School of Egineering and Engineering Technology

Permanent URI for this collection

https://repository.futo.edu.ng/handle/20.500.14562/1239

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 66

Open Access
A proposed simpilfied technique for accurate calculation of flared gas volume: Case study of an oil and gas processing plant in Niger Delta
(Society of Scientific Research, 2015) Igwilo, Kevin; Abonyi, Chukwunonoso; Umeh, Ebuka
A simplified technique for an accurate calculation of flared gas volume has been established. Although the regulatory agencies in the oil and gas industry has placed some financial and cost measures to minimize the amount of standard cubic feet of gas flared per day by operating companies yet some operators and contractors could not keep an accurate measurement on the actual amount of gas flare from their production facilities. These shortcomings are partially caused due to lack of technologies, equipment malfunctions, equipment inefficiencies, human resource deficiencies. However, gas flaring is by no means a simple measurement process on its own. This is primarily due to the large variations in conditions often found in a flare stack. Measurement difficulties could also arise through the flare type based on changes in the flow profile and Reynolds number caused by variation in the physical properties of the gases and errors due to installation effects. From the aforementioned points, it is clear that the accurate measurement of the flared gas is a rigorous and complex process with several challenges to be considered. This paper presents a technique for measuring flared gas volume based on PVs (pressure valves) present in process plants. A similar approach has been applied in South Pars gas development projects in Iran; utilizing the design information in PVs datasheet as well as actual plant data for opening percentage values which have been utilized from plant Distributed Control System (DCS ) and PIMS ( Plant Integrated Management System) via excel and visual basic.5 However, in this study, a new/robust software program that has the ability of extracting data from the plant DCS and PIMS server has been developed using Java, correlation used by this software was generated using Hysys for a particular process plant model in Niger-Delta and the correlation was regressed using excel. An iteration time-step of 1440 minutes has been chosen for greater accuracy. Features of this program include flexibility, less run-time error, user friendly, less memory space and real-time. Assumptions made during these calculations were stated clearly in this paper. Key inputs to this program are valve percentage openings per minute. Key outputs are average percentage opening per day and amount of flared per day in million standard cubic feet (MMscf).
Open Access
A review of hydraulic work-over unit (HWU) application for well repairs in Nigeria
(U. P., 2014) Ohia, N.; Anayadiegwu, C.; Igwilo, K.
As part of efforts to encourage indigenous/local content in the area of work-over, re-completion and abandonment in Nigeria, Work over campaigns using a self elevating work-over platform (SEWOP) and a hydraulic work-over (HWU) unit was introduced in the year 2001. These projects provided an opportunity for Nigerian indigenous contractors to work closely with multinational companies with a view to develop expertise. Upon this platform was the services of the HWU introduced to the Nigerian oil & gas industry (for work-over, re-completion, well testing and abandonment) introduced to the Nigerian oil & gas industry. The initial objective of these campaigns was to equip older wells in the land and swamp locations with Surface Control Sub-surface Safety Valves (SCSSV) and top packers, in accordance with company’s well integrity management policy. This policy also required that some of these wells be abandoned to ensure the safety of the environment. It also presented an opportunity to carry out other well repairs and to install gas lift mandrels as the case may be. The projects’ priority factor (if compared with other income generating projects within the system) was low, especially for the abandonments. Hence, recognizing that funds are limited, the services of the HWU provided versatility and cost effectiveness .Between August 2001 and March 2006, a total of about fifty three wells were successfully worked on across the Niger Delta region in land, swamp and offshore locations. These series of operations were not without challenges considering the peculiar nature of the Niger Delta terrain in terms of operation and service delivery. Within the period mentioned above, a “learning curve” was developed for hydraulic workover that can be useful to operators in the oil and gas industry. In this paper, efforts have been made to describe this “curve” for the purposes of improving business results. This paper will also review significant cost saving achievements and challenges that were encountered during the entire period under review.
Open Access
Activated orange meso-carp carbon (AOMC); an acceptable remediation techniques for crude oil pollution effect
(Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2012-01-01) Atulegwu, Patrick Uzoije; Uzoigwe, Luke O.; Kamalu , C. I. O.
Orange mesocarp with its potentials application to remove spilled crude oil was used to prepare an activated adsorbent. Therefore, adsorption of crude oil onto the activated orange meso-carp (AOMC) was investigated. Batch experiment was adopted for the equilibrium studies and the studies were conducted for various operational parameters such as varying crude oil concentration and temperature values. The crude oil samples of A, B, C, D and E, with concentrations 6045, 4393, 8508, 11583, and 5220, respectively and temperature values varied between 10-50ºC were used for the experiment. The adsorption equilibrium was established at 40 min of adsorption time. Partition coefficients, kd (L/kg) for various samples reacted inversely with temperature and were in the ranges of 0.37-0.69, 0.65-1.11, 1.28-2.04, 1.17-1.39 and 1.23-4.53 for samples A, B, C, D and E, respectively. percentage of crude oil samples on the AOMC decreased with low crude oil hydrocarbons and the trend was shown as follows D>C >A>E>B. Percentage ranges for samples A, B, C,D and E were given to be 86.8-88%, 60.5-72.4, 52.5-55.2, 47.9-55.4 and 45.3-49.2%, respectively. Sorption of the crude oil samples to AOMC was found to be spontaneous, exothermic, and physio-sorption controlled with G values being in the ranges of -71.49 to -21.29, -18.25 to -5.43, -30.24 to -21.11, -28.55 to -11.33 and -50.74 to -50.12 KJ/mol for samples A ,B , C , D and E, respectively. Enthalpy(H) and Entropy changes(S) were also found to be -10.28, -12.24, -8.92, -6.9, -50.28 J/mol/K and -2.92, -0.32, -0.50, -0.44, -0.01 for samples A, B, C, D and E, respectively. Activated orange meso-carp provides a veritable environmentally remediation technique for crude oil spillage.
Open Access
Adsorption kinetics and Mechanisms of cypermethrin and dichlorovos on heterogeneous activated carbon porous media
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2015-11-18) Atulegwu, Patrick Uzoije; Kamalu, Clinfford O.; Uzuakpundu, Basil
Adsorption kinetics and mechanism of Cypermethrin (CY) and Dichlorovos (DI) on activated car bons of oil bean seed shell (OBSS), unripe plantain peel (UPP) and castor bean seed shell (CBSS) systems have been studied. The equilibrium adsorption isotherms were modelled by Freunlich, Langmuir and Langmuir-Freunlich (LF) models. Adsorption isotherms of various systems were best described by Langmuir-Freunlich (LF). Mixed 1,2 order equation (MOE), integrated kinetic Langmuir (IKL), pseudo second order equation (PSOE), fractal-like mixed 1,2 order equation (F-MOE), and Boyd and Webbers models were compared and adopted in the analysis of the kinetic data. The models represented different uptake reduction rate of CY and DI by various adsorption systems. F-MOE, IKL and MOE models were in agreement with CY/OBSS, CY/UPP and CY/CBSS sys tem data respectively, hence the conforming models, whereas IKL, MOE and PSOE were the con forming models for DI/OBSS, DI/UPP and DI/CBSS adsorption data systems, respectively. The two diffusion models (Boyd and Webbers) applied confirmed film diffusion pattern as prevailing transportation pathway for CY and DI onto the adsorbents.
Open Access
Benefciation of Nigerian bentonite using local materials
(Original Paper-Production Engineering, 2020-07-15) Igwilo, Kevin C.; Uwaezuoke, N.; Okoli, N.; Obasi, Franklin T.; Okoro, Emeka E.
In previous studies, it has been found that the Nigerian bentonite is defcient in terms of its fuid loss and rheological properties which includes yield point. Also, due to its high calcium content and low sodium content as opposed to foreign bentonite, it does not meet the API standard of drilling. This research was carried out to benefciate the Nigerian bentonite as regards its fuid loss properties, rheological properties and wellbore stability. Snail shell is seen as waste substance in Nigeria, and Mucuna solannie on the other hand is a local major food supplement in Nigeria and is found in large quantities. The elemental and oxide compositions of the snail shell and Mucuna solannie were determined through scanning electron microscope and X-ray difraction measurements, respectively. The additives were used to benefciate the Nigerian bentonite, and the test result proved that at considerable concentrations of the additives, the Nigerian bentonite was able to compete with foreign bentonite and also met API specifcations. Both additives contain high concentrations of nanoparticles and inhibitive calcium and potassium for wellbore stability. Benefciated Nigerian bentonite also proved to be viable economically when compared with foreign bentonite.
Open Access
Biochemical effects of Piper Guineense (African Black Pepper) in female diabetics: Opportunities for diabetes treatment
(Global Health and Education Projects, Inc., 2019) Amadi, Gordon; Iwuji, Samuel C.; Azeez, Taofik O.; Nwaokoro, Chidozie J.; Wodu, Chioma O.
Objectives: To investigate the biochemical effects of oral doses of Piper guineense (P. guineense) leaf extract on female diabetics using experimental animals. Methods: The animals, albino wistar rats, were divided into six groups (n=7). Animals in group 1 received water and feed only. Animals in groups 2 to 6 were induced with diabetes using alloxan. Methanolic leave extracts of P. Guineense were administered to groups 2 to 4 in 40 mg/kg, 80 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg body weights representing low, medium and high doses respectively. Group 5 animals were treated with 10 mg/kg body weight of Glibenclamide (Antidiabetic drug) and group 6 animals were left untreated. All treatments were carried out orally and lasted for a period of 14 days. At the end of the 14 days, the animals were humanely sacrificed through cardiac puncture and the blood samples collected for the analyses of some liver and kidney function parameters using assay kits. Results: The results showed that the oral doses of methanolic leave extract of P. guineense had no negative alterations on the biochemical parameters analyzed namely, 1) Lipid profile (Triglyceride, Low Density Lipoprotein, Total Cholesterol and High-Density Lipoprotein levels), 2) electrolytes profile (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Bicarbonate, 3) Urea) and 4) Creatinine levels. Furthermore, there was a significant reduction in the urea levels of treated animals and marked but insignificant reduction in the total cholesterol level and increase in High Density Lipoprotein at P<0.05. Conclusion and Implication for Translation: The reported antidiabetic P. guineense leaf extract caused no adverse biochemical changes in female diabetic rats. This implied that the extract may not distort the lipid and electrolyte profiles of female diabetics and could be pharmacologically safe in the management of female diabetics. It further implied that the Piper, Uziza, commonly taken after childbirth by nursing mothers in some tropical countries may maintain the lipid and electrolyte balance and consequently, prevent hypercholesterolemia and hypertension
Open Access
Biodegradation of pyrene using corynebacteria SP and pseudomonas putida in contaminated Water
(International Science Press, 2012-06) Azeez, Taofik Oladimeji
The hazardous nature of pyrene have been posed serious threat to humans on exposure through industrial effluent discharged and other combustion activities of petroleum products. The biodegradation of pyrene as a bioremediation method by the activity of Corynebacteria sp and Pseudomonas putida with effectiveness of these microbes was aim to be investigated. The enriched pure culture of Corynebacteria sp and Pseudomonas putida was inoculated into pyrene contaminated water at room temperature of 28ºC with mineral salt medium under an optimum pH of 7.2 for 96 hours, thereby decreased the pyrene concentration in the contaminated water and biodegradation kinetics parameters were evaluated from the experimental results. The result favourable to bothCorynebacteria sp and Pseudomonas putida as pyrene degraders in the contaminated water but Pseudomonas putida was preferred due to higher content of pyrene degraded.
Open Access
Cellulosic Cyperus esculentus L. as a filtrate loss modifier in field applicable aqueous and non-aqueous drilling fluids
(Springer, 2019) Okoro, Emeka Emmanuel; Igwilo, Kevin C.; Ifeka, Kelvin; Okafor, Ikechukwu S.; Idowu, Sangotade
The design and formulation of drilling fluids require additives that are cost-effective and environmental friendly in line with international best practices. This study was conducted to investigate the potentials and effects of Cyperus esculentus (Tiger Nut) as a filtrate loss modifier in field applicable aqueous and non-aqueous drilling fluids. Sixteen (eight aqueous and eight non-aqueous) drilling fluid systems were formulated, four aqueous and non-aqueous had Cyperus esculentus as a filtration additive, while the others do not contain the additive. The rheological properties, as well as the fluid filtration properties of the drilling muds, were investigated and compared with standard drilling mud. To ascertain validity, the results obtained were validated with the classic filtration model to ensure fit. Results obtained showed that the formulated mud systems had rheological properties that favored the suspension and transportation of drill cuttings, as well as the prevention of flocculation and clogging of drill strings. The rheological properties also showed a progressive trend as the concentrations of the additive were increased from 2 to 8 ppb. It was also further observed from the API and HPHT filter press test that the increase in the concentration of the additive exhibits a progressive trend that can be compared with the standard. In addition, it was observed from the classic filtration model that the experimental results from both mud systems were fit for the adopted model.
Open Access
Challenges and Prospects of Converting Nigeria Illegal Refineries to Modular Refineries
(2019) Mamudu Angela; Okoro Emeka; Igwilo Kevin; Olabode Oluwasanmi; Elehinafe Francis; Odunlami Olayemi
The sub-optimum conditions of Nigeria conventional refineries remains a drastic setback since all other industries are intertwined with its outputs. It is noted that amidst all other glaring contributing factors as listed in the study, insufficient large capital funds on the part of private investors and vandalization of pipelines seems to be conspicuous. The stolen crude oil got from the pipelines serve as the beginning point for illegal refining. Asides the issue of quality control of products, their sub-standard operation also affects Nigerians environmentally and economically. The more the Government invest time and resources to stop their operation; the more they spring up like mushrooms. This paper reflects the authors view on achieving a win-win scenario. The upgrading of existing illegal refineries at strategic locations within the country to standard modular refineries seems to be a more feasible and friendly approach. The issue of channeling of intermediate products can be solved through the introduction of clusters, where final products of one become raw material for the other. Intermediate products can also be channeled to Government owned conventional refineries for further processing. From analysis, it is deduced that overall design capacities from clusters have optimum effect on the intermediate environment in terms of meeting demand. Extensive operational training on crude oil refining will help buttress the point while Transfer of Knowledge from official vendors to Nigerian Engineers on how to fabricate modular refining units locally will also help to reduce overall cost.
Open Access
Chemical composition of the nest and models of the metamophic polymorphism of the mud dauber wasp
(U. P., 2015-07) Kamalu, C. I. O; Nwakaudu, M. S.; Nkuzinna, O. C.; Uzondu, F. N.; Effiong, E. E.; Obibuenyi, J. I.
The work involves the determination of the chemical composition of the nest and modeling of metamorphors polyphenism of the Mud Dauber wasp. The samples were analyzed at Fugro consultants (Nig.) Ltd; a high standard laboratory with sophisticated equipments, which aided in producing an acceptable result considering the state of the place of analysis. Research showed that wasp generally excretes saliva to the mixture of water and their various building materials which include paper and clay soil. The composition of their saliva was found to contain Phosphorus, Magnesium, Sulphur, Chlorine, Potassium, and Calcium. The result showed that Phenol and Iron were found to have been present in the saliva, while nest showed a decrease in the quantity of potassium in ordinary clay soil. More, so, the models developed with the data obtained from the study of the specie, Brachymenes dyscherus, actually represented the biological and biochemical systems. The methods of analysis used are those stipulated by institutions such as America Public Health Association (APHA), America Society for Testing and Material (ASTM), and Chemical Analysis of Ecological Materials (CAEM)
Open Access
Correlates of cardiorespiratory fitness and gait parameters in young undergraduate subjects
(U. P., 2010) Azeez, T. O.; Lamina, S.; Iwuji, S. C.
Physiological studies of healthy individuals suggested that the pattern of walking influenced the oxygen cost of walking in a given distance. It has also been observed that in pathological states, shorter and frequent steps are common and that this inefficient gait might contribute to exercise limitation. The purpose of the present study was therefore to investigate the corelates of cardiovascular fitness and gait parameters in young undergraduate students. A cross sectional independent group design was used in data collection. Forty subjects with age ranged between 20 and 30 years participated in the study. Subjects’ cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed using the 1.4 miles run; subjects were group into cardiorespiratory fitness category of high and low. Gait parameters (cadence [CD], step time [ST] & gait speed [GS]) were assessed using the paper-and-pencil method. Student t test and Pearson correlation test were used in data analysis. Findings indicates significant increase in the high fit group over low fit group in CD, ST and GS at p<.05. There was a significant positive and negative correlation between VO2max and gait variables respectively: GS (.465), CD (.555) and ST (-.580) at p<.01. The present study concluded that cardiovascular fitness could be a positive factor/marker of qualitative pattern of walking in normal young adult. Future studies investigating the effect of physical training on pattern of walking in the healthy, chronic diseases and the disables are recommended.
Open Access
Curve-fitting of bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by co-composting using roost manure
(EverScience Publications, 2016) Kamalu, C. I. O.; Nwakaudu, A. A.; Onyelucheya, O. E.; Uzondu, F. N.; Kamen, F. L.; Nwakaudu, M. S.; Obijiaku, J. C.
In this work, ten polluted sites with oil were obtained from Niger Delta, mixed homogenously with compost manure and sent to FUGRO International Laboratory Port Harcourt Nigeria, for bioremediation experiments and analyses. The 4800g sample was divided into twelve (12) equal parts of 400g for bioremediation; 6 parts for the experiments and 6 parts for the control. Particular ringed PAH was isolatedly tested for bioremediation for each of the five ringed PAHs (1 to 5 rings) and the 800g sample was used for respiration test of compost incubation. It was found that the efficiency of bioremediation increased from one to three rings and decreased exponentially for the rest of the rings, showing that bioremediation is not effective for higher ring PAHs. It was also found that bioremediation yields best (optimum) result between two and three ringed PAHs. The respiration of the compost microorganisms improved during incubation by more than two-third i.e 67.7%. The result of this work can be used in bioremediation studies when trying to isolate or choose a particular ringed PAHs for such bioremediation jobs.
Open Access
Data on shale-water based drilling fluid interaction for drilling operation
(Elsevier, 2018) Okoro, Emeka Emmanuel; Igwilo, Kevin C.; Mamudu, Angela Onose; Ekeinde, Evelyn Bose; Adewale, Dosunmu
The shale dispersion test (rolling test) is a common procedure that is used to measure the interactions between drilling fluids and shales. The shale rolling test depends on the moisture content of the shale, the shale composition, the viscosity of the test fluid, the rotation speed of the rollers, and the test temperature. The rheological behavior of the test fluid has the strongest influence on test results. The data was generated experimentally, shale samples from Agbada an formation Niger-Delta was used. These shale samples were cored at a depth of 2000ft and 3400ft. Water based mud that will minimize shale dispersion and swelling of shale was formulated. The dispersion test was conducted, and it involves exposing a weighted quantity of sized shale to the formulated mud in roller-oven. This test is used to design fluids and screen the effectiveness of inhibitor additives to maintain the integrity of the cuttings and minimize the interaction of fluids with the shale sections during the drilling and completion operations. The swelling test was conducted and the linear expansion adopted because it is the most representative of the increase seen by the wellbore but was measured in the direction perpendicular to the bedding plane as this is the direction of swelling into the wellbore.
Open Access
Diffusivity and kinetics model for biodegradation of PAHs in a saturated porous matrix
(Scholarlink Research Institute Journals, 2014) Azeez, Taofik Oladimeji; Arinkoola, Akeem Olatunde; Salam, Kazeem Kolapo; Nwakaudu, Madueke Stanley
The commercial implementation of biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as a bioremediation technique against physical process was due to lack of its effective and efficient diffusivity model with reaction parameters in a saturated porous matrix. The development and simulation of diffusivity model which involve reaction kinetics was aimed to provide quantitative insight on biodegradation of PAHs. The developed model obtained from the principle of conservation of matter, concepts of Fick’s law of diffusion, Malthus equation and Monod kinetics expression under isothermal condition was simulated with experimental data. The result showed that Corynebacterium sp and Pseudomonas putida were effective and PAHs exhibits pseudo first order reaction. Though, the effective diffusivity of PAHs decreases as degradation of PAHs proceeds with increased microbial mass concentration at increased penetration depth. The developed diffusivity model has been shown to be effective and not only providing quantitative insight into biodegradation of the PAHs but serves as an alternative option in the selection of microbes capable of facilitating the restoration of PAHs contaminated sites.
Open Access
Distribution of cyanide in a cassava-mill-effluent polluted eutric tropofluvent soils of Ohaji Area, South-eastern Nigeria
(Academic Journals, 2011) Uzoije Atulegwu Patrick; Nnamdi Egwuonwn; Onunkwo-A, Augustine
This study investigates on the distribution of cyanide on a cassava- mill- effluent polluted eutric tropofluvent soil in Ohaji southern Nigeria. Three morphological land units were marked out namely, the background unit (pedon A), discharged point unit (pedon B) (the effluent receiving unit) and downstream unit (pedon C). Soil sample collection was carried out in five replicates in May 2007 adopting a randomized complete block design techniques. Soil samples were collected from each pedon at different soil profiles: 10 to15, 15 to 30, 30 to 70, 70 to 100 and 100 to 150 cm which were represented as L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5, respectively. Samples of the cassava mill effluent were also collected in five replicates. Standard laboratory methods were adopted for the analysis of both samples. It was observed from the results that cyanide distributed geospatially within the pedons. Furthermore, the results of the soil samples were subjected to correlation and regression analysis between Cn and other soil properties and the analysis showed highly positive significant variation(p = 0.05) in Na, Cd, pH, and clay in both pedons A and B while Pb, sand silt and porosity showed highly negative significance in both pedons. Most soil properties showed non significance in pedon C. Highcoefficients of regression for polynomial functions were recorded in most pedons.
Open Access
Effect of chemical agents on morphology, tensile properties and water diffusion behaviour of hibiscus sabdariffa fibers
(2016) Azeez, Taofik Oladimeji; Onukwuli, Dominic Okechukwu
Effective utilization of Hibiscus sabdariffa fibers in composites applications as a reinforcing fibers in polymer matrix have been a major concern due to its poor mechanical and hydrophilic properties. It will be of benefits to environmental and technological advancement, if its properties are properly handled. In this study, the morphological, tensile and water absorption characteristics of H. sabdariffa fibers was aimed to be investigated. H. sabdariffa fibers was modified using sodium hydroxides, sodium lauryl sulphate and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid. The morphology using scanning electron microscopy, tensile properties (strength, modulus, elongation and energy at break), water absorption and water diffusion behaviours were studied. Chemical modifications improved fiber surface and roughness, tensile strength and modulus, elongation and energy at break with reduced water absorption of H. sabdariffa fibers. The water diffusion behaviour is less - Fickian controlled by water penetration rate. Hence improved the hydrophobic nature of H. sabdariffa fibers
Open Access
Effect of chemically modified cissus populnea fibers on mechanical, microstructural and physical properties of cissus populnea/high density polyethylene composites
(Federal University of Technology,Owerri, 2017-03-31) Azeez, Taofik Oladimeji; Onukwuli, Dominic Okechukwu
The effect of chemically modified Cissus populnea (C. populnea) fiber using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) on mechanical, morphological and physical (density and water absorption behaviour) properties of C. populnea fiber/recycled HDPE composites was aimed to be investigated. The composites of unmodified and modified C. populnea fiber/HDPE were prepared using injection molding machine. The mechanical properties (tensile strength and modulus, flexural strength and modulus, hardness and impact strength), interfacial shear stress, density, water absorption behaviour and microstructural properties using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscope were characterized. The results shows that C. populnea fiber increased the mechanical properties of HDPE matrix with reduced impact strength of the composites. The NaOH and SLS treatments, respectively, improved the mechanical properties of C. populnea fiber/HDPE composites, although NaOH treated C. populnea fiber reduced the tensile modulus. The change in morphology and functional group, respectively, due to the modification was observed in SEM and FTIR. The density and water absorption of the composites, respectively, reduced when SLS modified C. populnea fiber was used compared to untreated C. populnea fiber/HDPE composites. The SLS treated C. populnea fiber prove to be superior for reinforcement, stiffness and light weight material.
Open Access
Effect of filler weight fraction on the mechanical properties of Bambara Groundnut (Okpa) husk Polyethylene composite
(2013-07-18) Azeez, Taofik Oladimeji; Olaitan, Samuel Abiodun; Atuanya, Clement Uche; Onukwuli, Dominic Okechukwu; Akagu, Christian Chukwudi; Menkiti Mathew, Chukwudi
The increased biomass level of bambara groundnut husk (BGH) in the environment through dumping as a refuge due to high consumption rate of bambara groundnut products has been an environmental concerned. The effect of mechanical properties of the recycled polyethylene (RPE) and recycled polyethylene with 20 percent virgin polyethylene (MPE) was investigated. The weight fractions of the BGH filler loading for this experiment were 10, 20, 25, 30 and 35 percent and processed for the reinforcement of RPE and MPE injection moulding machine to examine the mechanical properties on the composites. The tensile strength and modulus, flexural strength and modulus, and hardness of the composites increase fraction of the filler up to 25 percent in the composites and impact strength of the composites decreases with increased filler weight fraction. The increased tensile strength signified that BGH filler may be used for the reinforcement of RPE and MPE. There is significant improvement on the mechanical properties of the MPE composite compared with RPE composite at p < 0.01 and p < 0.05
Open Access
Effect of mahogany filler on mechanical properties of reinforced polyethylene matrix
(SAVAP International, 2013-07) Olaitan, S. A.; Azeez, T. O.; Atuanya, C. U.; Onukwuli, O. D.; Officha, M. C.; Menkiti, M. C.
The effect of mahogany filler as an agricultural waste material used in thermoplastic polymer composite was investigated. Polyethylene (PE), as the matrix, and mahogany sawdust, as the filler, were prepared in five levels of filler loading (10, 20, 25, 30, and 35 wt %) to form thermoplastic composites.Two forms of composite samples were prepared with a recycled polyethylene and mahogany wood filler called recycled polyethylene (RPE) composite and 20 percent of virgin polyethylene with recycled polyethylene wood filler called virgin polyethylene recycled polyethylene (VRPE)composite and their mechanical properties were studied. Test results show that the tensile strengths, tensile modulus, flexural strengths, flexural modulus and hardness properties increased while impact strength, decreased with increase in filler loading for the mixed polyethylene composites but tensile strength of there cycled polyethylene composite decreased with increased filler loading. The appreciable improvement on the tensile strength indicates that mahogany can be used as a reinforced material of the mixed polyethylene composite. Again the presence of 20 percent of virgin PE has significant effects (p < 0.05) on mechanical properties of the mahogany filler – recycled polyethylene composite.
Open Access
Effect of rice husk filler on mechanical properties of polyethylene matrix composite
(2013-08) Atuanya, C. U.; Olaitan, S. A.; Azeez, T. O.; Akagu, C. C.; Onukwuli, D. O.; Menkiti, M. C.
compositeIn the present work, the effect of rice husk filler loading (10%, 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35%) on the mechanical properties of recycled low density polyethylene (RPE) and mixed with 20 percent weight fraction of virgin polyethylene (MPE) composites was aimed to be investigated. The waste polyethylene was blended with virgin polyethylene and the composites of RPE and MPE were moulded with the addition of rice husk filler using injection moulding machine at a pressure 150MPa and temperature 160oC. The composites were cut into specified dimensions and mechanical properties were conducted on them. Tensile strength increased up to 10 percent weight fraction of rice husk filler in the composites and later decreased above 10 percent filler loading. Tensile modulus, flexural strength and modulus, and Brinell hardness increases with increased filler loading, but impact strength decreases with increased in filler loading. The rice husk filler loading had significant effect (p < 0.05) on the mechanical properties of MPE composite compared with RPE composite which indicated that rice husk filler may be used for reinforcement of Polyethylene