FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

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

This project report presents the design and fabrication of a domestic heat extractor using locally sourced materials. The aim is to develop a cost – effective and energy – efficient device capable of removing excess heat from domestic cooking areas, thereby improving thermal comfort and safety in homes, particularly in developing regions where ventilation and cooling systems are often inadequate. The project involves a detailed study of heat transfer principles, material selection and fabrication processes tailored to locally available resources. Components such as the extraction fan, heat duct, aluminum casing and power source were designed and assembled using affordable and easily obtainable materials. Performance evaluation showed that the fabricated heat extractor effectively reduced heat concentration in enclosed kitchen spaces, improving air circulation and thermal comfort. The outcome demonstrates that domestic engineering innovations can be achieved sustainably using local resources, contributing to environmental protection, cost reduction and industrial development.

Produced water, a major byproduct of petroleum extraction, contains a complex mixture of organic and inorganic contaminants such as hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and suspended solids, which pose severe environmental risks if discharged untreated. Conventional treatment methods are often expensive and inefficient in achieving complete degradation of such pollutants. This study investigates the photodegradation of produced water using bentonite clay doped with titanium dioxide (TiO₂) as an efficient and eco-friendly treatment approach. The bentonite–TiO₂ composite was synthesized and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X ray Fluorescence (XRF) to determine its structural and morphological properties. Photocatalytic degradation experiments were performed with a photocatalytic reactor, utilizing natural sunlight as the irradiation source varying operational parameters such as pH, contact time, and catalyst dosage (2–10 g). The treatment performance was evaluated using Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) analyses before and after photodegradation. Results showed a consistent decrease in both BOD and COD values with increasing catalyst dosage from 8.13 to 3.55 mg/L (BOD) and 5270 to 1420 mg/L (COD) representing approximately 56% and 73% reductions, respectively. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the TiO₂–bentonite composite in degrading organic pollutants in produced water.

This report is based on the design and simulation of a solar thermal system that can be used for the provision of hot water in domestic and office applications. The increasing cost of conventional sources of energy coupled with the unreliability of the electricity supply has created problems in the provision of hot water services. The problem can be solved using solar energy, which is sustainable in this context. The main goal of this study was to design an optimal solar thermal system for the provision of hot water services. The system was designed using a flat-plate solar collector, storage tank, pump, and control unit. The mathematical models of the system's thermal behavior were formulated, after which the system was simulated using numerical methods. The system's parameters, including mass flow rate, tilt angle of the solar collector, and insulation properties, were varied to assess their impact on the system's performance. Simulation results indicated that it was possible for the system to produce enough hot water for domestic and office use. The system also indicated improved thermal efficiency for lower flow rates and optimized collector orientation. The study also indicated that improved system insulation reduced losses and improved system performance. In conclusion, the designed solar thermal heating system proved to be an effective and environmentally friendly solution for hot-water supply. The optimization analysis provides useful guidelines for improving system efficiency and adapting the design for practical implementation in similar climatic regions.

The cassava processing industry produces large quantities of wastewater that is highly contaminating, marked by a severe organic load and the presence of toxic cyanide. This wastewater represents considerable threats to public health and the environment. Conventional treatment methods often lack efficiency or are too costly, particularly for small-scale processors. This study explored the creation and effectiveness of an economical, sustainable photocatalytic system based on acid-activated clay-TiO₂ composites for breaking down cassava wastewater when exposed to UV light.Kaolin and bentonite clays from Auchi, Nigeria were sourced locally and their surface properties were enhanced through acid activation using 2M H₂SO₄. Using a direct impregnation method, composites were synthesized with TiO₂ (Degussa P25). Characterization of the materials with SEM, XRD, FTIR, and XRF confirmed successful acid activation, as demonstrated by increased porosity and surface area, along with the effective formation of the clay-TiO₂ composite. With a pH of 4.1, a COD of 32,000 mg/L, a BOD₅ of 18,500 mg/L, and a cyanide concentration of 50 mg/L, the raw cassava wastewater demonstrated significant pollution strength.The photocatalytic degradation experiments assessed the influence of catalyst dosage, irradiation time, pH, and initial cyanide concentration. Under optimal conditions (catalyst dosage: 1.5 g/L,pH: 3.0, irradiation time: 180 min), the acid-activated Bentonite-TiO₂ composite achieved a maximum cyanide removal efficiency of 94.7%,surpassing that of the Kaolin-TiO₂composite(88.9%).The kinetic analysis indicated that the degradation process adhered to a pseudo-firstorder model, with the Bentonite-TiO₂ composite showing a higher apparent rate constant (0.0154min⁻¹)than that of Kaolin-TiO₂(0.0116 min⁻¹).The bentonite-based composite performsbetter due to its enhanced porosity, increased surface area, and improved TiO₂ dispersion, which together improve adsorption and photocatalytic degradation.This research effectively shows that acid-activated clay-TiO₂ composites, especially those made with bentonite, serve as highly effective, economical, and environmentally friendly catalysts for cassava wastewater treatment, presenting a promising sustainable approach to pollution reduction in the agro-processing sector

This project focuses on the design and fabrication of a hybrid (solar–electric) dryer for agricultural materials. The aim is to develop a low-cost and efficient drying system that utilizes both solar and electrical energy to ensure continuous operation under varying weather conditions. The dryer was designed with major components, including a solar collector, drying chamber, heating element, and forced draft fan powered by both photovoltaic and electrical sources. Locally available materials such as sheet metal, glass, insulation, and mild steel were used in the fabrication process to promote affordability and sustainability. Performance tests were carried out using cassava chips as the sample material, and relevant parameters such as temperature variation, drying time, and moisture reduction were recorded. Results showed that the hybrid dryer achieved faster and more uniform drying compared to traditional open-sun drying. The system proved reliable, environmentally friendly, and capable of maintaining operation during periods of low sunlight. This innovation demonstrates a practical approach to reducing post- harvest losses and improving the preservation of agricultural produce in regions with inconsistent power supply

Drilling mud, otherwise known as drilling fluid, is a vital component in the oil and gas industry. As the primary medium for drilling oil and gas wells, its importance cannot be overstated. However, in Nigeria, the procurement of drilling mud is often costly, as bentoniteclay, the conventional material used in its formulation is largely imported. This project investigates the suitability of a locally sourced clay, Okuaghe, obtained from one of the countries numerous clay deposits, as a potential substitute for imported bentonite drilling mud formulation. The study aims to promote local material utilization, reduce import dependency, and minimize overall operational costs. The clay sample was collected from Uhunmwonde local government area in Edo State, then prepared through drying, crushing, and sieving. Portions of the total sample were activated using soda ash (sodium carbonate) to enable comparative analysis. Guided by API specifications, rheological properties such as plastic viscosity, apparent viscosity, yield point and gel strength were determined using standard procedures. Additionally, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was incorporated in some samples to enhance performance toward API standards. The results indicate that the local clay possesses promising potential for drilling mud formulation, provided adequate beneficiation and optimization of activation conditions are applied. The findings also emphasize the importance of maintaining optimal base concentration during chemical activation, as excessive amounts may yield adverse effects. Overall, this laboratory-based study demonstrates that certain local clays, when properly treated and modified with suitable additives, can perform comparably to imported bentonite. It further underscores the need for field-scale evaluation to validate laboratory results and support the wider adoption of local materials in drilling fluid formulation

This project focuses on the design and construction of a smart electricity meter using Internet of Things (IoT) technology to enable efficient energy monitoring and management. The system is built around the ESP32 micro\controller, which controls data acquisition, processing, and wireless transmission to the ThingSpeak cloud platform. The PZEM-004T measurement module is employed to accurately measure voltage, current, power, and energy consumption in real time. A DC-DC buck converter provides a regulated power supply, ensuring stable operation of the ESP32 and peripheral components. Data collected by the meter are uploaded to ThingSpeak, where users can visualize live readings, generate graphical trends, and analyze consumption patterns through an interactive dashboard. This allows for remote monitoring, fault detection, and informed decision-making regarding energy usage. The prototype demonstrates reliable performance, high accuracy, and cost-effectiveness compared
to conventional meters. By integrating embedded systems with IoT-based cloud services, the developed smart meter promotes efficient power utilization, user awareness, and modern smartgrid compatibility. Overall, the project highlights a practical approach to advancing energy management through low-cost IoT solutions.

This study examined the use of Crushed Concrete as a soil stabilizer to enhance the geotechnical properties of weak subgrade soils for road construction projects. The growing volume of construction waste and the environmental issues linked to traditional stabilizers such as cement and lime were key motivations for this research. The soil sample was mixed with varying amounts of CC i.e. at 6%, 12% and 18%. Laboratory tests were conducted and they include sieve analysis, Atterberg limits, compaction and CBR tests. The results were analyzed graphically using Microsoft Excel. The particle-size analysis categorized both the natural soil and the crushed concrete as fine sand to fine gravel. The Atterberg limits indicated that as CC content increased, both the liquid limit and plasticity index decreased, suggesting reduced cohesion and better workability. Compaction results revealed that the maximum dry density (MDD) increased from 1.85 g/cm³ at 0% to 1.92 g/cm³ at 12% CDW, while the optimum moisture content (OMC) decreased from 13.52% to 12.00%, indicating an improvement in compaction efficiency and a reduction in water demand. CBR results also showed significant increases in both soaked and unsoaked values with higher CC concentrations, which met the standards of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (FMWH, 2016). In summary, this study found that crushed concrete is a potent and environmentally sustainable soil stabilizer that can significantly strengthen and stabilize weak subgrade soils. It demonstrated that using CC can serve as a viable alternative to conventional stabilizers, reducing construction costs while promoting waste recycling. Further research is recommended to investigate the long-term durability and field performance of CDW- stabilized soils under traffic loads.

The aim of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of the crude oil Quality Assurance (QA) system at the NNPC E&P Ltd Oil & Gas Processing Facility/Utapete Crude Oil Export Terminal by analyzing its process stability. Maintaining the quality assurance of crude oil at export terminals is critical for preserving product value, ensuring customer satisfaction, and complying with contractual and environmental standards. This evaluation was necessary to determine if the production process was in a state of statistical control, which is essential for ensuring predictable and reliable export quality. The methodology employed Statistical Process Control (SPC) techniques to analyze the data. Specifically, laboratory data for two key quality parameters—API Gravity and Basic Sediments & Water (BS&W)—were collected for a two-month period encompassing July and August 2025. The data was subsequently analyzed using (mean) and (range) control charts to statistically assess the central tendency and the consistency of the production process, respectively. The analysis revealed that the process averages (X bar-charts) for both API Gravity and BS&W were highly unstable and out of statistical control, with numerous data points exceeding the upper and lower control limits. This instability signifies that the process is unpredictable and influenced by significant special (assignable) cause variation. Conversely, the process variability (R-charts),which reflects the consistency of measurement and sampling,was found to be largely stable and in-control. This study concludes that the terminal's production process is not in statistical control, leading to a high risk of producing non-conforming crude oil, and demonstrates an urgent need to investigate the root causes of instability in the production and blending operations, rather than the laboratory procedures.