Techno-economic evaluation of pipeline compression system: economic evaluation of the natural gas pipeline compression system - part 3

This paper presents the evaluation of the life cycle cost (LCC) of the natural gas pipeline investment using ‘’techno-economic and environmental risk assessment’’ (TERA) technique. The significance of this paper is to evaluate the cost implication of all the parts of this research work. The selected engines models for the gas compressor drive were developed based on public domain specification, using an inhouse engine performance simulation software: TURBOMATCH. The gas turbine engines were modelled to run at constant power amid high ambient temperature. The performance results were further used for the economic investigation using a developed model in MATLAB. These were investigated with respect to three seasons (winter, dry and hot season) of the years based on the location of this project (Trans- Saharan gas pipeline with 18 compression stations). Three economic conditions of 0%, 2% and 4% escalation rate of fuel and maintenance cost were investigated to analyse the LCC. The results obtained shows that the total LCC for the 0% escalation rate was approximately $32.01 billion. The fuel cost was 39.60% of the total LCC for the entire project. The operating and maintenance (O&M) costs, gas turbine, gas compressor, the pipeline with all accessories costs and emission tax attracted 10.1%, 6.89%, 9.95%, 28.89%, and 4.57%, respectively of the total life cost. The result also depicted that 2% and 4% escalation rate of fuel and O&M cost on the LCC result in 19.5% and 47.8% increased, respectively when compared with the 0% escalation rate at the end of project life. The result of the overall life-cycle cost of the pipeline investment represents the operational cost of the system. The proposed approach will help operators on the real potential cost of pipeline investment, taking into account the different cost element and ambient condition of the natural gas pipeline system. Importantly, this model can be applied or adapted to any natural gas pipeline transportation business

Neutron spectrum parameters in two irradiation channels of the Nigeria research reactor-1 (nirr-1) for use in k0-naa

For the utilization of the NIRR-1 to include the k0-standardization method, the following neutron spectrum parameters in one inner and one outer irradiation channels were determined using the “Cd-ratio for multi-monitor method”: The thermal to epithermal flux ratio, f, and the epithermal flux shape factor, α. These parameters determined in the inner irradiation channel A1,are: α = - 0.046 ± 0.005 and f = 18.4 ± 0.34 and for the outer irradiation channel A2 α = + 0.024 ± 0.002 and f = 49.5 ± 0.96. The results compare well with reported values obtained from other reactor facilities with similar core configuration such as the Slowpoke and Miniature Neutron Source Reactor facilities available in literature

Determination of neutron-induced activation cross sections using nirr-1

Thermal Activation cross-sections for the (n, γ) reaction were experimentally measured using NIRR-1 facilities. The irradiated target isotopes were 71Ga, 109Ag, 55Mn 94Zr; 96Zr; 238U, 74Se, 75As and 48Ca. In order to obtain reliable activation cross sections, careful attention was paid to neutron irradiation and to the measurement of induced activity. The values obtained for the ten (n, γ) reactions were compared against the comprehensive evaluated values listed in Mughabghab, (2003) and other evaluated data libraries. The values were found to compare well with values evaluated by Mughabghab and those from other libraries

Evaluation of the Activity Concentration of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th in Soil and Associated Radiological Parameters of Shanono and Bagwai Artisanal Gold Mining Areas, Kano State, Nigeria

No Abstract

McDonald Generalized Power Weibull Distribution: Properties, and Applications

This research introduces a novel six-parameter model called the McDonald Generalized Power Weibull distribution. The model contains several sub-models that prove highly valuable in modeling real-life scenarios, including the McDonald Weibull, McDonald exponential, McDonald Nadarajah-Haghighi, beta generalized power Weibull distribution, and Kumaraswamy generalized power distributions, among others. The proposed model demonstrates suitability in modeling survival/reliability data, accommodating various hazard failure rates such as increasing, decreasing, unimodal (upside-down bathtub), modified bathtub, and reversed J-shape. Various properties of the new model are investigated, including moments, quantiles, incomplete moments, moment-generating functions, and order statistics. The maximum likelihood estimation method is employed to estimate the model parameters. The study concludes by illustrating the flexibility of the proposed model through the use of lifetime data to demonstrate its applicability

Assessment of the impact of development control measure on residential property rental values in Minna Metropolis

The study determined the impact of development control on the trend in rental of property in Minna. Data for the study were from residents of the neighbourhood, estate surveyors and valuers, town planners and personal observation through questionnaire. Cluster random sampling technique was adapted to divide the area into residential neighbourhoods; and furthermore, a purposive sampling technique was used because of the residential property characteristic. The data were analysed using inference statistical tools like Gini-co-efficient, correlation and multi-regression analysis among others. The resultant outcome showed that there is a strong positive relationship between development control measures and residential property rental values and also development control measures are not adequately enforced in the planned and unplanned neighbourhoods. It was recommended that estate surveyor and valuer's should advise their clients on the need and importance of investing in neighbourhood that have harmonious land use in order to easily recoup the huge capital outlay invested on residential property development and government should adopt new trends like the guided land development (GLD) and sustainable city programme (SCP). This will provide advancement in the frontier of investment in residential property development through proper execution of development control measures.Keywords: Development Control, Residential Property, Rental Valu

Structural Integrity of A 2-Storey Building Using None Destructive Testing Method

The paper assessed the condition of the existing two-storey building of six classrooms in Government Girls Day Secondary School, Gumel, Jigawa State. The method of Non Destructive Testing (NDT) using a rebound hammer was adopted. Five structural elements(slabs, beams, columns, staircases and foundations) were assessed. The cumulative average strength of the five structural elements was 32.7 RN. Results revealed that despite signs of physical defects on the building such as cracks, exposed column reinforcement bars, etc. it was still considered safe for use. The study recommended that to prevent the building from deteriorating further, periodic structural assessment and good maintenance practice should be carried out. This is to prolong the life span of the building and prevent any threat to the building users and third parties. Keywords: Non-destructive test, Rebound hammer, structural integrity, structural component

Effect of Chemically Modified Banana Fibers on the Mechanical Properties of Poly-Dimethyl-Siloxane-Based Composites

The study presents the mechanical properties of polymer-based composites reinforced with chemically modified banana fibers, by alkalization in different concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The fiber weight fraction has a great effect on the mechanical properties of the composites. Stiff composites were obtained at 6 wt% fiber fractions with Young’s modulus of 254.00 ±12.70 MPa. Moreover, the yield strength was 35.70 ±1.79 MPa at 6 wt% fiber fractions. However, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and toughness of the composites were obtained at 5 wt% fiber fractions. Statistical analyses were used to ascertain the significant different on the mechanical properties of the fibers and composites. The implication of the results is then discussed for potential applications of PDMS-based composites reinforced with chemically modified banana fibers

Proximate and mineral composition of Jatropha curcas leaves

The proximate and mineral composition of jatropha curcas leaves were evaluated in dry sample to determine the Ash, carbohydrate, crude lipid, crude fiber, crude protein and mineral contents using standard method and atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. The result showed that jatropha curcas leaves contained (12.0±1.00%) Ash, (61.94±5.56%) carbohydrate, (7.00±0.43%) Fat, (16.5±0.1%) fibre, (2.56±0.23%) protein, (4.33±0.28%) moisture in dry sample respectively. The result also revealed that the concentration of potassium is (18.60±1.19mg/100g) sodium (11.50±0.39mg/ 100g), magnesium (58.17 ± 2.04mg/100g), cupper (4.23±0.12mg/ 100g), iron (2.85±0.04mg/100g) and calcium (93.42±0.48mg/100g) respectively which are the major minerals present in the sample. This indicated that Jatropha curcas leaves could serve as an alternative source of food for animal and human after quality processing.Keywords: Carbohydrate, Crude Protein, Jatropha curcas leaves, Mineral, Moisture Analysi

Estimation of Human Health Risk Due to Heavy Metals around Schools and Auto-Mobile Workshops near Frequented Roads in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Heavy metals are widely known for their potential to cause carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks. In this work, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks associated with heavy metals in the vicinity of schools and auto mechanic workshops close to busy roads in Kaduna state was assessed using NEX CG EDXRF MODEL with brand name RIGAKU situated at a UTM Laboratory, Malaysia. The obtained heavy metals concentrations were used to estimate the health effects that might result from exposure to carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic chemicals for both the population ages using US EPA methodology. Findings indicated that in some locations the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic hazards associated with exposure for residents was greater than the US EPA acceptable thresholds of 10-4 and 1 respectively. This indicated that the heavy metals may result to unacceptable carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks, which is an issue of concern in public health especially looking at the way school children play around these areas. The present study therefore provides scientific basis for strategies required to protect human and environmental health in schools and automobile workshops