DEPARTMENT OF PRODUCTION ENGINEERING

Optimization of process parameter to improve on weld joint quality has been at the centre of global research. Some optimization methods have produced welds of low strength and quality whereas , some have made remarkable improvements on the quality of welded joints. In this study, the SWARA-ARAS method was adopted to access its effect on the quality of the obtained welded joints. Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) method was used to determine the geometric mean of weights for each of the output parameters that is the mechanical test and measurement results. Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS) was applied to optimize these parameters by utilizing the weights generated by using SWARA. From applying the SWARA-ARAS method, weldment was found to possess the best input and output parameters.

Optimization of process parameter to improve on weld joint quality has been at the centre of global research. Some optimization methods have produced welds of low strength and quality whereas , some have made remarkable improvements on the quality of welded joints. In this study, the SWARA-ARAS method was adopted to access its effect on the quality of the obtained welded joints. Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) method was used to determine the geometric mean of weights for each of the output parameters that is the mechanical test and measurement results. Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS) was applied to optimize these parameters by utilizing the weights generated by using SWARA. From applying the SWARA-ARAS method, weldment was found to possess the best input and output parameters

Waste disposal has become one of the major concerns for our Country, Nigeria. Fruit peels are the major solid by-product. The dried fruit peels have a content of cellulose and hemicelluloses, which make it suitable as fermentation substrate when hydrolyzed. This thesis aims at utilizing fruit (pineapple) peels for the production of bio-ethanol by using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, thus, producing a valuable product from the fruit peel wastes. The pineapple waste is collected and weighed. This is then grinded, mixed with about 2 litres of water and then filtered. The filtrate is heated on the stove for 5-6hours in which sugar syrup is obtained.

After this, fermentation process takes place which involve introducing 10ml of the yeast into the mixture and mixing with 100ml of water. The water is first boiled at 100°c for 30 minutes after which it was allowed to cool to around 37°c.

Finally, distillation process is being carried out. The cold mash is put into the combustion chamber and heat is applied from a stove and a copper pipe connected through the condenser Chamber, thermometer, and cork fitted to the collection chamber. Re-distillation is carried out to increase the ethanol content.

The increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials has spurred significant interest in the development of alternative composite materials. Bamboo, known for its rapid growth and high strength-to-weight ratio, presents a promising candidate for such applications. This project explores the production of bamboo/coir fibre composite boards, leveraging the delignification process to enhance fiber compatibility with gum arabic as a natural binding agent.
The methodology involved multiple steps, starting with an extensive literature review to establish a theoretical framework. Fresh bamboo was subjected to a delignification process using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to remove lignin, followed by grinding the treated bamboo into fine particles. Central Composite Design (CCD) was employed to plan the experiments systematically, optimizing the variables involved. The ground bamboo particles were then mixed with gum arabic and coconut fiber as reinforcement, and the mixture was molded into boards. These boards were subjected to rigorous testing to determine their modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, water absorption, and thickness swelling.
The results indicated that the delignification process significantly improved the bonding between bamboo fibers and gum arabic, resulting in composite boards with enhanced mechanical properties. The modulus of elasticity and tensile strength of the boards met industry standards, demonstrating their potential as a viable alternative to traditional wood- based materials. Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), the optimal composite formulation was identified, highlighting the potential of bamboo composite boards for sustainable and eco-friendly applications.

This research centers on the design and fabrication of a mini-centrifugal separator for a small scale usage. The machine is made up of various components; capacitor, flexible wire, sieve, bolts, nuts and washers, A.C motor, sheet metal. The mill corn is fed through the opening at the top and the centrifugation action of the machine coupled with the rotor speed pushes the pap of more concentration to the walls of the centrifuge while the chaff remains in the inner cover.

The main purpose of the project was to design and construct a 3.5KVA inverter which makes use of both Solar and mains or grid supply for charging the batteries. This is to reduce the frequency of power outages experienced in our homes and businesses. The project was carried out with the use of two 12V batteries connected in series to give
a total of 24V DC which would serve as input for the inverter when on inverting mode and give an output of 220V AC for household appliances. Incorporated within the inverter was load control features, such that when the inverter stops charging and starts inverting, at a particular battery level set by the user, the heavy loads would be cut off
while supply of power to the light loads continues. But when critical battery level is reached the light loads are also cut off and the inverter shuts down. This was done using Microcontroller in controlling relays which either powers on the load or cuts off the load when the battery is low. The proposed inverter design has two outputs through
which load management was achieved. One of the outputs is designated to light loads and the other to heavy loads. The Microcontroller controls the load stage which can be programmed through the keypad to monitor the output power to the loads in output one and two, to ensure they do not draw power beyond the limits programmed by the user. To achieve this, the Microcontroller cuts off either of the outputs which exceed the set limit. With the help of a timer controller and by means of the keypad a particular load power duration can be programmed so that the output can be shut down at the end of the set time. This timer control and load power control are ways the user can control power consumption and help in power management. The project was successful and the test results obtained was satisfactory and efficient. The inverter's operation was consistent with the design and the desired control of power consumption and power management was achieved.

The design, construction, and experimental testing of a water pumping system using a centrifugal pump are reported in this project. This can be used in homes, agriculture, and industries. A centrifugal pump consists of an impeller, impeller casing, impeller shaft, suction, and delivery pipes, and an electric motor. The pump should be installed close to the source of water to be pumped and proper maintenance should be carried out periodically for good operation. The evaluation of the pump performance was carried out by testing the centrifugal pump. This process involves measuring the height to which the water can be pumped and the volume of water that can be pumped per second. Results show that a height of 34.7m, and volume of 16,200 litres/h i.e 4.5 liters/sec. can be obtained with the pump. The pump efficiency was 90%. The pump was powered by a 2.2kW / 1450rpm single-phase electric motor.

The project aimed to design, construct, and stabilize an inverted pendulum on a moving cart, demonstrating the practical application of modern control techniques in managing non-linear and unstable dynamic systems. To achieve this, a dynamic model of the pendulum-cart system was developed for analysis and simulation, followed by the construction of a physical prototype using appropriate mechanical and electronic components. Various control strategies, including PID, LQR, and state-space feedback, were designed, implemented, and tested to ensure the pendulum remained balanced in its upright position through real-time feedback and continuous control adjustment. A systematic methodology was adopted, beginning with mathematical modeling of the system using Newtonian and Lagrangian mechanics to derive and linearize the equations of motion. The model was simulated in MATLAB/Simulink to analyze behavior and optimize control parameters. The physical setup was built with lightweight materials, equipped with DC and stepper motors for movement, and integrated with sensors like encoders, gyroscopes, and accelerometers for real-time feedback. The control algorithms were embedded into a microcontroller, allowing real-time implementation and dynamic stabilization under various disturbances and operating conditions. The results showed successful stabilization of the inverted pendulum through effective feedback control. Among the tested controllers, the PID handled small deviations well but was less robust under disturbances, while the LQR controller provided superior performance, achieving quick settling times, minimal overshoot, and high stability. The state-space controller also demonstrated strong disturbance rejection and flexibility. The hardware tests closely matched the simulation results, confirming the model’s accuracy. Overall, the project validated that advanced control methods, particularly LQR, can efficiently stabilize complex, unstable systems, offering valuable insights for applications in robotics, autonomous systems, and adaptive control environments.

In Nigeria, a borehole is one of the best means of obtaining clean water in field condition. However, field operations in remote areas or in difficult conditions often require flexibility and imagination in avoiding and solving technical problems. The automated borehole regulator serves as a means to control the pumping of water between predefined upper and lower limits. This system mainly works on a principle that “water conducts electricity”. 5 wires are dipped into the tank with a certain gap between each wire will indicate the different water levels. Based on the outputs of these wires, microcontroller displays water level using LEDs as well as controls the flow of water by controlling the motor of the pump. In the 1st phase, the program is burnt into the microcontroller, and the 5 copper wires are used to indicate water level, and a motor controls the flow of water. An increase in the water level is determined by the wires, and the signal is sent to the microprocessor and afterwards displayed on the LCD screen. The overall system testing of integrated design of voltage measurement device. The testing and integration are done to ensure that the design is functioning properly as expected thereby enabling the intended user(s) for which the project was targeted for, appreciate its implementation and equally approaches used in the design and integration of various modules of the project.

Perennial crops (Plantain, cucumber and banana) and tuber crops (yam) are one of the alternative sources for low cost carbohydrates and is considered as one of the major crop in the Nigeria. They are perishable perennial and tuber crops that tends to easily deteriorates which in turn pose a problem in the society. Thus, the processing of plantain, cucumber, banana and yam after harvest is necessary to extend the shelf life of products in their raw form. Therefore, the aim of the project is to design and fabricate an automated slicing machine capable of slicing plantain, cucumber, banana and yam into chips that can also be readily made available in other processed forms whilst taking into consideration, fast and less labor processing, ease of use and hygienic design. The major components of the machine that were incorporated in the machine to achieve the set out aim and objectives included the spring, pulley, bearing, electric motor, mainframe, belt drive, cutting disc, and slicing shaft. The machine was powered by a single-phase, 1440rpm, and 0.75KW electric motor. These machine specifications were induced to achieve the results. The performance of the machine was evaluated in slicing four selected agro-based crops (yam, plantain, cucumber, and banana) grouped into small sizes at machine speeds of 40 rpm, 80.12rpm, and 630rpm respectively. The parameters that were investigated were performance efficiency and capacity. In performing the machine test, each fingers of plantain, cucumber, banana and yam were first peeled manually with a knife to remove its pericarp (outer covering), and then, these peeled sets of cucumber, plantain, banana and yam were loaded into the feeding inlet after the spring compression. During this process, the slicing process took place and the machine’s capacity, efficiency, and thickness were determined in order to evaluate the machine’s performance to slice plantain, cucumber, plantain and banana. A capacity of 59Kg/hr, performance efficiency of 92.1% and at speed of 40 rpm was obtained for yam, while a capacity of 62.4Kg/hr., performance efficiency of 89.99% at a speed of 630 rpm was obtained for banana, a capacity of 48.5Kg/hr., efficiency of 90.5% at a speed of 80.1rpm was obtained for cucumber and capacity of 72.7Kg/hr. and efficiency of 89.95%, at a speed of 630 rpm was obtained for plantain. The result of the study shows that the machine can slice root and tuber crops satisfactorily with slices ranging from 2mm to 2.5mm mean thickness. This machine was made with the intention of assisting cucumber, yam, plantain and banana chips producing industries