on information sources, such as government documents, academic journals and articles, conference papers and personal observations and interactions with people carrying this same burden for Nigeria. From the study, colonialism truncated and hindered improvement in the indigenous skills and techniques of the pre-colonial economy. However, the development of indigenous skills and techniques of pre-colonial Nigeria is a pre-requisite to sound technological growth, rather than depending on foreign inputs, which must be properly monitored and developed to set the pace for Nigeria’s industrialization.

Keywords: Technology, appropriate Technology, Growth, Industrialization, development, appropriate philosophy

Removal of Heavy Metals from Petroleum Refinery Effluent Using Coconut Shell-Based Activated Carbon

O.O. Olayebi & A. T.  Adebayo

Department of Chemical Engineering

 Federal University of Petroleum Resources, P.M.B. 1221, Effurun

Email: olayebi.oluwafemi@fupre.edu.ng , adebayo.ayodeji@fupre.edu.ng

^*Corresponding Author: A. T.  Adebayo

ABSTRACT

The performance evaluation of locally prepared activated carbon from coconut shell in removing Cr³⁺, Cu ²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Zn²⁺ions from Petroleum refinery effluent water was studied. The activated carbon produced was chemically activated utilizing Zinc chloride as activating agent. Batch Adsorption studies were carried out to examine the effect of adsorption dosage, contact time, pH and stirring speed on the adsorption ofCr³⁺, Cu ²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Zn²⁺from Petroleum refinery effluent water. In studying the effect of one factor others were kept constant. The adsorbent was contacted with the adsorbate for time intervals between 30 to 60 minutes. The kinetic studies showed that pseudo – second –order reaction model best described the adsorption process, also the Langmuir adsorption isotherm best fit the adsorption data at equilibrium. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that Coconut based activated Carbon is a viable alternative for treating industrial effluent water.

Keywords: Activated carbon, adsorption, heavy metals, kinetic, refining waste water

Structural Properties of Rice Husk and Sawdust Composite Bricks

Daniel Momngu Tiough, Ph.D

Department of Vocational and Technical Education

Benue State University, Makurdi

ABSTRACT

What determine whether a material will be suitable for use on a building is its properties. One of the most important properties of building units, desirable, is their compressive strength. The materials of rice husk and sawdust are moulded into bricks in this study and their compressive strength is tested. 432 brick specimens were produced. The design used for this study is Research and Development (R&D) design. The bricks are moulded, cured and tested to determine their compressive strength after yield. Mix ratios of 1;3:3, 1:2:4, 1:4:2, 2:1:1, 2:1:2, 2:2:1, 3:1:1, 3:2:1, and 3:1:2 were used. Two curing methods were also used viz: sun drying curing method and room drying curing method. It was discovered that the bricks attained a compressive strength of 0.025 N/mm2 which is far below the 1.75 N/mm2 recommended for sandcrete blocks. The study therefore recommended that though these bricks have not attained the compressive strength to warrant their use as load bearing bricks they could still be used as in fills or as inner walls in buildings to improve both the thermal as well as sound insulation of the building.

Keywords: Compressive strength, curing method, rice husk, sawdust and mix ratio.

A Mathematical Model of Hepatitis B Virus Transmission Dynamics considering HBV Mutants

O. Abu & E. Jalija

Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Nigeria

Corresponding Author: O. Abu

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis B is a global threat as approximately one third of the world’s population has serological evidence of past or present infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and 350–400 million people are chronic HBV surface antigen (HBs Ag) carriers In this paper, a mathematical model for the transmission dynamics of hepatitis B virus infection considering HBV mutants is presented. First, the disease-free equilibrium state of the model was determined. The next generation method was used to compute the basic reproduction number,  as a threshold parameter, in terms of the given model parameters. It was proved that the disease-free equilibrium state is locally asymptotically stable if the  is below unity. Local stability of the endemic equilibrium state was established using the centre manifold theory. The result of the centre manifold theory on the endemic equilibrium state shows that the disease can persist as the value of  increases above one. The results of numerical simulations show that the impact of carriers with HBV mutants can be significant. The findings of this study strongly suggest that effective intervention should be put in place to reduce the proportion of carriers with HBV mutants to the barest minimum.

Keywords: Mathematical model, disease-free equilibrium, endemic equilibrium, centre manifold

Design and Fabrication of Tray-Type Semi-Continuous Tunnel Dryer

Omame Onyebuchy Bernard; Ugwu Hyginus Sunday; OnyiaThankGod & Nebo Fidelis

Scientific Equipment Development Institute, Enugu

Email: buchydifference@yahoo.comhygiugwu@gmail.com, onyiato@gmail.comfidenebo@yahoo.com

Corresponding Author: Omame Onyebuchy Bernard

ABSTRACT

A tray type semi-continuous tunnel dryer for Agro-product was designed and fabricated to enhance proper and efficient drying of agricultural products (e.g. cassava chips) in large scale for preservation and export. The overriding considerations in the design were the nature and concentration of the feed, temperature range, air flow rate, discharge as well as the cost of materials. Design calculations assumed steady state considerations and most properties of the system were the values at standard temperature and pressure. Hot air is used as the heating and mass transfer medium in the tunnel. The hot-air generated by a heat exchanger is pumped to the tunnel by an electrically driven blower. Experimental results show that the optimum conditions for drying of cassava (used as a case study) require an inlet hot air temperature of 55-60^oC and a residence time of 200-420minutes A reduction of the average moisture content to 6-5% at an equilibrium relative humidity of below 60% was considered as dryness and readiness for storage. This dryer is basically a group of truck-and-tray batch dryers, operated in a programmed series so as to be quasi-continuous. This machine is made up of a tunnel of 12m x 1m x1.2m  in size with rails, 98 loading tray of 0.84m x 0.82m x 0.02m in size, heat exchanger, transmission duct, hot air  blower, 4kw geared electric motor 38-178 output rpm, temperature gauge(three in number). The capacity of the machine is 300kg per full load (3kg per tray) in 3hrs 50min (relative).Keywords: cassava chips, Heat transfer, Moisture content, equilibrium relative