Erratum

Preceding volume 10 number 1 of June 2017:(Title of Article: “Facilities Improvement for Sustainability of Existing Public Office Buildings in Nigeria”. Authors: Adeyemi, A., Martin, O., Kasim, R. & Adeyemi, A. I.: Page 12, para. 1, line 1; replace “Abuja” with “Bauchi” – as the study area of above title was “Bauchi”. Inadvertence and inconvenience regretted)

Editorial

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Artisanal quarries in Kaduna Metropolis with associated socio-economic benefits

This research assessed the socio-economic benefits that exist in artisanal quarries of Kaduna Metropolis. Rock quarrying like other mining sectors contributes significantly to the socio-economic development of those engaged in Quarry and their host communities. This study used questionnaire administration and field observation to collect data from 5 artisanal quarry sites in Kaduna Metropolis. Global position instrument (GPS) was used for taking the bearings and locations of the quarry sites. Geographic and Geologic maps of Kaduna metropolis were also used for the research. Result showed that Majority 238 (60%) of the respondents were married, majority of the workers were Moslems while only (18%) of them were Christians. The ethnic composition of the workers are Hausas forming the majority. Other ethnic groups were Isoko, Igbo, Ron and Guduf. Result also showed low level of education. Least monthly earning was N20, 000 per month by those engaged in artisanal Quarrying. The socio-economic conditions of overwhelming majority of the workers have improved as a result of earnings from the quarries. Observations and interview showed that the quarry miners did not use recommended safety wears. Many people are exposed to pollutants which may cause cancer later without realizing it

Physio-Chemical and Thermal Properties of Alkaleri Kaolin, Bauchi State, Nigeria for Ceramics Applications

A kaolin deposit is of considerable economic potential and occurs in Alkaleri local government area in Bauchi state, Nigeria. It is well accepted that the mineralogical composition controls ceramics processing properties. The qualities of raw clays are evaluated merely by their chemical composition and grains size distribution. The kaolin investigated in this study was evaluated through multi-approach method. Atterberg limit: Liquid limit 50.4%; Plastic limit 24.3%; Plasticity index 26.1%; drying and firing shrinkage 5%. Chemical composition: XRF revealed SiO2 40.90%; Al2O3 38.90% and total fluxes content of 1.43%; LOI 13%. XRD revealed the present of quartz, hematite, kaolinite and illinite; DTA curve revealed the present of endothermic peak at 600oC and exothermic peak at 1000oC. SEM showed irregular particles shape and porous texture. The study elucidated properties of Alkaleri kaolin suitable for application in ceramics. Keywords: Alkaleri, Kaolin, Physio-Chemical quality, XRF, XRD, Differential Thermal Analysi

Editorial

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The potential of biogas as fuel for high temperature ceramic kiln firing

This study reports on the generation and scrubbing of biogas using a simple water displacement technique, as well as bottling and deploying the gas to ceramic kiln firing. The result of the study indicated that, 127 L of biogas containing 75.2% raw methane and 93.8 % bio-methane were generated with a period of 28 days and compressed at ambient temperature into a 20kg, and 2x 12.5kg LPG cylinder at 240 psi (16bar). The scrubbed and bottled biomethane exhibit the potential of firing a 0.160505M3 kiln to 1280OC in 9 hrs. This is indication of the potential inherent in biogas for high temperature ceramic kiln firing.Keywords: Biogas, Biomethane, Ceramic kiln, Firing, Temperatur