Development And Performance Evaluation Of Durability Testing Machine
The development and performance evaluation of a durability testing machine represent a significant advancement in engineering technology. This apparatus plays a crucial role in assessing the longevity and reliability of various materials, components, and products under simulated real-world conditions. Through meticulous design and calibration, this testing equipment ensures precise and consistent evaluation, enabling researchers and manufacturers to identify potential weaknesses, predict product lifespan, and enhance overall quality. By subjecting specimens to rigorous and diverse stressors such as mechanical forces, temperature fluctuations, and environmental factors, this innovative tool facilitates comprehensive analysis, enabling iterative improvements and fostering innovation in material science and product development.
Durability is used for quantifying the quality of briquette as the ratio of the unbroken weight to initial weight of briquette. This equally measure the durability of briquette under impact load during transportation and handling. A durability machine was developed and has dimension of 300mm×(25×25×3mm)×450mm.It was powered by electric motor of size 0.93hp.The results show that briquette formed from moringa stover has durability of 50%,63.4% and 79% from treatment T1 (100g ) , T2 ( 200g ) And T3(300g) respectively with corresponding unit density of (0.126kg/m3,0.130kg/m3 and 0.194kg/m3).Castor stover has durability of 63.4%,73.3% and79,7% from treatment T1 ( 100g ) , T2 (200g ) And T3(300g) respectively and unit density of 0.162kg/m3,0.167kg/m3and 0.193kg/m3).sorghum stover has durability of (73.3%,79% and 87.4%) from treatment T1(100g), T2(200g) And T3(300g) and unit density of 0.316kg/m3,0.273kg/m3and 0.262kg/m3.the testing duration 3min and rotational speed 40rpm. . The durability test shows that sorghum stover has the highest durability compares to moringa stover and castor stover.
Tittle page
Certification
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table of Content
List of Figure
List of Table
CHAPTER ONE:
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Preambles 1
1.2 Statement of the Problems 2
1.3 Durability Characteristics 2
1.4 Objectives 3
1.5 Justification 3
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Definition of Durability 4
2.2 Durability measurement and equipment 4
2.2.1 Tumbler tester 4
2.2.2 Dural tester 6
2.2.3 Lingo tester 7
2.2.4 Holmen tester 8
2.2.5 Drop tester 9
2.3 Durability tester 10
2.3.1 Briquette durability test 11
2.3.2 Pellet durability test 11
2.3.3 Durability test of cubes 12
2.4 Factors affecting durability of briquette 13
2.4.1 Effects of feed constituent on durability of briquette 13
2.4.2 Effect on moisture content on durability of briquette 14
2.4.3 Effect of particle size on durability of briquette 15
2.4.4 Effect of steam conditioning/preheating on durability of briquette 15
2.4.5 Effects of binders/addictives on durability of briquette 15
CHAPTER THREEE:
MATERIAL AND METHOLOGY
3.1 Material 16
3.2 Description of durability testing machine 16
3.3 Component part of the machine 16
3.3.1 Frame 16
3.3.2 Durability box 17
3.3.3 Pulley and belt 17
3.3.4 Bearing 17
3.3.5 Shaft 17
3.3.6 Key 17
3.3.7 Electric motor 18
3.4 Design consideration 18
3.4.1 Portability 18
3.4.2 Cost of production 18
3.4.3 Area/volume 18
3.5 Assembly of the construction 19
3.6 Design calculation 19
3.6.1 Determination of power transmitted shaft 19
3.6.2 Pulley design 20
3.6.3 Belt design 21
3.7 Performance evaluation 22
3.7.1 Experimental design 22
3.7.2 Experimental instrument 22
3.7.3 Experimental material 22
3.7.4 Experimental procedure 23
CHAPTER FOUR:
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Result 26
4.1.1 Durability and unit density of moringa ground 26
4.1.2 Durability and unit density of castor ground 27
4.1.3 Durability and unit density of sorghum ground 28
4.2 Discussion 29
CHAPTER FIVE:
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Conclusion 35
5.2 Recommendation 36
Reference 37
Appendix 39
LIST OF FIGURE
Figure 2.1 Holmen pellet tester 9
Figure 4.1 Durability line for moringa briquette 33
Figure 4.1.1 Unit density of moringa briquette 33
Figure 4.2 Durability line for castor briquette 35
Figure 4.2.1 Unit density of castor briquette 35
Figure 4.3 Durability line for sorghum briquette 37
Figure 4.3.1 Unit density of sorghum briquette 37
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Preamble
Durability is the assurance or probability that an equipment, machine or material will have a relative long continuous useful life, without requiring an inordinate degree of maintenance. It is the ability to undergo permanent deformation without cracking or fracturing.
Durability testing is performance testing equipment used to determine the characteristics of a system under various load condition over time. This testing help us to identify the stability of a transaction response times over the duration of the test.
The importance of durability is to know the shell life of an equipment or agricultural material like the other dimension of quality, it is easier to plan durability into a product design and manufacture process that it is alter the finished product. There are many ways to increase a product durability, you can increase it’s by using durable part an modules in your product. Another way to increase durability is to use redundancy redundant part can vastly increase durability, however it will increase the product weight and cost as well. And finally another way to increase durability is to design a product or equipment for the most demanding user, that way to the average user the products appear to be very durable (Tomas foster 2001).
When designing a product and its durability, you should design with your product base, user base, manufacturing base and value base in mind. Difference product bases require different levels of durability. The difference can be seen in an equipment, vehincles e.g (the two types of ford vehicles, the crown Victoria which is a law enforcement vehicle and the focus which is an economic car both vehicles are design from the ground up to be different types of cars with the different levels of durability. Another example is a non durable product is the common light bulb. Light bulbs are design to last about a year or less and the slightest power surge or vibration can break their filament , rendering them useless. It would be nearly impossible to increase the durability of finished light bulb. However if you design light bulb for extended life and use a quality manufacturing process, you can drastically increase the durability of the light bulb (Hall, 2001).
1.2 Statement of The Problem
Agricultural material during processing of briquette or pellet is one of the most environment problems in developing countries. The unavailability of equipment to test the durability of briquette/pellets produce from biomass cannot be over emphasized, hence there is need to develop a machine to solve these challenges.
However the decreasing life span of agricultural material draw the attention to the need to consider an equipment which will determine the span of a material.
1.3 Durability Characteristics
Durability characteristics are stated below:
i. Dust resistance.
ii. It will free from fire resistance.
iii. Radiation hardening.
iv. Thermal resistance.
v. Rot proofing.
vi. Rust proofing.
vii. Toughness.
viii. Water proofing.
ix. Ability to withstand wear, pressure or damage.
1.4 Objectives of the Project
The main aim of this project is to develop a machine that can be used to determine the durability of briquette produced from agricultural materials.
The objectives of this project work are to;
i. Design and fabrication of durability testing machine
ii carry out performance evaluation of durability testing machine
1.5 Justification
The development and performance evaluation of a durability testing machine will go a long way
i. to assist producer of briquette to determine the ability of the briquette produce to impact load
ii. to enhance the increase in production of biomass.
iii. to generate revenue from researches who engage the equipment for determination of the durability of briquette.
Development And Performance Evaluation Of Durability Testing Machine:
The development and performance evaluation of a durability testing machine is a complex process that requires careful planning, design, construction, and testing. Durability testing machines are used to assess the long-term performance and reliability of various products and materials, such as automotive components, consumer electronics, industrial equipment, and more. Here are the key steps involved in developing and evaluating a durability testing machine:
- Define Objectives:
- Determine the specific objectives of your durability testing machine. What type of products or materials will it be testing, and what performance parameters are you interested in evaluating (e.g., fatigue, wear, corrosion resistance)?
- Research and Benchmarking:
- Conduct thorough research to understand the testing requirements, standards, and industry best practices related to the type of durability testing you intend to perform.
- Review existing durability testing machines and their design features to identify potential improvements or innovations.
- Design and Engineering:
- Work with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to design the machine.
- Specify the machine’s load capacity, speed, cycle type, and any other relevant parameters.
- Choose suitable materials for construction to ensure durability and longevity.
- Develop control systems and automation for test cycles.
- Include safety features to protect operators and equipment.
- Component Selection:
- Choose appropriate sensors, actuators, and data acquisition systems to monitor and control the test conditions.
- Select the necessary software tools for data analysis and visualization.
- Fabrication and Assembly:
- Build the machine according to the design specifications, ensuring precision and accuracy in its construction.
- Calibrate and test individual components before assembly.
- Software Development:
- Develop software for controlling the testing machine and collecting data.
- Implement safety interlocks and emergency stop mechanisms.
- Create a user-friendly interface for operators to set test parameters and monitor progress.
- Testing and Validation:
- Conduct initial tests with a range of products or materials to validate the machine’s performance.
- Identify and address any design flaws or operational issues.
- Ensure the machine complies with relevant safety standards.
- Performance Evaluation:
- Evaluate the durability testing machine’s performance against predefined criteria and industry standards.
- Verify the accuracy and repeatability of test results.
- Make any necessary adjustments or improvements based on the evaluation findings.
- Documentation and Reporting:
- Document the design, construction, and testing processes, including all specifications and procedures.
- Create user manuals and training materials for operators.
- Maintenance and Upkeep:
- Establish a maintenance schedule to ensure the machine remains in optimal working condition.
- Train personnel to perform routine maintenance tasks and troubleshoot issues.
- Continuous Improvement:
- Continuously monitor and evaluate the machine’s performance over time.
- Consider feedback from users and industry developments to implement upgrades and enhancements.
- Compliance and Certification:
- If applicable, seek certification or compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations.
Developing and evaluating a durability testing machine is a complex undertaking that requires interdisciplinary expertise in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software development, and materials science. It’s essential to prioritize safety, accuracy, and repeatability throughout the process to ensure reliable and meaningful test results.