COMPARISON BETWEEN THE VARIOUS METHODS OF WASTE OIL RECOVERY (ENGINE OIL) USING GLACIAL ACETIC ACID AND FORMIC ACID

ABSTRACT

Lubricating oils are viscous liquids used for lubricating moving part of engines and machines. Since lubricating oils are obtained from petroleum – a finite product, and with dwindling production from world oil reserves, the need arises more than ever, to recycle used lubricating oils.

Accordingly, this research work focuses on comparative study of two methods of recycling of used Engine oil using glacial acetic acid and formic acid treatment methods. A recycling process of the used lube oil was carried out which eventually led to comparison of results of the recycled oil with the fresh lube oil using ASTM standards. Tests carried out on the used, fresh and recycled lube oils include: flash point, viscosity at 55°C, specific gravity/density, appearance and pour point. The results show that recycled lubricating oil had the following properties: flash point was 200°C for the acetic and formic acids, as compared with 170°C for untreated oil, Also the pour point of the engine oil using acetic and formic acids are 6°C and 5°C respectively. It has been shown that base oils and oils’ additives are slightly affected by the acetic acid. Upon adding acetic and formic acid to the used oil, two layers were separated, a transparent dark colored oil and a black dark sludge at the bottom of the container. The comparison showed that the recycled oil produced by acetic acid and formic acid treatment showed excellent results in the properties of the oil comparable to the fresh oil.

PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF INTERLOCK FROM FLAKES

 

PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF INTERLOCK FROM FLAKES

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

 

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

     

ABSTRACT

The need for the construction sector to be sustained by innovative technology targeted at conserving the natural resources and protecting the environment cannot be overemphasized. The use of plastic wastes as binders in the production of interlock bricks has both engineering and environmental implications. The use of interlock bricks produced from plastic wastes is becoming more popular, finding applications in parking areas, compounds, open spaces, streets, and in minor and major roads. The way and manner plastic wastes generated are managed in developing countries especially Nigeria is dangerous and disturbing, due to their non-biodegradable nature. The research is aimed at using plastic wastes as binding groundmass in place of cement in the production of interlock bricks. This will go a long way in solving part of our environmental and ecological problems resulting from indiscriminate dumping of plastic wastes and also reduces the pollution and geographical disturbances that result from the excavation of limestone. Plastic wastes (LDPE type) were melted at high temperatures and mixed in different proportions (70:30, 75:25 and 80:20) with sand to produce sample interlock bricks. The same mold was also used to produce cement interlock bricks as our control for comparative studies. These interlock bricks were subjected to compressive-strength and water-absorption tests. The results of these tests revealed that interlock bricks produced from plastic waste in the form of flakes show better compressive strength and water absorption when compared to the bricks produced from cement. Plastic interlock bricks also showed low water absorption than the cement blocks. The application of plastic waste in the production of interlock brick is an innovative way of disposing plastic waste littered all over the place, thereby cleaning the environment. The cost of plastic waste interlock bricks when compared with cement interlock bricks is stronger, tougher, environmental friendly and economical. The study has clearly established that plastic interlock bricks are better alternative to normal cement interlock bricks.

Production of fertilizer (biosolids) from human excrement for use as soil conditioners.

 

CHAPTER ONE

  INTRODUCTION

 1.1  BACKGROUND OF STUDY

The average person excretes 72.5 kg of waste and urinates 500 gallons per year. With a world population of over seven billion people, we're talking about 507.5 billion kg of feces and 3,500 billion liters of urine per year. The single flush of a toilet may easily dispose of many people's wastes. However, the World Health Organization believes that a billion individuals are affected. People who do not have access to sanitation infrastructure defecate in pits and drains all over the world. Human excrement and urine now have immediate access to aquifers, contaminating drinking wells on a regular basis. Sanitation systems that are designed to recover resources in a safe and effective manner can aid in overall resource management in a community. On a scale ranging from a single rural household to a city, a variety of technologies and approaches can be used to acquire hugely beneficial resources and make them usable for safe, beneficial applications that support human well enough and overall sustainable development. But what if organic waste could be kept out of the water and used to generate electricity for farming? Excreta are most commonly used as a manure and soil enhancer in agriculture. This is also known as a "closing the loop" strategy for cleanliness in agriculture. It's an important part of the ecological sanitation strategy. Human feces include a variety of resources, including plant nutrients, organic materials, and energy. This study discusses the modeling of the variable parameters in developing safe fertilizer from human excreta to fertilize farms and gardens, which is especially important in areas without alternative sewage infrastructure.

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT  

The indiscriminate disposal of human waste is mostly due to the fact that around one billion people around the world lack access to sanitary amenities rather they defecate in sewers and pits. Human excrement and urine now have immediate access to aquifers, contaminating water wells on a regular basis. If this is not addressed, the rate/level of pollution in the environment will rise to the point where it is unhealthy for everyone. As a result, it is critical that these wastes be processed and repurposed for environmental reasons.

PRODUCTION OF SYNTHETIC ADHESIVE FROM CASSAVA STARCH

 

PRODUCTION OF SYNTHETIC ADHESIVE FROM CASSAVA STARCH

THE DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

DEDICATION 

This work is dedicated to God Almighty, the giver of life, wisdom and good health for his infinite mercy, guidance and providence throughout the project. 

ABSTRACT

Wet extraction method was used to extract starch from cassava tubers. As a result of the development of several formulas, the highest quality was achieved. The formulations were made using a gelatinization technique, and the grade of the ingredients utilized was varied. The following tests were performed on the formulations: - PH determination; the PH of the formulated adhesive is 6.8, which is quite equivalent. The formulations' solid/moisture content is 19.4 percent and 82.2 percent, respectively, while the standard is 15-30 percent and 65-85 percent. The developed adhesive has a tack duration of 16 minutes, which is equivalent to the industry standard of 15 minutes. The shelf life of the prepared adhesives has exceeded two months and is still appropriate, indicating that it may be comparable to market shelf life. Finally, the compositions' wettability was comparable to that of commercial adhesives.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Cassava, a relatively obscure crop in the old world before to the discovery of America, is quickly assuming the role of world savior, as it is now growing throughout the tropical world. It is now only second to potato as the most significant starchy root crop for food and industry in the tropics. It's eaten raw or cooked in Nigeria, and it's used to make garri, starch flour and a variety of other items (Tonukari, 2004; Grace, 1977). The current drive towards earning foreign exchange from cassava products in Nigeria had raised more awareness on the importance of the crop.