Design and Fabrication of a Multi-Purpose Homogenizer

NIPES Journal of Science and Technology Research 2(3) 2020 pp. 21-35pISSN-2682-5821, eISSN-2682-5821 Design and Fabrication of a Multi-Purpose Homogenizer 1*Ajibola 3Adetoye O.O, 2Alamuoye O.F, 3Omoyeni D.O., 1Adebayo A.O., 1Borisade S.G., 3Olotu V., O., 3Adebanji S. 1*Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Dept, Federal University Oye Ekiti, Nigeria of Animal Science, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria 3Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Engineering Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti 2Department Article Info Abstract Received 12May 2020 Revised 24 June 2020 Accepted 26 June 2020 Available online 31August 2020 The homogenizer is vital equipment in numerous production sectors such as in food processing, animal feed processing, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, waste recycling and mineral and allied industries. In this work, a multi-purpose homogenizer suitable for the mixing of different materials (animal and fish feeds, coal fuel, foundry sand etc) was designed; fabricated and the performance of the machine evaluated. The cost is about #205,000.00. Keywords: Fabrication, Multi-purpose Homogenizer, Mineral, Animal Feed Processing, Mixing Homogeneity, Liquids Influence, Foundry Sand Mixers https://doi.org/10.37933/nipes/2.3.2020.4 https://nipesjournals.org.ng © 2020 NIPES Pub. All rights reserved 1. Introduction The use of homogenizer is indispensable in the solid-solid mixing of particles for agro processing, food processing, pharmaceutical, and metallurgical industries [1-5]. The design and fabrication of mixers are based on standard scientific theories and principles available in literature [1-65]. Most animal and fish feed mills depend on mixers of various kinds and capacities [6,62]. Coal is mixed with other fuel materials such as wood dust, rice husk, saw dust and starch (binder) for smelting process. Foundry sand is made from aggregates of different particle sizes and compositions obtained from different sources [7]. To carry out proper mixing and evenly blending of material, a homogenizer (mixer or agitator) is required. Homogenizers have different applications to many fields of operation but are similar in their operational principle. It is widely used in mixing different particulate materials before agglomeration [8, 63]. There are several choices of mixing equipment like horizontal and vertical agitated chambers, tumbling vessels, and air agitated operations [9-13]. Some of the key issues in solids mixing are material handling, proper mix time, mixer volume, scheduling and surge, segregation, and feeding, especially in the case of continuous mixing [4,5]. 21 O.O. Ajibola et al./ NIPES Journal of Science and Technology Research 2(3) 2020 pp. 21-35 The construction of homogenizer could be vertical or horizontal depending on the level of mixing required. It is important that the material should be properly agitated to optimize the effective blending. In view of this, due consideration should be given to the material properties (particle size, flow properties, repose and discharge) the machine is intended to be used for. The mixing of various materials of different particle sizes to produce a uniform blended aggregate in feed mills for agriculture, mineral processing and extraction plants require special agitator. The high cost of importation of such machine as essential equipment needed in most of the agriculture and engineering laboratories or workshops usually prompts the construction of the workable homogenizer. However, most available mixers are customized for specific application. 1.1. Mixing mechanisms and sampling Accurate and adequate mixing is highly vital in animal food production, whether or not there is additive or supplements to enhance the quality of the feed product. During mixing, considerations should be given to appropriate sequence of ingredient addition, right mixer feed level, dry mix [14], wet mix, and product discharge times [1,15,16] at mills as reported by Fahrenholz, [17] in his report. The purpose of study by Reese et al., 18] was to establish the impact of factors such as; sample location, mixing time, number, and blending technique on analyzed nutrients and ingredients mixed in a single screw vertical mixer. The result showed that homogenized, pelleted diet yielded the optimum performance and maximizes production [14,19]. The mixing process can be observed as an overlap of dispersion and convection. Movement of the particulate materials is a requirement of both mechanisms. Dispersion is completely the random change of place of the individual particles while convection causes a movement of large groups of particles relative to each other. The whole volume of material is continuously divided up and then mixed again after the portions have changed places [20]. Alhwaige et al., [21] studied the mixing process of free flowing polymers binary mixtures at different densities and colours in three mixers. The study analyzed the variation of the proportions of the marked particles with time and position in the bed or in the mixer. The results showed that complete mixing was attained at a bed depth of 17 cm and gas velocity of 1.38 Umf in the fluidised bed; 40% filled up level and 40 rpm in the V-mixer and 50% filled up level and 5 rpm in the Nauta-mixer. Tamir and Luzzatto [22] developed and successfully tested an innovative machine for solid‐solid and gas‐gas continuous mixing, based on the impingement of two streams. The test showed that the new device is convenient, easy to operate and more energy‐efficient in comparison to other available solid‐solid pneumatic mixers: fluidized bed, spouted bed, air mixer, and mixing silo. Static mixers are in-line devices consisting of motionless mixing components, inserted in the given length of the pipe. Homogenization is attained by using the flow energy of the material to be mixed while the mixing effect is dependent on the continuous separation, distribution, and reunion of particles in the stream of material [23]. 1.2. Applications to agriculture industries Feed mixers are used in feed mills for the mixing of feed ingredients and premixes. They play vital role in the feed production process, with efficient mixing being the key to good feed production. If feed is not mixed properly, ingredients and nutrients will not be properly distributed when it comes time to extrude and pelletize. Owing to the increased use of low-inclusion ingredients in feeds, it becomes more significant methods to evaluate efficiency [2]. The study compared different internal and external indicators of feed mixing efficiency using an experimental horizontal paddle mixer to evaluate dry mix cycle and the wet mix cycle. 1.3. Addition of small volumes of liquids According to Kirchner et al, [24] the separation of the food compounds from the supplements is common in animal feed production. To evade this, small amount of liquids [25-27] like water, molasses or vegetable oils are often mixed with the feed production line to cause small lumpiness 22 O.O. Ajibola et al./ NIPES Journal of Science and Technology Research 2(3) 2020 pp. 21-35 of fine particles. The addition of small quantity of liquids influences the distribution of particles during mixing [25], the product material and technical characteristics. Conversely, the mixing homogeneity of feeds achievable due to inadequate quantity of liquids added is not sufficiently characterized for now. Moritz et al, [28] showed that moisture increased pellet durability and decrease pellet mill energy consumption for corn-soya bean-based diets; and high moisturized pellet diets are good for bird performance within 3-to-6weeks grower period. Lundblad et al., [29] experimented two diets (barley, oats and soybean meal) and (maize and soybean meal) for finishing pigs to evaluate the influence of adding water at the mixer on feed processing and pellet feature; both with and without use of an expander. Adding up to 120gwater per 1kg feed into the mixer before steam conditioning and pelleting of the barley-based diet, enhanced pelleting efficiency and pellet durability index (PDI). There are wide varieties of feed mixers such as ribbon mixers, double shafted paddle mixers, horizontal mixers [30], and other feed mixers among which are continuous and vertical mixers, roller mills and hammers and batch mixers. The continuous mixers are pre-eminently suitable for equal dividing liquids into powdered material (for instance, molasses into mash). The quantity of liquid is exactly registered by the flow-meter which is suitable for automatic control. Ottevanger's vertical mixers are used to mix different raw materials or powdered finished products which are difficult to transport [31]. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) stated that unless the fisheries biologist understands and specifies the activities of the feed mill and its laboratory, profitable fish farming will be a matter of chance. FAO reported results showing that vertical mixers are not efficient for uniform mixing of solids and liquids or for materials of quite different particle size or density [32]. SKIOLD company delivers diagonal mixers, horizontal mixers, paddle mixers and small batch mixers for all purposes and capabilities [33]. The Alvan Blanch mixer is ideal for blending a wide range of dry products of varying densities, meal, rolled grain, cake, pellets, dried beet pulp, vitamin/mineral premix and proportions of moist products such as brewers grains. Liquid molasses may also be introduced in ratios of up to 10% if evenly applied [34]. 1.4. Applications to metal casting industries and fuels in combustion engines Foundry sand mixers: Hand methods of mixing sand may be hard and difficult when there is large quantity of stock to work with. EIRICH specializes in foundry sand mixer machines for preparing bentonite-bonded molding sand, and for many years, the company has maintained a close working relationship with foundries, mold makers and research organizations [35]. Most small foundry shops mix their sand manually which is not efficient since homogenous mix cannot be guaranteed and even when foundry mixers are available, most of them are imported, thereby costing the nation huge foreign exchange. A foundry sand mixer capable of mixing foundry sand was designed and fabricated by Osarenmwinda and Iguodala [36]. Continuous whirl mixers manufactured by AalenerGießereimaschinen GmbH (AAGM) manifest in particular, in the mixing quality of the sand with the minimal consumption of binders and curing agents, the short throughput and mixing times, and simple operation and control. The capacities ranges from 1t/h to 100 t/h and can be customized to individual requirements [37]. Core Sand Mixers for sand plant and sand preparation equipment are produced by Vijay Engineers and fabricators in India [38]. Mixers and SMC were designed for use with high-capacity DISA mixers. The DISA SMC regulates and monitors the process in the sand mixer and ensures that the characteristics of the prepared moulding sand remain within a constant range. The regulation is automatic and continuous by in-mixer analysis of the sand during mixing [39]. Jiang et al., [3] analyzed the significance of the gravel filling degree, the drum rotational speed, number of lifters and drum diameter selected as the influencing mixing factors in the rotating drum (rotary kiln and ball mill) being widely used in food processing, smelting, cement, pharmaceuticals 23 O.O. Ajibola et al./ NIPES Journal of Science and Technology Research 2(3) 2020 pp. 21-35 and other related industries [3,4,40,41]. Wu and Saxena, [42] studied the mixing of light paper pellets in a sand fluidized bed at varying paper pellets proportions (0-20 mass%) over a range of air velocities (0-1.5 m/s) at surface and ambient conditions. Mixers are incorporated in the fuel reticulation for combustion engines. Some works [5,43-45] have intended to enhance fuel economy and decrease emissions during conversion from a diesel engine to a dual fuel engine not taking into account the enhancement of homogeneity of the mixture inside the engine and precise control of the air-fuel ratio. Recently, an innovative air-fuel mixer was developed, fabricated and assessed to be suitable for mixing air, hydrogen and CNG [46]. The work of Li et al., [47] on the properties and mechanism enlightened on novel method to make magnetic bio-derived chars by physical co-mixing. Kushnir et al, [9] designed and manufactured an experimental feed mixer aimed at understanding the essence of the theoretical calculations of the lobed mixer and technique of the experiments. Previous researches on mixer based feed preparation include a number of leading scientists [10,11] and the factors of assessing the quality of the mixture acts [12]. Of recent, Dhankani and Pearce, [13] developed an open-source 3-D printable laboratory sample rotator mixer in two alternatives that allow users to opt for functionality, cost saving and related complication needed in the laboratories. The sample rotator is designed and confirmed suitable for tumbling and gentle mixing of specimens in an array of tube sizes placed horizontally, vertically or any position in between. The objective of the present work is to construct a homogenizer suitable for the mixing of different materials (animal and fish feeds, coal fuel, foundry sand etc.). The present report covers the design, material selection, fabrication and assembling while testing and performance evaluation of the homogenizer is intended for future research reports. The project will enhance better understanding of the fabrication process and application of homogenizer in mixing difference materials and the techniques involved. 2.1. Methodology 2.1.1. Design process, criteria and tools The design process offers insights into the several roles played by the materials selection expert and reviews the process and methods that may be applied to enhance and improve the effectiveness of the design process [48]. Criteria and concepts in design go into detail on many of the "soft" issues related to design, process, safety, manufacturability, and quality. They are of critical importance, because parts and assemblies must be made with well understood variance, consistent processing, and the expectation that the part will perform safely and reliably in the ultimate customer's application. The design tools detail is associated with a state-of-the-art design process, which include: discussions on paper and paperless drawings, computer-aided drafting and design, prototyping, modeling, optimization, documentation and so on. 2.2 Design parameters 2.2.1 Volumetric capacity of the homogenizer The total volumetric capacity of the homogenizer (VT) = (vol. of cylinder + conical fulcrum vol.) – vol. of inner cylindrical barrel. That is, (1) 𝑉𝑇 = 𝜋𝑅12 𝑑1 + (13𝜋𝑅22 [𝑑2 + 𝑋] − 13𝜋𝑅32 ) − 𝜋𝑅42 [𝑑1 + 𝑑2 + 𝑋]  = 3.142, R1is radius of cylinder, d1is height of cylinder, R2 is Radius of conical part, d2 is height of cone outside, (d2 + X) is height of cone with inner extension, R3is Radius of cone base and R4is Radius of inner barrel/cylinder 24 O.O. Ajibola et al./ NIPES Journal of Science and Technology Research 2(3) 2020 pp. 21-35 2.2.2 Energy transmission and torque 2.2.3 Power and feed charge calculations The power of the prime mover = power to drive total weight (of spiral agitator and weight of feed inside the inner barrel) Total weight of spiral shaft driven by prime mover in the inner barrel = Wtshaft Total weight of feed in the inner barrel = Wtfeed Total volume of inner cylindrical barrel (VT) is defined as: (2) 𝑉𝑇 = 𝜋𝑅42 [𝑑1 + 𝑑2 + 𝑋] Total length or height of feed movement in the inner barrel = length of shaft 2.2.4 Material balance and feed charge calculations Applying the law of mass conservation, over a short time interval, Mass inflow = Mass outflow Material volume inflow at inlet 𝑀𝑖 = A1 V1 ∆t Material volume outflow at discharge 𝑀𝑜 = A2 V2 ∆t Hence, Mass inflow at inlet 𝑀𝑖 = A1 V1 ∆t Mass outflow at discharge 𝑀𝑜 = A2 V2 ∆t Therefore, 𝐴1 𝑉1 = A2 V2 For mixture of n-number of materials (different compositions or sizes) 𝐴1 = ρ1 A1 V1 + ρ2 A2 V2 + ρ3 A3 V3 + … … . . . . ρn An Vn (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) 2.2.5 Determination of moisture content Moisture Content, 𝑀𝑐 = 𝑊𝑤 −𝑊𝑑 𝑊𝑑 𝑥 100% (9) where WW is weight of wet sample, Wd is weight of dry sample 2.2.6 Rule of mixture Most importantly; mixing in the manufacture of a uniform blend of numerous constituents reduce the effects of the disparity in their concentrations [49,64,65]. The tracer’s concentration (p) and other constituents/ingredients (q) in the mixture are related by (10.1): p + q = 1. (10.1) Considering samples of definite size and their content with the tracer in the mixture; the tracer concentration (xi) in the samples will vary at random about the tracer’s concentration (p) in the total mixture. Thus, the mixing quality can only be evaluated statistically. The lower the variation in concentration (xi) about the concentration (p), the better is the mixing quality. This can be quantified by the statistical variance of sample concentration σ2, also defined as the degree of mixing. Theoretical variance is caculated from eq. (10.2) 𝑁𝑔 1 (𝑥𝑖 − 𝑝)2 𝜎 2 = ∑𝑡𝑎𝑛1 (10.2) 𝑁𝑔 and relative standard deviation (RSD) as (11) 2 (11) 𝑅𝑆𝐷 = √𝜎 ⁄𝑝 2.2.7 Shaft with spiral plates, pulley and bearing design A shaft is a rotating solid or hollow circular cross-sectional part which transmits rotational motion and power. It consists of machine elements (pulleys, clutches, flywheels, gears, and sprockets) mounted on the shaft to transmit power from the prime mover (motor or engine) through a machine. The machine elements are attached by keys, press fit, pins, dowel, and splines to the shaft which rotates on rolling bush bearings or contact bearings [50]. A variety of retaining rings, grooves, thrust 25 O.O. Ajibola et al./ NIPES Journal of Science and Technology Research 2(3) 2020 pp. 21-35 bearings and steps take up axial loads and set the rotating elements in the shaft, while the power is transmitted from drive shaft (prime mover) to the driven shaft (wheels, gearbox) by couplings. The shaft is subjected to bending moment, torsion and axial force [50]. The material used is heat treated hot-rolled plain carbon steel already explained [51,53]. Pulleys are used to transmit motion and torque fromone shaft to another. 2.2.8 Design considerations for shaft The parameters in the machine shaft design are regarded as the engineering basis and are adopted as Equations (12) – (24) [53-56]: 2.2.9 Shaft diameter Hall et al., [53] had established a mathematical expression for determining the size of shaft diameter under torsion as equation (12) and (13) [54]: (12)  = 16𝑇⁄𝜋𝑑3 Thus, 3 5.1𝑇 𝑑=√ (13) 𝜏 where  is torsion, T is torque and dis shaft diameter 2.2.10 Transmitted torque Accordingly, for a line shaft carrying pulleys, the torque on the shaft is presented by [55] as equation (14): 𝑇𝑠 = (9.55x 106 P)⁄N (14) where Ts is torque on the shaft, P is power input, N is rotational speed of the shaft. Figure 1: Energy transmission and torque Angular velocity ω, at certain speed is given by (15) [56]: 2πN (15) 𝜔=( ) 60 Transmitted power H (in kwh) and angular velocity, ω are related as (16) and (17) [56]: 2πN 𝐻 = 𝑀𝑡 𝜔 = 𝑀𝑡 ( ) (16) where 𝑀𝑡 = 𝐻 =𝐻×( 60 60 2𝜋𝑁 𝜔 )= 30𝐻 (17) 𝜋𝑁 2.2.11 Design based on strength The stress at any point depends on the nature of load acting on the shaft presented as basic stress Equations (18)-(24) for shaft design [57] as follows: 2.2.12 Bending stress The bending stress is defined as; 32𝑀 𝜎𝑏 = 𝜋𝑑3(1−𝑘 −4 ) 0 (18) 26 O.O. Ajibola et al./ NIPES Journal of Science and Technology Research 2(3) 2020 pp. 21-35 where, M is the bending moment at the point of interest, do is the outer diameter of the shaft, k is the ratio of inner to outer diameters of the shaft (in the present case, k = 0 for a solid shaft since the inner diameter is zero) 2.2.13 Axial stress The axial stress is defined in (19) as; 4𝛼𝐹 𝜎𝑠 = 𝜋𝑑3(1−𝑘 −4 ) (19) 0 where, F is axial force (tensile or compressive), α =column-action factor(1.0 for tensile load). α is called column action factor, due to buckling of long slender parts subjected to axial compressive loadings and it is defined as (20) and (21); 1 𝛼 = 1−0.0044(𝐿 For L/K 115 (20) ⁄𝐾) 2 𝜎 𝐿 ( ) For L/K >115 (21) 𝛼 = 𝜋2𝑦𝑐 𝑛𝐸 𝐾 n = 1.0 for hinged end, n = 2.25 for fixed end, n = 1.6 for ends partly restrained, as in bearing, K is the least radius of gyration, L is the shaft length, σycis the yield stress in compression 2.2.14 Stress due to torsion The torsional stress is given by (22) 16𝑇 𝜏𝑥𝑦 = 𝜋𝑑3(1−𝑘 −4 ) (22) 0 T is the torque on the shaft, and τxy is the shear stress due to torsion 2.2.15 Combined bending and axial stress The bending and axial stresses are normal stresses represented by equation (23); 𝜎𝑏 = [𝜋𝑑332𝑀 ± 𝜋𝑑24𝛼𝐹 ] (23) (1−𝑘4 ) (1−𝑘2 ) 0 0 Shear stress due to torsion is only considered in a shaft and shear stress due to neglected load on the shaft. 2.2.16 Maximum shear stress theory The maximum shear stress theory as related to the shaft design is given as (24): 𝝈 𝟐 𝝉𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 𝝉𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 = √[ 𝟐𝒙] + 𝝉𝟐𝒙𝒚 (24) Figure 2: (a) Spiral agitator plate and (b) Assembly of shaft and Spiral agitator plate 27 O.O. Ajibola et al./ NIPES Journal of Science and Technology Research 2(3) 2020 pp. 21-35 Figure 3: (a) Assembling shaft, pulley, bearing and belt 2.2.18 Pulley–belt design a) b) c) Figure 4: Assembly of belt and pulleys 2.2.19 Agitation speed For the rotating shaft-pulley connection; the following design parameters are calculated considering the equation (25) [57]; DS/DD = ND/NS (25) where DS is diameter of pulley connected to the spiral shaft, DD is diameter of pulley on power drive, ND is the speed of power drive and NSis the speed of spiral agitator. Figure 5: belt and pulleys transmit motion and torque from one shaft to another 2.2.20. Hopper design The angle of repose of the solid products (sand, maize, palm kennel cake etc) on mild steel is 35o[58]Inclination angle of the front and side faces of the feed loading bucket are greater than the product repose angle which allows total product migration into the feed throat [56]: The hopper is made of near rectangular shape loading bucket and the feed throat (a cut right rectangular pyramid, while the feed throat is of cut rectangular prism. The volume (Vtp) of the cut pyramid is given as (26) by Adetunji and Quadri [59]: Vtp = [ h2 B2 −h1 B1 3 ] (26) 2.3 Design evalution The following parameters (Equations 27-29) are adopted [48] and used in assessing the realiability and useful life of the machine. 28 O.O. Ajibola et al./ NIPES Journal of Science and Technology Research 2(3) 2020 pp. 21-35 i. Mean time to failure (MTTF) is used in assessing the reliability in design; it explains particularly the mean time to first failure and it is express as (27): ∞ ∞ 𝑡 (27) 𝑀𝑇𝑇𝐹 = ∫0 𝑅(𝑡)𝑑𝑡 = ∫0 {𝑒𝑥𝑝 [− ∫0 (𝜏)𝑑𝑡]} 𝑑𝑡 ii. Mean time between failure (MTBF)is also expressed mathematically as in(27). MTTF of the individual components and MTBF (mean time between successive component failures) are related by (28); 1 1 (28) = ∑𝑚 𝑗=1 (𝑀𝑇𝑇𝐹) 𝑀𝑇𝐵𝐹 𝑗 where the whole equipment has m number of components of different ages replacable at different times of failure. Since MTBF is time dependent; MTTF and MTBF are identical at first time of operating the equipment. iii. The useful life period of a machine in which there is constant failure rate is expressed as; 𝑡 𝑅(𝑡) = exp [− ∫0 𝑑𝑡] = 𝑒 −𝑡 (29) R is reliability of a device, t is operating periods of the same length,  is the failure rate (constant) (ASM vol, 20) [48] iv. Efficiency of the mixer ε, was determined using Equations (30) and (31) by Hall et al., [60,61]according to Osarenmwinda and Iguodala, [36]; Output power x 100% (30) ε = Input power For the homogenizer, the efficiency is determined by Power required x 100% ε = Power supplied 2.4 (31) Design drawings Figure6: Sectional 3D view of multi –purpose homogenizer 29 O.O. Ajibola et al./ NIPES Journal of Science and Technology Research 2(3) 2020 pp. 21-35 FIGURE: SECTION THROUGH AA Figure7: 3D drawing of multi –purpose homogenizer – Pulley Figure 8: Plan view of multi-purpose homogenizer Figure 9: Sectional view through the multi-purpose homogenizer 30 O.O. Ajibola et al./ NIPES Journal of Science and Technology Research 2(3) 2020 pp. 21-35 2.5. Material selection and costing The materials selected for the homogenizer construction and criteria for selection are stated in Table 1, while the bill of quantity is in Table 2. Table 1: Material selection Components Materials Characteristics Ball bearing Ball bearing Strong, cheap and allows free rotation Bolt, nuts and washers Mild steel bold and nuts Easy joining and fastening. Dissembling is easy and fast. Outer cylindrical shell Mild steel sheet Corrosion resistant, weld able and can withstand vibration. Supporting stand Mild steel angle bar Withstand eccentric motion, weld able and corrosion resistant. Spiral plates V-belt Power drive High carbon steel Impregnated rubber Electric motor Suitable for vertical transfer of solid materials Cheap and strong Higher efficiency Table 2: Materials and Cost Valuation Materials Electric motor drive V-pulley V-pulley V-belt Shaft steel rod Ball bearing 2.5 mm Copper wire Socket Specifications 3.0 Horse power, 50 mm, diameter 180 mm, diameter Switch, fuse box Plug Welding electrode Flat Steel sheet Steel angle bar Cutting stone Grinding stone Gloss paint Primer paint Thinner Plastic filler Sand papers 220V/15A 220V/15A Gauge 12 240 cm x120 cm x 2mm, thick 3.81 mm, thick 22.86 cm, diameter 22.86 cm, diameter Autos-base Gloss Solvent Bolt and nuts Workmanship (rolling, welding) Workmanship (Painting) Transport Miscellaneous/logistics Total 24 mm dia, 160 cm long 25.4 mm, internal diameter 2.5 mm, 3 core flex 220V/15A Hard, rough Hard, smooth Quantity 1 1 1 1 1 2 4m 2 2 1 1 pkt 2 2 4 5 4 ltrs 1 ltr 4 ltrs 4 ltrs 1pack ½ pack 12 pcs Cost (N) 40000 4000 8000 3000 15000 6000 2000 3000 2000 1500 8000 30000 10000 4000 5000 10000 1500 6000 6000 1000 500 1000 5500 5000 15000 12000 205,000 2.6 Construction details The major components of the homogenizer which include the drums, support frames, conveyor (spiral plate), inner barrel/drum and electric motor were assembled into a unique solid structure by different joining methods (Figures 2-10). a. Housing unit (outer drum): This was made of 91 cm height by 76.2 cm diameter, steel sheet. The steel sheet was cut, rolled to form cylinder and the edge welded. b. Support frame: Four (4) number of steel angle bars were of 145 cm height were welded to the outer drum to act as support for the housing case. 31 O.O. Ajibola et al./ NIPES Journal of Science and Technology Research 2(3) 2020 pp. 21-35 c. Inner barrel/drum: This was made of iron sheet, roll to form cylinder of 136cm height by 50 cm diameter which was placed inside the bigger cylinder and also housing the conveyor. d. Feed inlet: This was made of iron sheet cut and attached with outer section of inner steel shell by welding. e. Feed outlet: This was attached with conical part by welding. f. Conical fulcrum steel part: This was made of 2 mm long steel sheet having 76.2cm, upper and 50cm, lower diameters respectively, attached to the main drum by welding. g. Power drive: The electric motor single-phase 3.0 horse power, 1425 revolution per minute supplies energy for rotating the conveyor which carry the feed up. The electric motor was mounted on the upper side of the homogenizer housing by bolt and nuts; and connected to the rotating spiral conveyor using V-belt. The rotation of the electric motor provides easy up-take of the feed by the spiral conveyor system. 3. Results and discussion The components were assembled into a unique solid machine of vertical homogenizer type machine designed for dry and semi-wet operation as shown in Figure 10. 3.1. Functionality The machine is designed to handle all manner of solid particles (agricultural produce such as cereals, beans, husks, clay, minerals, coal, sand, wood dust, etc) of diverse densities depending on variation in their mix ratios. In the test run exercise, the performance showed that the machine can effectively be used in mixing of solid fuel materials for briquetting purpose. The machine can operate within 10-15% moisture per 1.0 kg feed charge content in correlation with Lundbladet al., [29] and in accordance with the various scientific principles recommended in various previous works [62-65]. 3.2. Wear and corrosion control Since the mixer is designed to handle both dry and moistened solid particles, there is the need to protect it against wear and corrosion in order to save the work life span of the mixer. The steel materials from which the inner components such as the long shaft and spiral blades were heat-treated [51,53] prior to fabrication while the entire exterior was coated using plastic resin and oil base paint. Figure10: Photographic view of multi–purpose homogenizer 32 O.O. Ajibola et al./ NIPES Journal of Science and Technology Research 2(3) 2020 pp. 21-35 4.0 Conclusion The relevant basic engineering principles were used in the design and construction of the homogenizer. The machine was test run and found to be suitable for solid-solid particle mixing especially for light mineral and agricultural products, and it could be used for small-scale experimentation. The results of fabrication, test run and assessment of mixing efficiency are under consideration for publication in other report elsewhere. Further research could improve and reduce the common errors to the minimum allowable limit. Acknowledgement The authors express their sincere gratitude to the Head, Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Engineering, The Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti; and the Management of the Premier Wings Engineering services, Ado Ekiti for providing the workshops for the fabrication. References [1] Stark, C.R., Fahrenholz, A.C. (2015). Quality assurance programs in feed manufacturing. In Fahrenholz, A.C, 2019. Best practices: Mixing and sampling, Animal Feed Science and Technology. 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