Abdulmalik, IBN YUSUF, Chemical Engineering - Ahmadu Bello University, 2024

This research focused on the modelling and simulation of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification plant using DWSIM software to optimize energy use and improve efficiency. The problem addressed was the energy-intensive nature of LNG regasification and the need for optimizing its processes. The methodology involved developing a process flow diagram using methane as the LNG component and integrating an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) for power generation. The system was simulated under varying pressures to analyze its energy consumption. Findings revealed that increasing pressure significantly raises energy demands, with energy consumption for regasification rising from 35,440.2 kW at 60 bar to 98,807.08 kW at 90 bar. The integration of the Organic Rankine Cycle enabled 67,555.3 kW of power generation from waste heat, showcasing the potential for energy recovery. The study concluded that coupling LNG regasification with power generation enhances energy efficiency, and it recommended further optimization of operating pressures, exploration of cold energy recovery technologies, and the minimization of environmental impacts. This research contributes to improving the operational efficiency of LNG regasification plants

Lawal, SANI LIKKO, Chemical Engineering - Ahmadu Bello University, 2024

This research conducted a comparative analysis of energy generation and cost efficiency using three different fuels—rice husk, LPG, and coal—to assess their suitability for heat generation in cement kiln operations. Two sets of simulations were performed using DWSim software. The first simulation maintained a constant flow rate of 10 kg/h for each fuel. The results revealed that rice husk generated 784.24 kW, LPG produced 2931.26 kW, and coal generated 1275.38 kW of energy. In the second simulation, the mass flow rates were adjusted based on an equivalent energy cost basis of ₦20,000 for each fuel type. The mass flow rates were 1000 kg/h for rice husk, 240.96 kg/h for coal, and 16.67 kg/h for LPG. This yielded heat generation of 1638.53 kW for rice husk, 23,767.6 kW for coal, and 2912.18 kW for LPG. These results indicate that coal provides the highest energy output, followed by LPG and rice husk when considering both simulations. While LPG outperformed rice husk in terms of energy efficiency, rice husk remains a viable and sustainable alternative, especially in Northern Nigeria, where it is readily available. This study highlights the trade-offs between energy efficiency, cost, and environmental sustainability when selecting alternative fuels for cement production.

Zakiyya Garba, YARO, Chemical Engineering - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025

This study was carried out, in order to investigate the effect of NaOH concentration, for the pretreatment of rice husk for bioethanol production, using Penicillium. Rice husk, an abundant agricultural byproduct, presents significant potential as a renewable feedstock for bioethanol, a sustainable energy source. The pretreatment was conducted with NaOH concentrations of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%w/v, and the fermentation process was carried out through enzymatic hydrolysis via the Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF) method. Results indicated that the 5% NaOH treatment yielded the highest bioethanol volume, while the 10% and 20% treatments produced the highest ethanol concentrations. FTIR analysis revealed that bioethanol from the 10% and 25% NaOH treatments closely matched pure ethanol, while the 0% NaOH sample showed the greatest deviation due to impurities. Variations in specific gravity, pH, and boiling point were also influenced by the NaOH concentration. These led to the conclusion that this research work demonstrates the potential for using rice husk, an agricultural waste product, for sustainable bioethanol production, contributing to renewable energy initiatives, NaOH pretreatment is suitable and effective for rice husk and it does have an effect on general production, and it significantly impacts the efficiency of bioethanol production, with moderate concentrations (5-10%) generally providing better balance between quantity and quality. It is recommended that moderate NaOH concentrations be used for efficient bioethanol production, and pretreatment and fermentation processes that minimize waste and environmental impact should be developed, especially considering the potential chemical residue from NaOH.

Muhammad Ibrahim Musa and Zakiyya Garba Yaro, Chemical Engineering - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025

The glucose level of tapioca starch and pure starch and the effect of enzyme variation on the glucose yield were determined using enzyme hydrolysis method. Parameters measured include the pH and glucose concentration. A total of six (6) samples were used; three (3) each from the tapioca starch and pure starch. The enzyme concentrations were 20ml, 30ml and 40ml for the two feedstocks at a constant value. When the enzyme concentration was 20ml, 30ml and 40ml the glucose yield for the tapioca starch 10.78mg/ml, 6.5.18mg/ml and 4.47mg/ml respectively; whereas the concentration of glucose for pure starch at the same enzyme concentration of 20ml, 30ml and 40ml was 4.48mg/ml, 4.47mg/ml and 3.69mg/ml respectively. The pH slightly increased with increase in enzyme concentration. Tapioca starch yielded a substantial amount of glucose with adequate amount of enzyme, although slightly lower than that of the pure starch. Hence, tapioca starch can be used to make glucose syrup that could be used as food additives and pharmaceutical industries.

Salma Muhammad Kabir, Chemical Engineering - Ahmadu Bello University, 2024

The synthesize of bis(hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) resins from waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles presents a promising avenue for recycling and sustainability. This study focuses on the chemical recycling of PET bottles, converting them into valuable BHET resins through a glycolysis process. Waste PET bottles were collected, depolymerized using ethylene glycol, producing bis (2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET).The synthesis process was optimized by using six different catalysts (NaOH, Spent FCC, Ammonia, Activated Carbon, Kaolin and DES) to achieve the highest yield and optimal resin properties. Characterization of the synthesized BHET was carried out using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to confirm the functional group which was then compared with commercial bis (2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET). The physical properties of the synthesized bis (2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) such as density, viscosity and kinematic viscosity were evaluated. Two out of the six catalysts (NaOH and Spent FCC) yielded 13.3 % and 5 % BHET respectively. This was confirmed by FTIR results comparison with commercial BHET which revealed similar functional group peaks. NaOH was found to be the best catalyst for BHET production, with highest yield conversion 94.4 %. Density, viscosity and kinematic viscosity of resulting BHET from NaOH were 1.27 gcm-3, 10.5 Pa.s and 0.11 m2 /s respectively. The results indicate that the BHET synthesized from waste PET bottles exhibits desirable properties for various industrial applications, such as coatings, adhesives, and composite materials. Additionally, it portrays the environmental impact of the recycling process, highlighting the reduction in carbon footprint and energy consumption compared to traditional disposal methods. This study demonstrates the feasibility of converting waste PET into high-value materials, contributing to waste reduction and resource conservation.