FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

All over Nigeria as well as to the overseas the fuel oils as well as crude oils are transported through distribution pipes, tankers cargo ships. Although the processes are well laid out to avoid leakages of pipes, accidents of service tankers these events still happens on a regular bases especially in the niger delta region of the country where pipe vandalism due to oil bunkery is on the rise. All these processes leads to the leakages of fuel oils e.g kerosene which eventually settles on coastal waters. The leaked oil products would result in contaminating the water which are used in the concrete mortar and the sandcrete industry which are the cement dependent industry. In this study, the effect of water contaminated with kerosene on the compressive strength of conventional normal ordinary Portland cement has been evaluated in various exposure conditions. Kerosene (0, 2, 4 and 6%) by weight of water) was used to contaminate water to prepare cement mortar cubes specimens. A number of nine uncontaminated samples were prepared with fresh water. A number of nine samples each were prepared with contaminated water at 2%, 4%, 6% Kerosene replacement. Three samples each of percentage replacement and three uncontaminated samples were crushed at the age of three days, seven days and 28 days of curing. From the results gotten the maximum reduction in the compressive strength of 9.21% occurred at the six percentage contamination at the age of seven days. From results obtained it was seen that as the percentage of contamination increase the compressive strength decreased.

Heavy metals are classified as hazardous chemical substances. They are major environmental pollutants and these pollutants affects the welfare of the environment, reduces the quality of life and eventually causes death. They are a collection of metal sand metalloids that have an atomic density larger than 4 g/cm3. A major source of Pb(II) pollutant is the automobile battery waste in automobile worship. This study was done to investigate the transport of Pb (II) in soil using response surface methodology. This investigation was carried out using a packed bed, which is a cylindrical vessel filled with uncontaminated sand. The bulk density, porosity, moisture content and pH of the soil were determined using standard procedures. The soil was then contaminated with stock solutions of Pb (II). A two - level, two - factor central composite design (CCD) was used for the design of the study. The factors considered for this study were depth and time while the concentration of Pb (II) was the response. The concentration level of Pb (II) at each point was determined using the atomic adsorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results showed that the transport of heavy metals in soil is greatly influenced by the physico – chemical properties of the soil. The time factor had only a marginal
effect on the concentration level of Pb (II) while an increase in depth showed a significant decrease in Pb (II) concentration. The optimum concentration level was found to be at 30cm deep, after 36hrs of contamination. The findings from this investigation shows that time and depth of the soil is the predominant factor in the transport of Pb (II) on packed bed

The demand for sustainable and eco-friendly materials in the construction and furniture industries has led to a growing interest in composite materials derived from natural fibres. Bamboo and coir fibres, in particular have shown significant potential due to their renewable nature, low cost, and good mechanical and physical properties.
Fresh bamboo culms were processed and delignified using 0.1M sodium hydroxide solution. Powdered fibre was produced from the delignified and dried bamboo. Experimental composite samples were produced from the bamboo fibre combined with coir fibre and epoxy matrix. A mixture experimental design with three variables serving as mixture components was adopted in the study to plan the experiments and optimize the operating conditions (that is factor levels
of the input variable) of the produced composite with respect to the predicted response parameters. Models were formulated to predict tensile stress, modulus of elasticity, thickness swelling and water absorption. From the results obtained, the optimum percentage mixture of the composite produced were 42.2%bamboo fibre, 35% epoxy and 22.8% coir fibre. With this mix, the values of tensile stress, modulus of elasticity, thickness swelling and water absorption for the composite
produced were obtained as 1.068MPa, 694.450MPa, 1.850% and 20.800% respectively. The composite possessed an overall desirable mechanical and physical properties and it is therefore recommended for deployment.

This research examines air quality and noise pollution within the University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, to determine how environmental factors influence the health, comfort, and productivity of individuals in the university community. With increasing urban activities, traffic congestion, and generator use across the campus, the issue of environmental pollution has become more significant. The study assessed four major air pollutants, particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O₃), and evaluated noise levels in various campus zones to provide a comprehensive understanding of environmental quality in the study area. Data were gathered using an air quality monitor and ozone meter for air pollutant measurement and an Extech sound level meter for noise. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was used to interpret pollutant concentrations, while Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping helped visualize spatial pollution patterns across the campus. Results showed that air quality across the campus ranged from good to moderate, with AQI values between 26 and 55. Cleaner conditions were recorded at the College of medical sciences and Halls 6 and 7 (26 – 31), while higher values occurred at ekosodin back gate, 55 and at Main gate,47, influenced by vehicular and commercial activities. PM2.5, PM10 and CO concentrations were also higher at these gate areas, whereas ozone levels remained low reading from 0.01 – 0.07 ppm. In contrast, noise levels often exceeded standards in busy zones, reaching 86.7 dB(A) at ekosodin back gate and above 80 dB(A) in other active areas, surpassing the WHO daytime limit of 55 dB(A). The study concludes that while the overall air quality on the University of Benin campus remains within acceptable limits, noise pollution presents a more serious challenge. To improve environmental conditions, the study recommends effective traffic regulation, proper control of generator use, expansion of vegetation and green zones, and consistent air and noise monitoring. These actions will enhance sustainability and ensure a cleaner, quieter, and healthier learning environment for all campus users.

Flood frequency analysis is the most important statistical technique in understanding the nature and magnitude of high discharge in a river. The objective of frequency analysis is to relate the magnitude of events to their frequency of occurrence through probability distribution. The various methods used in the estimation of design flood as a criterion for the design and construction of hydraulic structures which in most countries is undermined during the planning of such infrastructure thereby causing significant damages and loss of lifes and properties. Log Pearson type III distribution model and Gumbel probability along side with three plotting position s of Weibull, Gringorten and Cunnane was used. The Gumbel probability distribution and Log Pearson type III distribution values were similar

The essence of traffic volume count in any society cannot be overemphasized. The importance varies from city to city depending on its level of development and the projected level of safe and efficient traffic management it aims at attaining within a stipulated time. This study has reviewed and highlighted and discussed the causes, general effects and possible solutions to the regular traffic congestions on the University of Benin Teaching Hospitals Junction which has become a norm for decades. The study employed simply method of manual traffic count in obtaining the data required for the study. A set of questionnaires with few relevant questions concerning the management oftraffic on the junction was equally administered on the drivers who ply the junction within the period of the study. Tally system of bundle and strokes were used in the study for easy documentation of the volume of the traffic being counted. The study has reviewed the major causes of traffic congestion on the junction to include in adequate parking space, low carrying capacity of the junction as compare to the expected traffic, poor traffic management, lack of basic traffic facilities and personnel, poor implementation of traffic rules and regulations and disobedience to traffic orders and wardens. It has also suggested some of the remedies to include construction of standard interchange structures such as overhead bridge and flyover on the junction, stiffer measures on the traffic offenders, implementation of traffic policies and periodic traffic study on the junction and installation of traffic facilities on the junction to ensure smoother flow of traffic considering the strategic importance of the intersection to the socio-economic well-being of the Benin-City, Edo State and Nigeria in general

The previous system which had a 3.5KVA, 48V inverter, eight(8) 12V, 220AH wet cell batteries and eight(8) 150W, 24V solar panels was disconnected. A new inverter which is a hybrid inverter of rating 7.5KVA, 48V was purchased alongside with four(4) 12V, 220AH wet cell batteries. The panels which were placed on the roof 500m from the stationary unit was cleaned up with wet rags and mild detergent, and the eight(8) old batteries were cleaned up and revamped by addition of distilled water and the batteries were arranged in three(3) frameworks (four to each). A framework containing the four(4) new 12V batteries connected in series to give a steady voltage of 48V were connected to the 7.5KVAinverter of which also had the solar panels connected to it. These connections made up Unit A while the other two framework which had the four(4) old 12V batteries connected in series each (making up 8 batteries) were connected together in parallel to make up for the steady 48V and then connected to the 3.5KVA inverter which was connected to a 48V, 50A charge controller on which the solar panels were connected to. These connections made up Unit B. Unit A was made to supply the departmental offices and the lecturer offices which carries more load while Unit B was made to supply the 400level, 500level class and other few minor devices which had less load. The integration of both Units and the separation of loads led to a more efficient and reliable PV system for the department of Mechanical engineering as the alternate source of power can now be used for longer hours without powering down.

The use of induction motor in various facets of engineering, manufacturing and the production sector to power various equipment have gained stability and thereby creating huge starting current which in turn contributes to the unbalanced loading of network giving rise to high energy and economic loss. This research work, therefore, seeks to reduce the starting current of the connected single-phase induction motor. A smooth and soft start is employed in a single-phase induction motor to eliminate the surge in current and electromagnetic torque during starting. The surge in current and torque are eliminated using soft starter at the time of starting. The soft starter also eliminates the unwanted effect in electric cables and the distribution network. This project work provides an in-depth description of the sentimental and smooth start to an induction motor. The smooth start of the motor is predicted by the firing angle of the TRIAC circuit. The firing angle is delayed during starting and the delay angle reduces as the motor picks up to speed. This proposed technique provided reduced voltage at the starting and the rated voltage when themotor is up to speed. By using soft starter, the performance and efficiency of the induction motor is improved and it also improves the load torque characteristics. This project consists of 6anti-parallel SCR connected in each series with an induction motor to the main supply, where into each phase. When starting the firing angle is heavily delayed by receiving delayed triggering pulses. The supplied voltage is gradually increased, and the torque also in same manner. By this process the inrush current is drastically reduced, making the motor start smoothly. The induction motor of0.56KW, frequency of 50Hz, maximum voltage 230V, receives little or no surge using the soft starter device. The start up ramp is about 4s to 7s, depending on the power of the induction motor. The firing angle is gradually decreased from 80˚ by interval of 20˚ until 0˚ max of the full half

The integrity and efficient operation of pipelines are critical for the safe transportation of oil, gas, and other fluids. Traditional pipeline monitoring methods often fall short in providing comprehensive and real-time data essential for proactive maintenance and risk management. This project explores the integration of smart technologies in pipeline pigging systems to enhance pipeline monitoring and management. Smart pigging involves the use of intelligent inspection tools that traverse the pipeline, collecting high-resolution data on internal conditions, including corrosion, cracks, and other anomalies. By leveraging advanced sensors, data analytics, and real-time communication technologies, smart pigging systems offer unprecedented insights into pipeline health, enabling predictive maintenance and timely interventions. The implementation of these systems can significantly reduce the risk of leaks and ruptures, thereby ensuring environmental safety and operational efficiency. This study reviews the latest advancements in smart pigging technology, examines case studies of successful implementations, and discusses the challenges and future directions in the field of smart pipeline monitoring. In summary, the implementation of smart pipeline monitoring using pigging systems has delivered substantial benefits in terms of anomaly detection, maintenance optimization, operational efficiency, safety, and environmental protection. The device was fully tested and proven to perform optimally by taking temperature readings of the pipeline and converted it to pressure through the use of a programmable microcontroller. Pipeline leaks and failures can easily be detected by this prototype model when there is an increase and decrease in the flow rate of the fluid

With a variety of EOR methods explored, the discovery is in tune with Low-salinity water Injection (LSW) as a promising enhancement of the rate at which oil is recoverable from the reservoir. However, the comprehensive understanding of the principal mechanism directing this technique, has not been fully harnessed, causing the difficulty of creating the most favourable salinity condition, and the ionic formation, required for the injected solution. However, a wider school of thought holds that, the driving mechanism in LSWI of the carbonate’s reservoir, is vast. Though, the modification in wettability is seen as the primary mechanism driving oil to a more recoverable state, with most literature review proving this, how it works is up for a good intelligent discuss. This literature attempts to reviews a variety of working states of LSWI, from studies, field investigations, as well as individual recommended mechanisms affecting the oil–rock–brine contact interfaces. Furthermore, the uniqueness of this project, is to provides an extensive evaluation of previous treatises, on LSWI in carbonate reservoirs, the analyses, applications, as well as achievements that have given ground for a mastery of the difficulty of the multicomponent systems and the potential benefits it has on the oil production industry