Performance Evaluation of a Dryer for Processed Locust Bean Condiments

Drying of fresh fermented locust beans condiments is highly important in marketing strategy. Performance test of the dryer for processed locust beans condiments (Iru) was carried out using an instrumented dryer designed and developed, this was used to dry two varieties of fermented locust beans (Iru Woro of initial moisture content of 48.38 % and Iru Pete 49. 20 %) under three different temperatures (45 0C, 50 0C and 55 0C) for electric heater, 70 % average relative humidity and three categories of Weights (200 g, 300 g and 400 g) and drying one hour interval. The moisture loss and drying rates were determined for the processed locust beans. The average drying rates ranged from 17.99 to 1.72 g/hr and 14.32 to 31.76 g/hr for the Iru Woro and Iru Pete respectively. The efficiency of the dryer ranged from 65.71 % - 84.60 % for Iru Woro and 65.60 % - 84.87 % for Iru Pete respectively. The drying rates and efficiency of the dryer were subjected to statistical analysis using 2 x 3 x 3 factorial design to study the effects of these parameters on the drying rates of the dried processed products. These results showed a significant difference in the different varieties dried at 5% confidence level.Keywords: Performance Evaluation, Efficiency, Drying Rates, Iru Woro, Iru Pet

Briquetting characteristics of some agricultural residues using starch as a binder

Briquetting of some agricultural wastes was carried out with the construction of a simple briquetting apparatus and using a 3 x 5 factorial design the effect of mix ratios (40:60; 50:50 and 60:40) and pressures (10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 MPa) on the durability of the briquettes formed was investigated using starch as a binder. The investigation involved the determination of some physical properties, such as moisture content, bulk density and size distribution. The construction and testing of briquette apparatus for making sample briquettes and tumbling formed was carried out so as to evaluate their mechanical performance. It was observed that the mix ratio has a significant influence on the briquettes formed and a highest durability of 89.97% was observed for saw dust at 25 MPa using a mix ratio of 40: 60 (Material: Binder) and least was 37.30% for sorghum residues, mix ratio 60: 40 at 10 MPa. Consequently, the relaxed and final compaction lengths of the briquette were observed to depend on the mix ratio, applied pressure and nature of the material. A SPSS 16.0 software package was used for briquette durability statistical analysis at 5% level of confidence. The results of the investigation clearly indicated the value of the applied pressure in producing briquette of the highest durability for each of the material tested. The variation in the mix ratio of the material to binder provided significant deduction to confirm that best condition of materials and binder mix ratio must be set out to ensure production of durable briquettes. These are parameters of interest to the briquette producers for highest productivity and burning efficiency of the briquette to be produced.Key Words: Briquettes, Agricultural Residues, Binders, Mix Rati

Design and construction of a reflux column distillation unit for bio-ethanol production from sugarcane substrate

A bio-ethanol distilling tank was designed and constructed to distil ethanolfrom sugarcane substrate. The machine has a capacity to process 200 litres of substrate at full load of the boiler. The distiller has an Internal Reflux Still Condenser (IRSC) that controls the intemal re-distillation process and the separation of the final output The column diameter-was 40 mm. An anaerobic fermentation of substrate was adopted before distillation could be carried out The fermented substrate was adjusted to an optimum pH level value of 4-5 by addition of 0.1 M2S04 and the optimum temperature was within the temperature range of 29-38°C. A charcoal potwas used as heat source. The results of the machine evaluation showea that optimum yield occurred at 0.0325 ratio of substrate to ethanol yield. An average distilled product of 2.1 litres was obtained at highest ratio of substrate to ethanol yield of 0.033 when the distillation time was 45 minutes. The total distilled products after 1½ hours of distillation was estimated at 4.25 litres. It was observed that the fermentation and distillation processes were done in situ, and could definitely affect clear separation of the fermentable portion of the fermented sugar solution.Key words: Biomass, Biofuel, Ethanol, Distillation, Energy Crop, AlternativeEnerg

Outcome of management of complicated extragonadal teratoma in a resource poor setting

Background: Extragonadal teratomas (EXGTs) are ubiquitous in the human body; hence, they have varied presentation. In underdeveloped areas presentation and management are affected by socio-economic, cultural and health facilities factors. The aim of this study was to review the outcome of management of complicated EXGT in a tertiary health centre. Materials and Methods: A review data of paediatric patients with EXGT was done between January 1999 and December 2012. Variables reviewed were bio-data, mode of presentation and site of tumour, comorbidity, treatments and outcome. The data was analysed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS (R)) version 16.0. Results: There were 21 complicated EXGT (77.8%) among 27 children, age ranges from 4 days to 16 years (median = 2 years). Male:Female ratio of 1:2. The complications per region of the body at presentation were cervical 4 (66.7%), mediastinal 2 (100%), abdominal 3 (75%) and sacrococcygeal 12 (75%). The complications were respiratory distress 6, intestinal obstruction 5, faecal incontinence 2, bladder outlet obstruction 3, malignant transformation 5, ruptured sacrococcygeal teratoma 2, ulcerated tumour 2, anaemia 3 and malnutrition 3. There were 5 (23.8%) progressive disease post-excision outside our facility. Excision biopsy was successful in 19 (85%) patients two of which had neoadjuvant cytotoxic therapy. Overall mortality was 5 (23.8%) (septicaemia, anaemia, respiratory distress, renal failure) and post-excision mortality was 11.8% (endotracheal tube blockage and progressive disease). Conclusion: Delay presentation (due to local belief, ignorance and poverty) malnutrition, sepsis, malignant transformation characterised presentation of children in this study and the lack of paediatric intensive care unit facility and intensivists compromised survival of children with EXGT