Development and Quality Analysis of a Direct Solar Dryer for Fish

The study investigates drying characteristics of common species of fish in the tropics, catfish (Clarias gariepinus ) and tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus ) using a direct solar dryer. The drying process was carried out during the dry and wet season under natural (0 m/s) and forced convective drying (1.5 m/s, 2.5 m/s, 3.5 m/s fan speed). Results obtained showed that the drying air attained by the dryer was satisfactory and the maximum temperature difference between the dryer and the ambient temperatures was 35˚C. The moisture content of the dried samples was 13.97% for catfish and 13.35% for tilapia fish during dry season and during the wet season it was 15.68% for catfish and 14.9% for tilapia fish while for the open sun dried samples it was 21.7% for catfish and 17.0% for tilapia fish. Maximum drying efficiency of 74.3% was recorded for the dryer during dry season and the dried samples at 3.5 m/s fan speed were better in drying rates. The proximate compositions of the fish before and after drying were determined. There was significant difference in proximate composition before and after drying (P < 0.05) and no significant difference in proximate composition at fan speeds considered for both fish species (P < 0.05)

Parametric and Quantitative Analysis on the Development of Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger

This work is aimed at developing a prototype shell and tube heat exchanger using locally available technology and materials via design based on optimal combination of parameters using LMTD technique, fabrication, as well as, performance evaluation of the facility.The importance of mini shell and tube heat exchangers (STHEs) in industrial and other engineering applications cannot be underestimated. Hence, based on the problems associated with the design of STHEs, a mini STHE was developed for transfer of heat between two fluids without mixing on the laboratory scale using locally available materials and technology based on an optimized LMTD technique. The performance of the heat exchanger was assessed and evaluated to determine the optimum combination of design parameters. Copper was utilized for the tube side fluid due to its higher thermal conductivity and anti-microbial property, while galvanized steel was used for the shell side fluid due to its cost and corrosion resistance. Parametric studies were carried out on STHE design parameters to obtain an optimal design for efficiency and effectiveness after relevant design considerations. Experimental results were validated with quantitative models, and it was discovered that both Dell-Belaware and Engineering Science Data Unit (ESDU) approaches produced the optimal results required for the selection of shell side and tube fluid film coefficients, respectively over other correlations. In conclusion, the values of parameters of interest were also presented after rigorous mathematical calculations at optimal level and probable recommendations were later made.Self-sponsore

Suitability of Agro-Wastes Based Flux as Enhancement for Welded Joints in Steels – A Review

Failure of engineering materials is most often catastrophic but yet avoidable. This possibility has resulted in various studies into possible ways to strengthen engineering materials with quite a lot of opinions surfacing. The rapid development in world population has brought about high demand for agricultural products, which in turn results in daily increase in environmental degradation and pollution, hence their consideration as agro-based flux. This study was a review of approaches to strengthen carbon steels using a few agro waste types (Date seed, Palm kernel shell & Banana peel). The characteristic properties and engineering value of these various wastes have been closely studied. The review shows that Date Seed and Palm kernel shell shows better strength abilities and could enhance steel types better than Banana Peel and is recommended for use

Sustainable Manufacturing in Africa: The Pros and Cons- A Pragmatic Review

Manufacturing is an essential aspect of every thriving economy. It is a driver that cannot be overemphasized. This is so because production of goods and service is what ensures a continuous growth of the economy. It is therefore imperative to ensure the sustainability of this key tool. This study reviews the various elements of manufacturing, the strengths and constraints of sustainable manufacturing especially in Africa. The study concludes that manufacturing is sustainable provided the needed support from key players is available and can drive an economy to fast development