Emmanuel O. Aluyor

Use of Rubber Seed Oil as Base Fluid in the Formulation of Oil-Based Drilling Mud

An oil-based drilling fluid system was formulated using rubber seed oil as base oil. Rubber seed oil was chosen because its aniline and flash points fall within the range of oils used as base oil. It is also locally available and easily affordable. The rheological (flow) properties of the rubber seed oil-based drilling fluid system were measured and results obtained show that the 10-sec and 10-min gel strength values for the formulated mud are 210lb/ft2 and 211lb/ft2 respectively while the mud density, plastic viscosity and yield point values are 10.60ppg, 1cP and 328lb/ft2 respectively. Comparison with the properties of a commercial oil-based drilling fluid show that the formulated mud has a high penetration rate and hole cleaning ability and so is effective in drilling operations although some disadvantages were observed.

Effect of Variation of Temperature on the Transesterification of Jatropha Seed Oil Using Homogeneous Catalyst

Transesterification is a chemical reaction which produces biodiesel from vegetable oils or animal fats.Transesterification of Jatropha seed oil and methanol with sodium hydroxide as a catalyst was carried out in an improvised batch reactor at different temperatures ranging from 32 65 degrees Celsius for 120minutes each. Molar ratio of methanol to oil used is 8:1.Aliquots of the reaction mixture were withdrawn at every 15 minutes interval of time from the time reaction starts for Gas Chromatographic analysis to determine percentage fatty acid methyl ester formed. The optimum percentage conversion, temperature and reaction time were found to be 99.9%, 65°C and 75minutes respectively. The fuel properties measured according to standard methods, were found to conform to International standard.

Composition of N – Alkanes and Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Jatropha curcas Seed Oil from Different Locations

The hydrocarbon content of Jatropha curcas seed oil obtained from Oleh Community in Delta State, NIFOR farm in Edo State and Ikabigbo in Edo State represented as samples X, Y and Z respectively were investigated using Gas Chromatography with flame ionization detector. The predominant alkanes found in the oil samples are n-Eicosane (C20H42) and n-Docosane (C22H46), while the major polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon found in the oil samples is chrysene. Sample X has the highest percentage of n-Eicosane (65.72%), sample Y has 35.56% n-Eicosane while sample Z has the lowest n-Eicosane (0.23%). Sample Z has the highest percentage of n-Docosane (91.38%), sample Y has 60.11% n-Docosane with sample X being the lowest (22.65%). The percentage of chrysene in sample Y is highest (100%), sample X has 97.47% while sample Z has the lowest percentage of chrysene (44.75%).

Modeling of Some Related Parameters for Cracking Palm Nut in a Centrifugal Cracker

In this study, the principles underlying the energy involved during cracking in a vertical centrifugal nut cracker was analyzed. This will help to elucidate the relationship between various parameters that are relevant to the design and operation of the centrifugal nut cracker for the Tenera and Dura varieties. Experimental analysis was then carried out for each of the two varieties. Each variety was classified into size ranges based on their geometric mean diameter (GMD). Technical analysis revealed that the revolution per minute required by the rotor disc of a centrifugal nut for effective nut cracking is influenced by rotor disc radius (r) and nut dimensions (d1, d2, d3).The modeled equation developed could be used for predicting nut translational kinetic energy required to crack dried nut of the Dura and Tenera varieties to release high percentage of whole kernel.

Effect of Lubrication Additives on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Soyabean Oil

The effect of two lubrication additives on the physical and chemical properties of refined soybean oil was studied. The two additives used were a complex blend of anti-oxidant; anti-wear and pour-point depressant-AP821 and AP820- used in the production of Super v and Visco 2000 brands of lubricants respectively. The physical and chemical properties of the soybean oil and base oil samples containing varying percent by volume of each additive were analysed. Results obtained show that the flashpoint of soybean oil increased from 256.6oC to 265oC and 284oC for the AP821 and AP820 additives respectively. This was better than the increase recorded for the base oil which increased from 208oC to 215 oC and 228oC for the AP821 and AP820 additives respectively. Other results obtained for pour point reduction, specific gravity and viscosity showed a positive effect of the additives on soybean oil.

Effect of Particle Sizes on the Reinforcing Properties of Locally Sourced Filler in Rubber Vulcanisate

The effect of particle sizes on the reinforcing properties of locally sourced filler (P.K.S) on rubber compound (foot mat) was investigated. This was also compared with the characteristics of kaolin filled vulcanisate. Various particle sizes of kaolin and palm kernel shell (P.K.S); 75µm, 150µm, 212µm and 300µm were used. Different physical tests relating to the required service conditions (hardness and compression set) were carried out on the vulcanisate. From the results, it was observed that P.K.S (pH of 6.25 and moisture content of 10.9%) at particle sizes 75µm and 212µm had better hardness and compression set resistance and this could be recommended for products where these properties are desired.

The Effect of Baffles in Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers

Shell and tube heat exchangers in their various construction modifications are probably the most widespread and commonly used basic heat exchanger configuration in the process industries. There are many modifications of the basic configuration which can be used to solve special problems. Baffles serve two functions: Most importantly, they support the tubes in the proper position during assembly and operation and prevent vibration of the tubes caused by flow-induced eddies, and secondly, they guide the shell-side flow back and forth across the tube field, increasing the velocity and the heat transfer coefficient. The objective of this paper is to find the baffle spacing at fixed baffle cut that will give us the optimal values for the overall heat transfer coefficient. To do this Microsoft Excel 2003 package was employed. The results obtained from previous studies showed that to obtain optimal values for the overall heat transfer coefficient for the shell and tube heat exchangers a baffle cut of 20 to 25 percent of the diameter is common and the maximum spacing depends on how much support the tubes need. This was used to validate the results obtained from this study.