Browsing by Author "Tumutegyereize, Peter"
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Item Arduino based control of the Food and Water Conveyance Systems of a Refractance Window Dryer(International Journal of Scientific Advances, 2021) Mutumba, Raymonds; Kigozi, Julia; Tumutegyereize, Peter; Ssenyimba, Shaffic; Muyonga, JohnA refractance window dryer with a 14.5kg/hr throughput capacity was developed to effectively dry food product of 3mm on the conveyor belt. For efficient dryer performance an automated system for the conveyor belt movement and water conveyance system was designed. The automated system comprised of an ARDUINO centered control system, an arrangement of sensors, water pump and the conveyor motor. A computer program was written in Arduino environment, successfully compiled and uploaded on to the controller board to process all commands. The system was fi rst simulated successfully in ISIS Proteus environment and connected onto a bread board for testing before attaching the motor onto the main circuit board. Performance tests done at 85°C revealed that there was no movement of the belt as temperature built steadily from 31.19°C until it reached a temperature of 92.0°C in the boiler. The maximum recorded water temperature was 98.06°C and the system had an operating range of 95±3°C. Achieving this led to an automated food conveyance system that was reliable and ensured high product quality. The Arduino based system worked well and is recommended for the refractance window dryer and can be up scaled to a bigger similar machine.Item A comparative performance analysis of carbonized briquettes and charcoal fuels in Kampala-urban, Uganda(Energy for Sustainable Development, 2016) Tumutegyereize, Peter; Mugenyi, Ronal; Ketlogetswe, Clever; Gandure, JerekiasAs a result of the rising energy needs and environmental concerns, carbonized briquettes have been looked at as a possible substitute source of energy for charcoal in most of the developing regions. However their use and adoption in Uganda cannot be ratedamidst continued increase in charcoal demand fromthe ever growing urbanization. This study therefore investigated burning performance and cost in affecting briquette use. A comparative performance analysiswas carried out for locally purchased carbonized briquettes made frommatooke peels plus other household wastes and charcoal fuel denoted as A, B, C, and D, using a nested design. Calorific value, ash content, moisture content, burning time, and time of boil as well as cost per kilogram and per energy output, were the parameters compared. Results showed that gross calorific values were comparable for the two fuel types in the range of 4663–6517 kcal/kg. However, the average cost per energy output of briquettes as received was more than twice that of charcoal. This implies that briquettes are not worth their price since their calorific values are comparable to those of charcoal. The least expected was that shape and size of briquettes did not have influence on burning time and time of boil, an indication of briquette adulteration. Therefore further research needs to look at how the cost per energy output of briquettes can be reduced to be comparable to that of charcoal without compromising the quality. This workwill contribute to monitoring policies and promote efficient briquette production methods to reduce the cost of briquettes in order to create a competitive edge against charcoal. But at the moment, charcoal users may not be attracted to briquettes due to their high cost per energy output, calling for an alternative path of household waste utilization to provide sustainable energy.Item Contextual investigation of factors affecting sludge accumulation rates in lined pit latrines within Kampala slum areas, Uganda(Water SA, 2016) Zziwa, Ahamada; Lugali, Yvonne; Wanyama, Joshua; Banadda, Noble; Kabenge, Isa; Kambugu, Robert; Kyazze, Florence; Kigozi, Julia B.; Tumutegyereize, PeterPit latrines in slums areas of Uganda fill up faster than might be expected from some estimates owing to inappropriate use and failure to consider critical factors affecting sludge accumulation rates at the planning, design and construction stages. This study sought to investigate factors affecting filling rates of lined pit latrines in slum areas of Kampala with the goal of contributing to accurate planning, design, construction, emptying and overall maintenance. Fifty-five pit latrines were selected from the five divisions of Kampala city using stratified random sampling. Data collected included: number of users, frequency of emptying, years taken since last emptying, type of non-faecal materials deposited, cross-sectional dimensions of the pit, rate of sludge degradation and geo-physical factors of pit location. Methods used were: field surveys, questionnaires and key informant interviews plus on-site depth measurement. Mass loss tests to investigate the rate of sludge degradation were carried out in the laboratory at moisture content levels similar to those in pit latrines. Sludge accumulation rates were calculated using volume of sludge in the pit, number of users and time taken since last emptying. Statistical analyses included correlation and one-way ANOVA. Results revealed that number of users and type of material deposited in the pit latrines, especially non-faecal matter, had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on sludge accumulation rate. Public pit latrines with a higher number of users had lower sludge accumulation rates and this was attributed to greater degradation taking place and greater restriction on entry of non-faecal matter. The rate of sludge degradation was higher at 90–100% than 80–90% moisture content, due to better degradation conditions. Tighter restrictions on non-faecal material deposition into pit latrines are recommended to reduce filling rates of pit latrines in slum areas.Item Development and performance evaluation of a Pedal Operated Seed Cleaner (POS‑Cleaner)(SN Applied Sciences, 2021) Akatuhurira, Wilber; Tumutegyereize, Peter; Oluk, Isaac; Baidhe, Emmanuel; Kigozi, Julia; Mayanja, Ismael; Balimunsi Kivumbi, HusseinTraditional grain cleaning methods are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and yet very inefficient. The use of available mechanical seed cleaners is widely limited since they are expensive to own, operate, and maintain. A Pedal Operated Seed Cleaner (PoS-Cleaner) was developed and its performance evaluated. Appropriate engineering principles and methodologies were used in the sizing and construction of the machine. The cleaner consists of a bicycle-like pedaling system, hopper, a centrifugal fan, and three cleaning sieves which include two inside interlocking sieves (one sieve fixed and the other adjustable); whose meshes can be adjusted to be larger than the size of the unclean seeds by longitudinally translating the second sieve to achieve the appropriate seed size. This allows trapping of impurities larger than the seeds. Cleaning rates of 576.5 kg/h, 375.8 kg/h, and 377.4 kg/h for maize, beans, and groundnuts were obtained respectively. Maize, beans, and groundnuts had their highest cleaning efficiencies of 95.09%, 87.61%, and 81.67% at inner sieve sizes of 13 mm, 16 mm and 10 mm respectively, pedaling speed of 60 rpm. The PoS-Cleaner presents a more viable cleaning option for smallholder farmers in rural and remote areas with no access to the national grid, therefore producing highquality seeds. This will eventually facilitate agricultural value addition and increase individual family incomes in Uganda.Item Development of maize cob-based biochar filter for water purification(Water and Environment Journal, 2021) Oluk, Isaac; Nagawa, Christine Betty; Banadda, Noble; Tumutegyereize, Peter; Achaw Owusu, ProsperThe study aimed at biochar production from maize cob and its performance in improving water physiochemical attributes. Three feedstock masses (2, 2.5, 3 kg) were used for biochar production. Nine treatment combinations of T1L1, T1L2, T1L3, T2L1, T2L2, T2L3, T3L1, T3L2 and T3L3 in triplicate were used for biochar performance. Biochar yield of 50% was averagely achieved at slow pyrolysis conditions (300 to 600°C) and 120 min residence time. Biochar had 4.13% moisture content, 6.86% ash, 17.70% volatile matter, 71.28% fixed carbon, and a pH of 10.27. Odour, colour, and total hardness of the wastewater improved after filtration using biochar to acceptable levels for potable water use. Total hardness reduced by 51.9% in T2L2 and 44.4% in T3L2. Findings front maize cob biochar as a purification technology for domestic potable water use. There is need for maize cob biochar performance on heavy metals and when it is sandwiched with other materials.Item Effect of Temperature Fluctuation, Substrate Concentration, and Composition of Starchy Substrates in Mixture and Use of Plant Oils as Antifoams on Biogas Production(Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, 2019) Tumutegyereize, Peter; Ketlogetswe, Clever; Gandure, Jerekias; Banadda, NobleThis work investigated the effect of temperature fluctuations, substrate concentration and composition on foaming in anaerobic co-digestion of matooke, cassava, and sweet potato peels for biogas production as well as the use of plant oils as antifoams. In general, obtained results show that temperature fluctuations from mesophilic (≥25 C) to psychrophilic range (<25 C) is the major factor behind foaming in anaerobic digestion. Specifically, at concentrations of 6 and 9 g VS/L with methane yield of 1228.69 and 735.55 Nml CH4/g VS, respectively, for 2:0:1 ratio, there was no foaming until after 7.6 days compared with the other ratios where foaming generally started after 3.5 days. This indicated that, apart from high substrate concentration, foaming is also a function of substrate composition. Plant oils were found to suppress foaming only if temperatures were above 25 C, indicating temperature fluctuations to be the main factor in foaming even in the presence of antifoams.Item Effect of thermal shock on the grates of improved charcoal cook-stoves made from different materials(Energy for Sustainable Development, 2021) Tumutegyereize, Peter; Muwanguzi, Simon; Ayaa, Fildah; Kizito, Simon; Wanyama, JoshuaFrom the current literature on cook stoves, it remains unclear on which is the best temper and the alternative soils that can be used in the production of charcoal cook-stoves that are resistant to thermal shock. To this end, a study was conducted to determine which soil type and mixing ratio that can produce the highest thermal shock resistance when used as grates. The grates made of clay, red and anthill soils each mixed with shale rock in ratios of 1:0; 1:1; and 3:1 were compared. The grates were fired and then heated in a furnace set at 400 °C for 1 h and subjected to two cooling treatments; rapid cooling by quenching inwater and cooling at ambient temperatures, for seven subsequent cycles after being heated. The shock resistance for all the grates made from different soil types and different mix ratios was measured based on crack initiation and propagation according to ASTM C1525-04 standards. The results showed that clay soil mixed with shale rock in the ratio of 3:1 had the highest thermal shock resistance with no crack initiation throughout the heating and cooling cycles, followed by anthill soil mixed with shale rock in the ratio of 1:1. Therefore, charcoal stove users and manufacturers can expect a better quality productwith high durability if shale rock is used to temper the cook-stoves in comparison to burnt bricks that are currently commonly used in Uganda. The method used in this work can be applied in other regions to come up with more material ratios that are resistant to thermal shock.Item Effect of Variation in Co-Digestion Ratios of Matooke, Cassava and Sweet Potato Peels on Hydraulic Retention Time, Methane Yield and Its Kinetics(Journal of Sustainable Bioenergy Systems, 2016) Tumutegyereize, Peter; Ketlogetswe, Clever; Gandure, Jerekias; Banadda, NobleThis paper presents the results of batch anaerobic co-digestion of matooke, cassava, and sweet potato peels and vines. These agricultural wastes and others form the biggest portion of household wastes in developing countries. However, they have remained an unexploited resource amidst the ever increasing needs of clean energy and waste disposal challenges. Efforts to use them individually as biogas substrates have been associated with process acidification failure resulting from their fast hydrolysis. The aim of this work was to exploit agricultural wastes is co-digestion among themselves and assess their effect on methane yield and its kinetics, pH and hydraulic retention time (HRT). Sixteen ratios of Matooke peels (MP), cassava peels (CP) and sweet potato peels (SP) were assessed in duplicate. Methane yield and its kinetics, pH and HRT demonstrated dependence on the proportion of substrates in the mixture. Depending on the ratio mixture, HRT increased to 15 days compared to less than 5 days for single substrates, hydrolysis rate constant (k) reduced to a range of 0.1 - 0.3 d−1 compared to single substrates whose k-values were above 0.5 d−1, pH was maintained in the range of 6.38 - 6.43 and CH4 yield increased by 15% - 200%. Ratios 2:1:0, 2:0:1, 0:1:2, 1:1:1 and 1:1:4 were consistent all through in terms of model fitting, having a positive synergetic effect on HRT, hydrolysis rate constant, lag phase and methane yield. However, more research is needed in maintaining the pH near the neutral for process stability assurance if household wastes are to be used as standalone substrates for biogas production without being co-substrates with livestock manure.Item Extraction, Quantification and Characterization of Oil From Pumpkin Seeds(International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 2015) Kukeera, Tonny; Banadda, Noble; Tumutegyereize, Peter; Kiggundu, Nicholas; Asuman, RatibuA quantification and characterization study of oil from pumpkin seeds was carried out on three pumpkin varieties, namely, Japanese type of the Curcubita maxima species, Green Kabocha and butternut squash of the Cucurbita moschanta species. Oil extraction was done using the Soxhlet method with petroleum ether as the solvent. The physicochemical properties of acid value, iodine value, specific gravity and refractive index were determined. The results were analyzed statistically using one way ANOVA at a 5% level of significance. The mean values of oil content, acid value, iodine value, specific gravity and refractive index for Japanese type pumpkin were found to be 35.67%, 2.24 mg KOH/g, 26.45 mg I2/100 g, 0.9126 and 1.47, respectively. For Green Kabocha, the mean values of the above five properties were 30.12%, 3.35 mg KOH/g, 25.3 mg I2/100 g, 0.9126 and 1.469, respectively. For the Butternut squash type the mean values of the above five properties were 34.76%, 3.74 mg KOH/g, 26.61 mg I2, 0.9131 and 1.471, respectively. It can be noted that from the low acid values of the pumpkin oil, pumpkin oil can be identified as edible. Also the low iodine value indicated that the pumpkin oil was non-drying. In addition, the low iodine value also suggested that the oil contains few unsaturated bonds and therefore has low susceptibility to oxidative rancidity. With a comparison of extraction rates from other oil sources in Uganda such as cotton (15%-20%), soybeans (19%-21%), the obtained results in this study suggested that pumpkin seeds are a viable source of vegetable oils that can be utilized for commercial vegetable oil extraction in Uganda.Item Investigation of Factors Affecting the Production and Properties of Maize Cob-Particleboards(Waste and biomass valorization, 2015) Sekaluvu, Lawrence; Tumutegyereize, Peter; Kiggundu, NicholasThe aim of this research was investigating the factors that affect the properties and production of particle- boards from maize cobs. The particleboards were produced at three different levels of resin content (125, 188, and 250 g) while using particles in the size ranges of 1.13 to\3.35 mm and 3.35–8 mm. Compaction ratio, pressing pressure, and mass of maize cob particles were production variables which were considered during the experiment. The maize cob particleboards were pressed under a pressure of 13 MPa and were left to cure for 17 h while holding at a pressure of 10 MPa. Properties of maize cob particleboards such as density, modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), water absorption, thickness swelling and linear expansion were investigated. The densities of maize cob particleboards ranged from 386 ± 49.96 to 723 ± 34.65 kg/m3 , which were comparable to the particleboard densities of 590 and 800 kg/m3 of wood product industry. Maize cob particleboards produced using particles of size 3.35–8 mm presented a higher density as compared to other maize cob particleboards. The modulus of elasticity for maize cob particleboards was in the range 5.89 ± 6.00 to 61.82 ± 10.09 MPa, while the modulus of rupture ranged from 0.32 ± 0.14 to 1.50 ± 0.16 MPa, thus maize cob particle- boards could be used as ceiling boards and wall claddings. Particleboards produced from particles of size in the range 1.13–8 mm presented better mechanical properties (MOE and MOR) as compared to other particleboards. The maize particleboards showed poor properties to moisture and thus applicable to interior applications. From ANOVA analysis, particle size and resin content significantly affected (p B 0.01) the properties of maize cob particleboards.Item Modeling sludge accumulation rates in lined pit latrines in slum areas of Kampala City, Uganda(African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2016) Lugali, Yvonne; Zziwa, Ahamada; Banadda, Noble; Wanyama, Joshua; Kabenge, Isa; Kambugu, Robert; Tumutegyereize, PeterDisposal of faecal sludge particularly in slum areas is a difficult undertaking given the lack of space and resources. Inaccurate prediction of sludge accumulation rates (SAR) in pit latrines leads to unplanned pit latrine emptying. Given that the users and owners cannot afford the conventional emptying techniques frequently, inappropriate methods such as open defecation and emptying into storm drainages are employed which consequently contribute to environmental and health-related challenges. The main objective of this study was to develop a predictive model for sludge accumulation rates in lined pit latrines in slum areas of Kampala so as to guide routine management of pit latrines. This mathematical model was developed using a mass balance approach with a sample space of 55 lined pits. The developed model gave an average sludge accumulation rate of 81±25 litres/person/year with an efficiency of 0.52 and adjusted R2 value of 0.50. The model was found to be sufficient and most suited for rental and public pit latrines given their bigger percentage in the slums. Further studies should include geo-physical characterization of soil and drainage of pit latrine sites so as to improve model accuracy.Item Performance Analysis of An Arduino Based Calibration and Temperature Control System for A Refractance Window Dryer(African Journal of Biotechnology, 2011) Mutumba, Raymonds; Kigozi, Julia; Tumutegyereize, Peter; Ssenyimba, Shaffic; Muyonga, JohnAutomated control of temperature in fruit dryers is important for product quality and retention of nutrient content. In this study, the continuous refractance window dryer (RWD) was calibrated for drying temperature to enable the dryer to be set to dry a wide range of products. The drying operation in a RWD is carried out over a bed of hot water. The calibration system comprised of a computer program, calibrated knob, arrangement of sensors and output components. A computer program was successfully written in Arduino environment and a circuit board connected. A DS18B20 sensor was used to read the hot water temperature and a 5V potentiometer employed to vary the voltage as it corresponds to the desired water temperature. The system calibration focused on drying temperatures for mango, tomato and pineapple, but it can be applied to any other food products since the optimum drying temperature for most food products falls within the considered range. A calibration equation relating potentiometer voltage and temperature was formulated with the potentiometer maximum angular sweep found to be 295°. This angular sweep corresponded with 94.9996°C as the maximum calibration temperature. The system was found to be 97.6% accurate at attaining the desired temperature. A calibrated label was developed and marked accordingly. The developed system was simple to operate and robust throughout the testing hence it can be recommended for similar machines.Item Performance evaluation of cassava drying technologies: a case study from Uganda(MOJ Food Processing & Technology, 2020) Menya, James; Tumutegyereize, Peter; Kabenge, IsaDried cassava chips have varied applications by end users that include breweries, confectionaries, starch and flour for food. In Uganda, over 80% of Cassava farmers dry their products by open sun drying and direct passive solar dryers. However, these two drying practices produce varying quality of dried products which may not be good all for the various end users. The quality of dried products depends on factors like cassava chip size, drying technology, temperature, air flow and relative humidity. The objective of this study was to assess the performance of cassava sun drying on a raised platform and drying in a direct passive solar dryer. The two drying technologies were assessed basing on drying rate and product quality of cassava using a randomized complete block design experiment. The measurements considered for drying rate and quality assessment were drying time, moisture content, pH, peak viscosity, starch content and microbial contamination in terms of Total plate count (TPC), Total coliforms (TC) and Yeast and moulds (YM). Results showed that samples dried on the raised platform had higher drying rates than those dried in solar dryer. Additionally, Cassava samples dried on the raised platform showed superior quality in terms of microbial contamination compared to samples dried in the solar dryerItem Potential of densification of mango waste and effect of binders on produced briquettes(Agricultural Engineering International: CIGR Journal, 2014) Katimbo, Abia; Kiggundu, Nicholas; Kizito, Simon; Kivumbi, Hussein B.; Tumutegyereize, PeterIn Uganda, agro-processing of fruits produces large volumes of agricultural wastes, much of which are not utilized but disposed in the landfill. This study explored the possibility of producing biomass briquettes from mango waste (seed covers) that could be used for energy supply in small factories and for domestic cooking. Mangoes were selected because of their abundance throughout the country and its high fiber content which is a good property for a raw material for briquetting. Dried mango seed covers were crushed to particles of size 2 mm and bonded with three different binders; starch, starch-clay soil, and starch-red soil. The best mixing ratios for briquettes were; 4:1 (seed-cover: starch), 9:2:1 (seed cover: starch: clay soil), and 16:4:1 (seed-cover: starch: red soil). The formed briquettes were subjected to several standard methods to verify their suitability as fuels. The briquette properties tested were moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, fixed carbon content, calorific value, compressive strength, and gas emissions. Results showed that briquettes bonded with only starch had higher fuel properties (p≤0.05) with low: moisture content (11.9%), volatile matter (16.0%), ash content (2.8%) and emissions (0.178% CO, 0.0021% (CH)X , 1.14% CO2 and no NOx); higher fixed carbon (69.3%), breaking strength (maximum force, 34 N and compressive stress, 273 N/mm2) and calorific values (16,140 kJ/kg) compared to starch-red soil and starch-clay soil briquettes. But after a linear regression analysis, results further showed that maximum force (R2 = 0.636) and ash content (R2 = 0.520) were good indicators of energy content of a particular briquette. However, more research is needed on using other binder types rather than cassava starch which is considered as food.Item Quantification Of Physico-Chemical Characteristics And Modeling Faecal Sludge Nutrients From Kampala City Slum Pit Latrines(Int. J. Res. Eng. Adv. Technol, 2016) Kimuli, Daniel; Zziwa, Ahamada; Banadda, Noble; Kabenge, Isa; Kiggundu, Nicholas; Kambugu, Robert; Wanyama, Joshua; Tumutegyereize, Peter; Kigozi, JuliaFailure to quantify nutrients in feacal sludge usually leads to its poor disposal resulting into surface water and groundwater pollution. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine and model the distribution of nutrients in pit latrine sludge as a step towards reuse of available nutrients. Sampling was done at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m depths from 31 lined and 31 unlined latrines during rainy and dry season. Physico-chemical characteristics such as chemical oxygen demand (COD), dissolved oxygen (DO), moisture content, temperature and nutrients including ammonia,nitrate, total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were determined. Results indicated that COD, temperature and DO decreased and moisture content increased with sludge depth. There was no significant variation (P˃0.05) in nutrients and physico-chemical properties except COD. Strong correlations of R2 Adj ˃ 0.85 were obtained between modeled and measured values. The relative root mean square error of the predicted nutrients was less than 10%. Results revealed that the model is good estimator phosphorus concentrations in lined pits followed by total nitrogen in unlined pits and nitrates in lined pits.Item Substrate Mixture Optimization of Nutrients Needed for Methane Yield(Journal of Biosystems Engineering, 2019) Tumutegyereize, Peter; Ketlogetswe, Clever; Gandure, Jerekias; Banadda, NobleThe twofold aim of this study was to optimize nutrients important for methane yield in substrate mixtures and to assess the effect of the optimized nutrients on methane production. Method Augmented simplex lattice design was used on three substrates, i.e., matooke peels (MPs), cassava peels (CPs), and sweet potato peels (SPs) wherein 16 ratio combinations were assessed for their macro- and micronutrient compositions and methane production potential. Experimental data was simulated using canonical polynomial models to determine mixture combinations with optimal nutrients stimulatory to methane yield. Results Six optimization solutions with the global optimal having a desirability of 0.93 and a ratio of 0.611:0.375:0.015 were observed to be localized over the design space. Biomethane experiments were in agreement with the optimized mixture ratios as ratios that gave the highest methane yield of 0.3 Nm3 CH4/kg VS and above lay in the optimized design region. Conclusion Therefore, charts showing optimized regions of different substrate mixtures in terms of their nutrients can be a tool in biogas digester operations.Item Technical Evaluation of Uptake, Use, Management and Future Implications of Household Biogas Digesters—A Case of Kampala City Peri-Urban Areas(Computational Water, Energy, and Environmental Engineering, 2017) Tumutegyereize, Peter; Ketlogetswe, Clever; Gandure, Jerekias; Banadda, NobleThe purposes for which biogas technology was introduced at household level were multiple but the major and direct one was to provide a clean and sus- tainable energy, thereby reducing the reliance on wood fuel. From the so- cio-economic studies that have been carried out, biogas end-users and techni- cians continue to be blamed for technical factors hindering its adoption and use. However, the ways these factors hinder biogas adoption and use plus the linkage between them seem not well understood right from policy to end- users. A technical survey was carried out on household biogas digesters to evaluate the adoption, use and management factors and their implications on the future of household digesters. Over-designed digesters in relation to fami- ly size yet not producing enough biogas, dependence on cow dung as the feedstock, 75% of users not being sure of loading rate and mixing ratios, not feeding the digesters daily by all households were found to be the main causes of why biogas was not enough for 87.5% of the respondents and digesters were abandoned in Kampala, Uganda. All surveyed digesters were characte- rized by starvation-overfeeding problem. Wood fuel was found still dominat- ing in these households with biogas. Given that end-users had no options of digester types from which to select, but handed-over with over-size fixed dome digesters, there is need for all biogas stakeholders to come together as the reality on ground reveals that right from inception to management, eve- ryone is to blame for the technical failures.