FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

This study evaluates the compliance of borehole drilling practices with established standards at Utekon and Oluku in Benin City. A total of three boreholes were assessed, and data on drilling methods, casing, cementation, well completion were collected and soil logs used for sieve analysis to obtain D10 value used to obtain constant of permeability. The research aims to evaluate the level of adherence to industry guidelines and best practices in drilling of boreholes, with a focus on ensuring the sustainability and safety of groundwater resources.A comprehensive field investigation was conducted, involving the collection and analysis of data from a representative sample of boreholes in the study area. The study assessed various aspects of borehole drilling, including drilling methods, casing, cementation practices and well
completion. The results of the study reveal significant deviations from standard practices in some aspects of borehole drilling, which could compromise the quality and sustainability of groundwater resources in the area. During investigation some drilling standards were ignored e.g. noncompliance to distance of borehole from structures such as septic tanks and inadequate site investigation and proper hydrological test conduction to know the depth of water table, the use of gravel packing was also ignored. Although the position of screen and the number of casings used were adequate.

This project focuses on the design and building of a solar inverter with a 3.5KVA capacity. Solar inverters convert the variable direct current (DV) output of a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel into utility-frequency alternating current (AC), ready for connection to a home's electrical system. It is essential to solar systems since it permits the use of common AC-powered devices. Solar panels in solar inverters produce direct electricity by moving electrons from a negative to a positive direction. Most home appliances run on alternating current. This AC continuously fluctuates between negative and positive elections. You can adjust the voltage in the AC power according to the equipment's intended use. Solar inverters convert DC to AC because solar panels can only provide direct current.We created a 3.5KVA electrical inverter for this project. Two 22Ah wet cell batteries, a 220V/24-0-24V center-tapped inverter, an MPPT charge controller, and six 300W solar panels make up the architecture of the inverting circuitry assembly. The design provided power for a television, refrigerator (200 watts), air conditioner (1120 watts), and other devices totaling 2465 watts. The system operated at peak efficiency for almost 12 hours while under full load.

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 is 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.

The necessity of prospect evaluation is undisputed both to translate geology into figures and to expand the uncertainty implicit in hydrocarbon exploration. In this study, the hydrocarbon potential of STOKED field in offshore coastal swamp Niger delta was evaluated to obtain more information about the structures, stratigraphy and hydrocarbon potential of the field from available seismic and a suite of well logs data. The method adopted involves delineation of lithologies from Gamma ray log, Identification of hydrocarbon bearing reservoirs unit from resistivity log, well to well correlation across the field, fault interpretation and horizon mapping, time to depth conversion, Attribute extraction determination of petrophysical parameters and volumetric estimation. One Major and twelve minor faults were interpreted mapped from the well correlation carried out across the four wells in the NE-SW Direction. Two reservoirs were interpreted, and the seed grids generated three top time structure maps. The attribute maps were used to establish the diagnostic ability of 3D seismic attribute analysis in enhancing seismic interpretation and volumetric estimation. Map based volumetrics was calculated and the stock tank oil initially in place estimated is 85 mmstb for reservoir A while reservoir B was inconclusive as the area extended outside the extent of the seismic. The result from the petrophysical analysis and property modelling has shown that the reservoirs have porosity values that range from 17 - 24%, and water saturation ranges from 11 - 56%. Results from this study have shown that, away from currently producing zone at the central part of the field, additional leads and prospects exist, which could be further evaluated for hydrocarbon production.

Melon seed is an important oil seed crop which serves several food purposes. Shelling of this crop is vital, prior to its vast applications. To address the challenges associated with shelling melon, a design for shelling melon seeds on a small scale was presented and evaluated. Parameters evaluated include shelling efficiency, percentage seed shelled and damaged, throughput and machine capacity.The machine was constructed using locally available materials and consists of a hopper, frame, shelling and cleaning unit. Shelling operation was carried using melon seeds of three different moisture contents(6.99, 11.90and18.32%) and at different shelling speeds of 1500 and 1450rpm, while performance evaluation were evaluated. Results obtained showed that shelling speed of 1500rpm for seed A has the best average shelling efficiency of 53.75% and least percentage seed damage of 22.6%, compared to shelling speed of 2500rpm seed B which had average shelling efficiency of 37%. This design and set of conditions selected were the most preferred because of the low-cost, rapid operation, lesser seed damage and minimal human energy expenditure. The melon seed sheller is user friendly, does not require skilled labour. The equipment design was found suitable for rural development.

The extensive use of synthetic fertilizers in agriculture has led to environmental concerns, necessitating the exploration of sustainable alternatives. Thisstudy investigates the optimization of organic fertilizer production from neem leaves (Azadirachta indicd) and evaluates its efficacy on maize (Zea mays Ld) growth and yield. This research determined the impact of drying temperature on the nutrient composition of neem leaf powder and established the optimal application rate for maize cultivation. The findings demonstrate that drying temperature significantly influenced the fertilizer's nutritional quality. While potassium content remained stable, nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations decreased markedly at temperatures exceeding 45°C, with losses exceeding 20% and 13%, respectively, at 65°C. Consequently, mild drying (< 45°C) was identified as the optimal processing parameter. In a field experiment using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), the application of the optimized neem leaf powder at 120 kg ha -1 resulted in the most significant improvements, enhancing soil pH, organic carbon, and available NPK. This treatment also produced the highest maize grain yield of 4.58 t ha -1 , a 90% increase over the unfertilized control, alongside superior plant height and a reduced anthesis-silking interval. The study concludes that NEEM processed by means of air-drying represents a viable, sustainable organic fertilizer source capable of replenishing soil nutrients depleted by maize production, offering environmental and economic benefits for small-scale farmers in tropical agricultural systems.

This project looks into the designing and installation of solar PV system to power some appliances in a five bedroom bungalow building. This is necessary because of unreliable power supply. Solar energy is a clean and endless source of power from the sun, unlike electricity from utility companies which can be limited and affect daily activities. In this project, we designed a solar PV system which consists of PV cells, charge controller, inverter, batteries.The size of the solar panels, battery capacity, and other components needed to run the appliances efficiently was calculated. Then testing of each part of the system was carried out to make sure it worked properly before putting it all together. The photovoltaic cells were used to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. This electricity is then sent to the charge controller and then to the inverter which then charges the batteries. The stored charges in the batteries can be used to power our appliances even when the sun isn’t shining. The system is designed specifically for powering home equipment like fans, light bulbs, fans etc. The final system was tested in the University of Benin, Benin City, (6.3998° N, 5.6099° E). It was successfully used to power some home appliances like light bulb, fan. From the test, graphs of current (amps) against time (hrs) and power (watts) against time (hrs) were plotted it was then observed that at the earlier hours of the day, the current and likewise the power from the panel increases and it is maximum at 1:30pm. It begins to reduce from 2pm. This is due to the reduction of the irradiance of the sun. The weather becomes a bit cloudy and towards evening there is minimal sunlight resulting in lesser current. The more the sunlight, the higher the current and vice versa.This shows that solar power can be a reliable way to run home equipment, even in places with frequent power outages. Overall, the project demonstrates that solar energy has the potential to reduce reliance on traditional electricity from utility companies.

Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) is a wastewater byproduct of palm oil production, characterized by its high organic content and potential pollutant to water bodies and capable of causing significant environmental damage. This study therefore seeks to evaluate the treatment methods by coagulation and adsorption processes to remove suspended solids and pollutants, thereby purifying the wastewater for safe discharge or reuse. These methods are essential for environmental protection, resource recovery, and economic sustainability. The POME sample was collected, diluted, and analyzed to determine its physicochemical properties before treatment. Its pH was adjusted to both acidic and alkaline conditions using hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide, monitored with pH indicator paper. Processed periwinkle shell powder served as a natural coagulant and adsorbent. Standard laboratory instruments were used to assess parameters such as pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids, electrical
conductivity, and salinity before and after treatment. The study evaluated the effects of coagulant dosage, contact time, and pH on the treatment of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) using a periwinkle shell–chitosan composite. Significant reductions in total dissolved solids (TDS) and salinity were achieved at moderate dosages (0.55– 0.82 g/L), contact times of 105–150 minutes, and near-neutral pH (7–8.2), showing effective coagulation and adsorption. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed crystalline peaks at 2θ values of 23.9°, 26.5°, 27.5°, 33.4°, 36.4°, 38.1°, 41.4°, 43.1°, 46.0°, 48.6°, 50.5°, and 53.1°, corresponding to aragonite, muscovite, quartz, and orthoclase phases. Crystallite sizes (111–702 Å) confirmed a fine heterogeneous structure with high surface activity, making the composite suitable for efficient and sustainable POME purification

Electrical power transmission lines are critical components of the power system, ensuring the delivery of electricity from generation to end-users. However, these systems are highly vulnerable to degradation caused by environmental conditions, mechanical stress, thermal effects, and aging infrastructure, which can lead to failures, outages, and safety risks. Traditional maintenance approaches—corrective, preventive, and predictive—have been widely used, but they are often limited in efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have emerged as transformative technologies for predictive maintenance in electrical power transmission systems. This study explores the application of AI and ML techniques in enhancing predictive maintenance of transmission lines. It examines how advanced algorithms such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), and Support Vector Machines (SVMs), combined with data from Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, drones, and thermal imaging systems, can be used to detect early warning signs of faults such as overheating, insulation breakdown, and overcurrent conditions. The study also highlights the benefits of AI-driven predictive maintenance, including reduced downtime, lower operational costs, improved system reliability, enhanced asset lifespan, and greater energy efficiency. Despite these advantages, the study identifies challenges such as data quality issues, high implementation costs, and technical complexities in integrating AI systems into existing power infrastructure. The research concludes that AI and ML-based predictive maintenance represents a significant advancement over traditional maintenance approaches and is essential for modernizing electrical power transmission systems. It recommends increased investment in smart grid technologies and capacity building to support the adoption of intelligent maintenance systems for sustainable and reliable power delivery.

This project focuses on the design, fabrication, and evaluation of an electrically powered grain crusher for small-scale farmers and rural communities. The primary aim is to develop an efficient, durable, and affordable machine capable of crushing dried maize grains into smaller particle sizes suitable for food processing and livestock feed production. The objectives include improving crushing efficiency, reducing manual labour, and promoting the use of locally developed technologies to enhance agricultural productivity and support rural development. The machine is powered by an electric motor that transmits motion to the crushing chamber through a belt and pulley system. Engineering design calculations were conducted to determine key parameters such as motor power, shaft diameter, pulley ratio, and crushing force required for effective operation. Locally sourced materials were used in the fabrication process to reduce cost and ensure ease of maintenance. The design and construction followed standard engineering principles to achieve structural stability, operational safety, and reliable performance. The performance results showed that the grain crusher achieved a throughput capacity of approximately 15 kg/h with a crushing efficiency of about 92%. Sieve analysis revealed that the crushed output consisted predominantly of particle sizes in the range of 0.71 mm to 1.40 mm, making it suitable for food processing and livestock feed preparation. The machine effectively crushed dry maize grains and is adaptable for processing similar dry grains such as sorghum and millet. The crusher operated smoothly with minimal vibration and reduced processing time compared to manual methods, demonstrating that it is a practical, affordable, and reliable solution for small-scale grain processing in rural communities