FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

This project focuses on the comprehensive maintenance of a 100 kg rotary furnace used for metallurgical and thermal processing operations. Prior to maintenance, the furnace exhibited severe structural and mechanical deterioration, including a damaged and broken refractory lining, faulty twin drive motors, a non-functional blower system, and worn conical end covers and faulty chimney. These conditions rendered the furnace unsafe, thermally inefficient, and incapable of sustaining continuous operation. The project involved a full restoration procedure beginning with the removal of the deteriorated refractory materials and the procurement of high-grade refractory cement suitable for hightemperature applications. A new refractory lining was installed to re-establish the furnace’s thermal insulation, mechanical strength, and operational reliability. In addition, both drive motors were repaired and serviced to restore proper rotational movement, while the blower system was reconditioned to ensure adequate air supply for combustion and temperature regulation. The two conical covers were also rehabilitated to improve heat retention and structural stability. Upon completion of the maintenance activities, the furnace regained its full operational capacity, demonstrating improved thermal efficiency, structural integrity, and mechanical reliability. The rehabilitation extended the service life of the furnace and enhanced overall safety, making it suitable for continued use in production environments. This project highlights the importance of preventive maintenance and proper restoration techniques in sustaining the performance of industrial heating equipment.

The efficiency and reliability of photovoltaic (PV) systems are largely determined by their
ability to extract maximum power under varying environmental conditions. This project
presents the implementation of an IoT-based investigative system for Maximum Power Point
Tracking (MPPT) in photovoltaic arrays, focusing on the comparative performance of the
MPPT and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) charge controllers. The system integrates voltage
and current sensors with an ESP32 microcontroller to measure and record PV parameters in
real time. Through IoT connectivity, the collected data is transmitted to a cloud-based platform
for remote monitoring, analysis, and visualization, enabling real-time tracking of PV
performance.
Experimental tests were conducted under different irradiance and temperature levels to
evaluate the charging efficiency, dynamic response, and adaptability of both controllers. The
MPPT controller dynamically adjusted the operating point of the PV module to maximize
energy extraction, while the PWM controller maintained a simpler, fixed switching
mechanism. Additionally, the system allowed for a detailed analysis of the relationship
between light intensity, temperature, and PV output performance, with the readings interpreted
from real-time graphical charts. These insights revealed how environmental variations affect
energy generation and charge controller efficiency.
This project develops a real-time, IoT-enabled system capable of monitoring and comparing
the operational efficiency of MPPT and PWM charge controllers in photovoltaic applications.
The results demonstrate that the MPPT controller achieves superior power utilization and
battery charging efficiency compared to the PWM controller. Overall, the system provides a
reliable, data-driven investigative platform for analyzing solar charge control strategies and
supports further optimization of PV energy systems through intelligent IoT integration

The aim of this project is assess bamboo as an alternative to steel reinforcement in concrete structures which offers similar performance as steel reinforced concrete which can be used in areas where bamboo is abundant. Three samples each of dimension 500×100×100mm of plain, bamboo and steel reinforced concrete beam of seven, fourteen and twenty-one days after curing were subjected to a flexural test to measure their flexural strength. This test was conducted with a four point load flexural machine, with load applied on the beams to determine the ability of the beam to withstand bending forces. The beam samples were weighed before and after curing to obtain their weight gain and water absorption rate. The average flexural strength obtained from the plain, bamboo and steel reinforced beams of a period of seven days, fourteen days and twenty-one days was recorded. The result showed that for a period of seven days, the plain, bamboo and reinforced steel beam had a flexural strength of 9 N/mm², 16.67 N/mm² and 25 N/mm². Fourteen days 15N/mm², 23.33N/mm² and32.33N/mm². Twenty-one days 19N/mm², 29.67N/mm² and38.33N/mm². For water absorption the percentage is consistently higher compared to the plain and steel beam at each time interval. At seven days the water absorption was at 1.55%, and it increases further at fourteen days at 1.79% and twenty-one days 1.62%. based on the acquired results bamboo reinforced concrete can be suitable for structures such as farm sheds, rural housing and low-rise residential building for element such as walls.

This project presents the design and development of a solar-powered smart poultry incubator aimed at improving hatchability through stable environmental control. The system integrates a forced-draft air circulation mechanism, a microcontroller-based temperature and humidity regulation unit, and an automatic egg-turning system to simulate natural incubation conditions. Solar energy, supported by photovoltaic cells and a DC battery bank, serves as the primary power source to ensure reliability in areas with unstable electricity supply. Experimental trials indicate that the implemented control system maintains consistent thermal and humidity conditions essential for healthy embryo development, resulting in improved hatching efficiency. The overall design contributes to sustainable poultry production by offering an affordable, energy-efficient, and locally adaptable incubator solution for small-scale and rural poultry farmers.

This study assessed the levels of air and noise pollution generated by sawmill activities in selected locations within Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The investigation focused on key air quality parameters including particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀), ozone (O₃), formaldehyde (HCHO), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), carbon dioxide (CO₂), as well as environmental noise levels. Measurements were carried out using calibrated portable air quality monitors and sound level meters across five major sawmill locations. The aim was to determine the extent of environmental pollution, evaluate compliance with recommended standards, and examine potential health risks to workers and nearby residents. Results revealed that PM₂.₅ concentrations ranged from 24 µg/m³ to 43 µg/m³, while PM₁₀ values ranged from 46 µg/m³ to 68.5 µg/m³ across the sampled locations. Noise levels varied between 68.35 dB(A) and 74.8 dB(A). Ozone concentrations ranged from 0.01 ppm to 0.08 ppm, while CO₂ levels were recorded between 408 ppm and 482 ppm. In several locations, particulate matter levels exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) 24-hour guideline limits, indicating degraded air quality. Noise measurements in most sites were also above the recommended 55 dB(A) limit for residential environments, suggesting potential risks of long-term exposure. The findings confirm that sawmill operations significantly contribute to environmental pollution within the study area. Elevated concentrations of PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ pose respiratory health risks, while persistent exposure to high noise levels may result in hearing impairment, stress, and reduced productivity. The study highlights the need for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, installation of dust control systems, proper zoning of industrial activities, and routine environmental monitoring. Implementing these measures will improve occupational safety and protect the health of surrounding communities.

This study investigates the hull resistance and pressure distribution of a container vessel operating in both freshwater and saltwater environments using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation. The analysis employs the Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations with the k–ω SST turbulence model and the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method to accurately capture hydrodynamic behavior around the hull. Results reveal that total resistance increases quadratically with speed in both environments but is consistently higher in saltwater due to its greater density and viscosity, which amplify dynamic pressure and wave-making effects. Pressure contour analysis shows high-pressure zones at the bow and low-pressure regions near the stern, influencing overall resistance characteristics. The findings emphasize the significance of environmental conditions on vessel performance, offering
valuable insights for hull form optimization, propulsion efficiency, and energysaving ship design

The continuous increase in cement production has raised serious environmental concerns due to its high energy consumption and carbon emissions. At the same time, large quantities of agricultural and wood-processing wastes such as plantain husks and sawdust are generated daily and often disposed of indiscriminately, contributing to environmental pollution. This study investigates the potential use of Plantain Husk Ash (PHA) and Sawdust Ash (SDA) as partial replacements for Ordinary Portland Cement in concrete production as a means of promoting sustainable construction practices. Concrete was produced using a 1:2:4 mix ratio, with cement partially replaced by a blended combination of PHA and SDA in equal proportions at replacement levels of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% by weight of cement. The workability of the fresh concrete was evaluated using the slump test, while compressive and flexural strength tests were carried out after 7, 14, and 28 days of water curing in accordance with relevant British Standards (BS EN) specifications. The experimental results indicated that workability decreased progressively with increasing replacement levels due to the higher water absorption characteristics of the ashes. Similarly, compressive and flexural strengths reduced as the percentage of replacement increased. However, concrete mixes containing up to 10–15% replacement achieved satisfactory strength values suitable for non-structural applications and certain light structural uses. The study concludes that Plantain Husk Ash and Sawdust Ash can be effectively utilized as supplementary cementitious materials in concrete at controlled replacement levels. Their use not only reduces dependence on conventional cement but also provides an environmentally friendly method of managing agro-industrial waste, thereby contributing to sustainable and cost-effective concrete production.

The conventional manual method to taking record of examination attendance in academic institutions like the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has some issues like impersonation, human error, and manipulation. The Examination Guard Terminal (EGT), which is biometric-based, was developed to solve the problems of the traditional approach to recording examination attendance. The methodology was used to establish the functional requirements of the EGT. The EGT was to be portable, enable real-time fingerprint verification, and enable recording of attendance. The hardware components was selected based on its performance, cost, and availability. The ESP32 DevKit-C microcontroller was selected because of its dual-core processor and Wi-Fi capabilities. The AS608 Optical Fingerprint Module was selected because of its fast reaction time and easy use. The 2.8-inch TFT LCD was selected because of its clear display. Conceptual and detailed design for the circuits was developed, making use of the UART protocol for the fingerprint sensor and the SPI protocol for the display and data logging for the SD card. The software that was used for the project was based on the Arduino platform and consist of two modes for efficient functionality: one for Enrollment (Access Point Captive Mode) and another for Verification (Wi-Fi Mode). Testing and analysis for efficiency were done in a simulated examination environment with 30 students. This helped in understanding the efficiency of the prototype. The project showed high efficiency in terms of average student verification in 2.44 seconds. Most importantly, the project showed a Zero False Acceptance Rate (FAR) and Zero False Rejection Rate (FRR), which confirms the EGT's basic reliability and accuracy in terms of identity verification. In conclusion, the project successfully developed a functional prototype for the Examination Guard Terminal. Recommendations for further improvement: Upgrading the system to a multi-biometric system and using a faster processor like Raspberry Pi 5.to enhance speed and security further.

Textile wastewater poses a significant environmental threat due to its recalcitrant nature and toxic pollutants. This study explores the potential of snail shell and floor tiles as sustainable adsorbents for the oxidative degradation of textile wastewater. The adsorbents were characterized using FTIR,SEM,BET and XRF analyses. The effects of contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial concentration on the degradation efficiency were investigated. The Snail Shell And Floor tiles were purchased separately, processed and characterized to evaluate its suitability as an adsorbent. Batch adsorption studies were carried out by varying parameters such as adsorbent dosage, contact time, temperature ,pH and initial dye concentration.The adsorption mechanism was predicted by some kinetic models such as pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, intra particle diffusion model and Elovich model.The results of batch adsorption study showed that for unactivated and activated snail shell and floor tiles increasing the adsorbent dosage and contact time resulted in increased percentage dye removal while increasing the pH and initial dye concentration resulted in decrease in percentage dye removal. The optimum conditions for maximum percentage dye removal for unmodified and modified bio adsorbent are 2.5g adsorbent dosage, 75minutes contact time, and 25mg/l initial dye concentration. The best percentage dye removal were 268.59 % and 251.61% using unactivated and activated bio adsorbent. The sorption kinetics for the adsorption processes were found to be best represented by the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation, as its R2 values were greater than 0.98. and the qe experimental and qe calculated are virtually equal. The Elovich model also showed a significant fitting to the kinetics of the adsorption process as its R2 values were also high. This suggests that chemisorption with heterogeneous sorption mechanism is likely responsible for congo red dye uptake

This study explores Optimal Injection Strategies for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) by employing computational modeling and optimization methods to maximize oil recovery, reduce operational expenses, and improve environmental sustainability. The research evaluates various injection techniques, such as water injection, CO₂ injection, and chemical flooding, through reservoir simulation models. Critical reservoir properties, including porosity (0.18), permeability (200 mD), and oil saturation (70%), were analyzed to determine their influence on recovery efficiency. Optimization approaches like Genetic Algorithms (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) were applied to refine injection parameters. CO₂ injection emerged as the most effective approach, delivering 85% oil recovery over a 10-year timeframe, while reducing operational costs by 12% compared to waterflooding. Sensitivity analysis revealed that higher permeability enhances CO₂ injection efficiency, although increased injection rates, despite their benefits, led to premature water breakthrough and elevated costs.Furthermore, CO₂ injection supported greenhouse gas sequestration, contributing to environmental sustainability. The findings underscore the importance of computational optimization in EOR strategies. Future research should focus on real-time monitoring and adaptive optimization methods to improve field application and optimize reservoir performance further.