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Water Hardness Removal by Coconut Shell Activated Carbon
Cecilia Rolence,
Revocatus Lazaro Machunda,
Karoli Nicholas Njau
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, September 2014
Pages:
97-102
Received:
8 August 2014
Accepted:
23 August 2014
Published:
30 August 2014
Abstract: The present study reports the water softening by adsorption of hardness ions onto Coconut Shell Activated Carbons (CSAC). Characterization of CSAC was identified by FT-IR and SEM techniques. Batch experiments were carried out to determine the effect of various adsorbent factors such as adsorbent dose, initial pH, contact time, and temperature, on the adsorption process using synthetic and field collected water samples. Removal efficiency at nearly neutral pH of 6.3 for both synthetic and field collected water samples were 60% and 55% respectively. Temperature study (303 K-333 K) shows that the softening process in synthetic and field hard water is endothermic as removal efficiency was increasing from 40% and 29% at 303 K to 47% and 38% at 333 K respectively. Removal efficiency increases with the increase in contact time and adsorbent dose until 15 hours and 0.24g/cm3 respectively, for both field and synthetic hard water, which was considered to be maximum. Equilibrium isotherms have been analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, and both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models fit to explain the adsorption behavior of hardness ions onto CSAC.
Abstract: The present study reports the water softening by adsorption of hardness ions onto Coconut Shell Activated Carbons (CSAC). Characterization of CSAC was identified by FT-IR and SEM techniques. Batch experiments were carried out to determine the effect of various adsorbent factors such as adsorbent dose, initial pH, contact time, and temperature, on t...
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Hydrogeochemical Evaluation of Groundwater in Ibillo, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo State Nigeria
Olaniran Emmanuel,
Aluko,
Williams Ogbevire,
Emofurieta
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, September 2014
Pages:
103-108
Received:
13 August 2014
Accepted:
26 August 2014
Published:
20 September 2014
Abstract: Ibillo town, located in Edo State, Southsouth Nigeria, is an important agricultural and commercial center. In recent years, rapid development has created an increase in demand for groundwater and frequently facing water scarcity as well as quality problems. Hydrogeochemical evaluations of ionic abundance in groundwater systems in Ibillo was conducted by collecting a total of 50 groundwater samples for Dry and Rainy seasons, and were subjected to analysis for chemical and microbial characteristics. The study reveal that pH in the area is slightly acidic to alkaline ranging from 5.9 to 8.1. The electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids (TDS) values was noted higher during the rainy season. The abundance of major ions in the groundwater is in the order of K>Na>Ca>Mg =Cl>HCO3>SO4>NO3. Total hardness, Na, Fe, Mn, Cu, Cl, HCO3, SO4, NO3, Fl, NO2 and PO4 do not exceed the WHO permissible limit during both seasons. Ca and Mg in majority of the groundwater samples are within the permissible limit with few exceptions irrespective of seasons. K, Pb and Ni exceed the permissible limit during both seasons while Cr, Zn and Ba concentrations partially conform to the WHO limits irrespective of seasons. Most of the groundwater samples examined have high E. coli and total bacterial counts. A comparison of the results with relevant standards show that the water require various form of treatment to bring the microbial contents to standards required for domestic and industrial uses respectively. The type of water that predominates in the study area is Na-K-Cl type and mixed type. Besides, suitability of water for irrigation is evaluated based on sodium adsorption ratio, sodium percent and salinity hazard. It is observed that majority of samples irrespective of seasons fall in “excellent-good” zone indicating water is fit for irrigation purposes. The groundwater in this study area can be said to be partially good for industrial sectors but it require a little treatment for it to be completely suitable for industry.
Abstract: Ibillo town, located in Edo State, Southsouth Nigeria, is an important agricultural and commercial center. In recent years, rapid development has created an increase in demand for groundwater and frequently facing water scarcity as well as quality problems. Hydrogeochemical evaluations of ionic abundance in groundwater systems in Ibillo was conduct...
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An Approach for Eliminating Restrictions on the Synthesis of Quality Classifiers of Fruits and Vegetables
Radoslava Nikolova Gabrova,
Lena Filipova Kostadinova-Georgieva
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, September 2014
Pages:
109-114
Received:
22 August 2014
Accepted:
30 August 2014
Published:
20 September 2014
Abstract: Synthesis of classifiers of agricultural products by quality is related with two main tasks –selection symptoms for object description in new space and choice of method for pattern recognition for objects separation in quality classes. A special feature of agricultural products as objects of classification is the different size of their primary descriptions. This feature imposes restrictions on the choice of symptoms and a method for pattern recognition in the synthesis of the classifier. The work proposes an algorithm for unification of the primary descriptions of classified products using interpolation methods. Different methods of interpolation are compared and the one which provides the simplest algorithm is recommended for use. The algorithm is applied to a virtual extension of experimentally derived primary descriptions of potato tubers. The new extended descriptions are applied to the synthesis of the symptoms and classifier. Simulation testing of the classifier, synthesized with the new and original descriptions of the products was conducted in Matlab. The applicability of the proposed algorithm to unify the descriptions of classified agricultural products is proved. The proposed approach removes the restrictions on the choice of method for the synthesis of symptoms and method for pattern recognition and reduces the number of training set of objects.
Abstract: Synthesis of classifiers of agricultural products by quality is related with two main tasks –selection symptoms for object description in new space and choice of method for pattern recognition for objects separation in quality classes. A special feature of agricultural products as objects of classification is the different size of their primary des...
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Use of Activated Red Clay Soil from Kiteto District, Tanzania, as a Remedial Method for High Fluoride Levels in Drinking Water
Othman Chande Othman,
Joseph Yoeza Naimani Philip,
Mihayo Sahani Nkinda
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, September 2014
Pages:
115-120
Received:
22 August 2014
Accepted:
1 September 2014
Published:
20 September 2014
Abstract: The fluoride levels in the water samples were determined potentiometrically using a fluoride ion selective electrode. Different experiments on remediation of fluoride containing water with activated clay soil were carried out. Studies on effect of calcination temperature on activation of clay, minimum amount of calcinated clay soil giving optimum defluoridation, effect of contact time for optimal defluoridation and reusing activated soil for defluoridation of water were performed. The best activation temperature for the red clay soil from Kiteto District was found to be 700 °C. For best results, the clay should be heated at this temperature for 3 hours, allowed to cool then used. The optimum water defluoridation contact time was found to be 8 hours. It was established that for 100 mL of fluoridated water with 4.59 mg-F L-1, a minimum of 10 g of calcinated clay soil was required to reduce the concentration of fluoride ions to ≤1.1 mg-F L-1 which is well below the WHO recommended level of 1.5 mg-F L-1 for potable drinking water. The results also showed that the activated red clay soil can be repeatedly dried and re-used for the defluoridation process for a maximum of four times. It is recommended that the local red clay soil properly activated as described be used for the defluoridation of drinking water from Kiteto district, Tanzania. Investigation of possible usage of the activated clay soil for defluoridation of drinking water of other areas in the country is advocated.
Abstract: The fluoride levels in the water samples were determined potentiometrically using a fluoride ion selective electrode. Different experiments on remediation of fluoride containing water with activated clay soil were carried out. Studies on effect of calcination temperature on activation of clay, minimum amount of calcinated clay soil giving optimum d...
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Theoretical Investigation of Friction Forces between Vane Tip and Cam-Ring in Oil Vane Pumps
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, September 2014
Pages:
121-128
Received:
19 August 2014
Accepted:
1 September 2014
Published:
20 September 2014
Abstract: Oil type used for oil vane pumps is an essential element affecting its performance. Trying to understand oil type effect and proper oil type selection will lead to significant enhancement of oil pump performance and increase its life time. In order to accomplish this task, a simple thermo-elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication (TEHL) model was used to calculate the friction forces between vane tip and cam-ring. Effect of oil temperature, vane relative speed, normal vane force, and oil film thickness were theoretically investigated for different oil types. Navier-Stokes and energy equations were numerically solved using finite difference technique. Viscosity and density distributions as a function of oil pressure and temperature were taken into consideration. Results show that proper oil type selection and its operating temperature are key parameters that significantly affecting the vane pump performance. The vane relative speed is quit important parameter affecting the coefficient of friction and should not be less than 5 m/s. increasing of lubricant film thickness is not necessarily enhances the friction coefficient between van tip and cam-ring. The study shows that the best type of oil for vane pump in some operating conditions is not necessarily the best choice for this pump in other operating conditions. It may be helpful for designers to select more than one oil type for the same pump according to its operating conditions.
Abstract: Oil type used for oil vane pumps is an essential element affecting its performance. Trying to understand oil type effect and proper oil type selection will lead to significant enhancement of oil pump performance and increase its life time. In order to accomplish this task, a simple thermo-elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication (TEHL) model was used to cal...
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3D Printer Filament Length Monitor
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, September 2014
Pages:
129-132
Received:
20 August 2014
Accepted:
1 September 2014
Published:
20 September 2014
Abstract: There have been many technological innovations. But only selective have been as revolutionary as 3D printer. It enables consumers to follow their own acquisition strategy. 3D printers has not only immersed into industrial design, footwear, engineering and construction, education but to medical application also. Although 3D printer is a great technological innovation, there still lays many problem, while operating with it. This paper focuses on the problem which is caused by 3D Printer filament. Filament is a very important and expensive part of 3D Printer. The filament is to be use carefully while printing an object in 3D Printer. This Paper will focuses on 3D Printer filament length monitor, which will update the user with the length of the filament, while printing and hence reduce the waste of filament by 90%.
Abstract: There have been many technological innovations. But only selective have been as revolutionary as 3D printer. It enables consumers to follow their own acquisition strategy. 3D printers has not only immersed into industrial design, footwear, engineering and construction, education but to medical application also. Although 3D printer is a great techno...
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Multi-Response Ergonomic Analysis of Middle Age Group CNC Machine Operators
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, September 2014
Pages:
133-151
Received:
28 August 2014
Accepted:
15 September 2014
Published:
30 September 2014
Abstract: This work is aimed on exploiting the performance in a human-CNC machine interface (HCMI) environment. Here load cell based developed system is capable of measuring cognitive and motor action responses simultaneously. Performance measurement system designed may be replicated for other fields where systems are operated through control panels and also where responses of mentally retarded human-beings (or human beings with symptoms of Alzheimer disease) are to be observed and evaluated. Following main conclusions are drawn: (1) Optimum multi-performance characteristics for middle age operators are A1B3C3 (i.e. CNC machine panel height of 90 cm, panel angle of 90 degrees and working distance of 30 cm), (2) Percentage contributions of working distance, CNC machine panel angle and panel height are 55.93, 8.13 and 5.93, respectively and (3) An improvement of 41.12% in the multi-performance characteristics was achieved. This work has achieved a reasonable degree of validity through performing confirmation test. Practitioner Summary: The findings of this work are directly applicable to the practical field to improve the design of a CNC-machines system. This work suggests that those responsible for the functioning and operation of CNC machine workstations would have to redesign the system to reduce musculoskeletal injuries and other related problems of middle age male operators. Results presented in this paper can be quite useful for future system designers. It is emphasized that applying ergonomic principles to the design of CNC machines and interfaces can not only help to enhance machine performance and productivity, but can also enable the human operator to feel comfortable and secure. As most companies have acquired Automated Manufacturing Technology in recent years to be competitive, ergonomic and safety considerations are of the utmost importance in the design phase.
Abstract: This work is aimed on exploiting the performance in a human-CNC machine interface (HCMI) environment. Here load cell based developed system is capable of measuring cognitive and motor action responses simultaneously. Performance measurement system designed may be replicated for other fields where systems are operated through control panels and also...
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An Experimental Investigation of Heat Transfer of Free Convection on Triangular Fins in Order to Optimize the Arrangement of Fins
Hamid Reza Goshayeshi,
Reza Vafa Toroghi
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, September 2014
Pages:
152-160
Received:
5 September 2014
Accepted:
16 September 2014
Published:
30 September 2014
Abstract: In this study, the effect of free convection heat transfer on a vertical surface on which the triangular fins are vertically placed has been investigated numerically and experimentally. In order to numerically solve the system of governing equations, the finite volume method has been used, and the analysis has been conducted by FLUENT software. Free convection heat transfer in four groups of built fins has been tested using the available testing tool. Results show that increasing the fins increases the coefficient of heat transfer of free convection. In addition, increasing the distance decreases the heat transfer at first until the optimum distance is achieved, and then increasing the distance increases the amount of heat transfer.
Abstract: In this study, the effect of free convection heat transfer on a vertical surface on which the triangular fins are vertically placed has been investigated numerically and experimentally. In order to numerically solve the system of governing equations, the finite volume method has been used, and the analysis has been conducted by FLUENT software. Fre...
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Development and Performance Evaluation of a Maize Roaster
Ilori Titus Adeyinka,
Raji Abuduganiyu Olayinka,
Adejumo Akinfoye Oyime,
Kilanko Oluwaseun
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 5, September 2014
Pages:
161-164
Received:
2 September 2014
Accepted:
17 September 2014
Published:
10 October 2014
Abstract: The economic situation in most developing countries have left farmers and processors operating at small scale, hence the use of automated and electric power driven equipment is limited to the few large scale processors. A maize roaster with treadle drive blower was developed, by calculating to specification each machine element, using locally sourced materials and various fabrication techniques. The maize roaster was evaluated for performance by recording time of maize roasting on four charcoal tray with different partner of air flow duct using completely randomize design and Duncan multiple range test. The result of evaluation showed that tray with semicircular pipe shape air flow duct is the most efficient and effective since it has mean time of roasting of 499.83 seconds compare with tray with direct faced shape air flow duct that has mean time of 536.75 seconds, tray with double cone shape air flow duct with mean 553.08 seconds and tray with single cone shape air flow duct which has mean of 694.58 seconds in accordance with Duncan multiple range test as efficiency increases with decrease in mean separation.
Abstract: The economic situation in most developing countries have left farmers and processors operating at small scale, hence the use of automated and electric power driven equipment is limited to the few large scale processors. A maize roaster with treadle drive blower was developed, by calculating to specification each machine element, using locally sourc...
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