School of Physical Sciences (Phys-Sciences) Collection

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    Determination of calorific values of vegetable oils using the calorific bomb method.
    (Makerere University., 2009-08-18) Magala, Hannington
    The topic of study was to determine the calorific values of vegetable oils using the Calorific bomb method. The mineral oil samples used were collected from varying petrol Stations. Four samples of vegetable oils were studied and these include: corn oil, sun Flower seed oil, fully refined palm olein and fully refined palm olein, sun flower seed oil. Two samples of mineral oil were studied and these include: Kerosene and Diesel. The method used to determine calorific values of different oil samples was Pfaundler-Stohmann, where data was analyzed using Ms Excel and different graphs were generated.Kerosene, corn oil, fully refined palm olein and diesel are arranged in order of increasing Calorific values as the results obtained. This was because of their varying densities. Calorific values of vegetable oils have been determined. The fired samples of vegetable Oil contained a higher amount of energy compared to Kerosene (mineral oil), fully refined Palm olein contained the highest calorific value and corn oil with least value amongst Vegetable oils. Diesel has a higher calorific value compared to Kerosene. Therefore, I would recommend the use of fully refined palm olein as the best edible oil Compared to others since it contained the highest energy. More studies need to be carried Out on how to use high energy vegetable oil as fuels with ability to run machines.
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    An investigation on the efficiency of the multiple effect evaporators and their performance at Sugar Cooperation of Uganda Limited (SCOUL)
    (Makerere University, 2015) Mukaga, Geofrey
    This study mainly undertakes determining the efficiency of the multiple effect evaporators and their performance over a given time in days, the adverse effects of the efficiency of the evaporators i.e. the decrease in the efficiency significantly affects the overall efficiency of the process This study addresses the efficiency and undertakes to give the options that can be taken to improve performance of the evaporators and also maximize steam usage in the process.
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    Project Report about Geologic Mapping carried out in Igayaza, Isingiro District, Western Uganda.
    (Makerere University., 2015-06-05) Kabagambe, George
    The Geologic mapping exercise project was carried out in Igayaza area, Isingiro District about 30 KM South of Mbarara town, Southwestern Uganda with a major aim of acquiring geologic mapping skills ad techniques as a requirement for a future geologist. The mapping area E is within the Karagwe Ankolean system of rocks which is the northern most extension of Kibaran mobile belt. The Igayaza synclinorium is a South Westerly plunging fold in the Karagwe –Ankolean rocks of south west Uganda. The study was mainly based on surface geological mapping and field interpretation of samples collected in area E. The lithology comprises of the thin arenaceous formations that are predominated by a quartzites while the thick argillaceous formations constitute of shales. Other rock units in area E include the conglomerates and the breccia though not mappable. The quartzites are mainly found at the ridge summits while the shales are found along the slopes of ridges and in valleys between ridges resulting in a region of rugged topography. The study area exhibits bedding and faults as the major structures according to their extent relative to the used scale. The topography is hilly with flat ridges and valleys giving the area a poor drainage pattern. This has led to the scarcity of water and thus the linear human settlement pattern. Economic activities carried out include quarrying of quartzites, cattle keeping on a small scale and agriculture. The area has no potential for petroleum simply because the rocks are not fossiliferous . This report is of a detailed geologic study of study area E, and a cover of the whole Igayaza synclinorium in relation to the whole of the karagwe – Ankolean rocks include in a chapter of regional synthesis. The report consists of six chapters with different aspects.
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    A wind powered Electricity generator
    (Makerere University, 2017-06) Chemayek, Chesang Joshua
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    Impact of fosroc grinding aid on setting time of cement
    (Makerere University, 2017-07) Ahaisibe, Wilfred
    The usage of Grinding Aids (GAs) in cement factories has demonstrated interesting results in improving the performance of cements. It is well known that grinding aids have a chemical effect on cement chemistry and some of its specific properties that is why this research was undertaken. This research project was undertaken to evaluate the impact of FOSROC Grinding Aid on the setting time of cement while maintaining optimal compressive strength at the same time. This GA was added in small increasing amounts/dosages starting with a blank sample (No GA). The tested cement properties included water demand, Blaine fineness, setting times and compressive strength. The results showed that the use of higher concentrations of GAs can lead to significant improvements in the performance of cements characterized by reduced setting times and higher compressive strengths. Compared with the control/blank sample, Initial setting times were significantly reduced from 250 (0 % of GA) to 223 minutes (3g of GA) and 287 (0%) and 111 (3g) when using Ordinary Portland Cement and Pozzolanic Portland Cement respectively. Final setting times reduced from 340 (0 % of GA) to 303 minutes (3g of GA) and 371 (0%) to 232 (3g of GA) when using Ordinary Portland Cement and Pozzolanic Portland Cement respectively. However, the2 days compressive strength increased slightly by 4.49 and 4.7% for 1.5g and 3.0g of GA respectively when using Ordinary Portland Cement. 5.1 and 7.3% for 1.5g and 3.0g of GA respectively when using Pozzolanic Portland Cement.
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    Effect of voltage and initial pH on treatment efficiency of dairy waste water by electrocoagulation using aluminum plates
    (Makerere University, 2017-08-29) Susume, Isaac
    Main objective: To study the effect of initial pH and applied voltage on COD reduction in dairy waste water by electrocoagulation. Specific Objective: To recycle waste water from a dairy plant.
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    A research project on assessing the quality of used edible oil in restaurants around Wandegeya, Kikoni and Kikumi Kikumi
    (Makerere University, 2017-09-12) Katenta, Sydney
    Objective of the research project: It is aimed at assessing the quality of edible oil used in restaurants or takeaways. Specific objectives: This research has to determine the following parameters in the cooking oil i.e. polar compounds, acidity and free fatty content as well as peroxide value. Conclusion: According to the research most oils were not safe to be reused yet these restaurants kept reusing it.
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    Design of a production line for nitrocellulose-based gunpowder
    (Makerere University, 2018) Gawera, Habyesali
    The manufacture of nitrocellulose-based gunpowder involves the following unit operations and processes; raw material storage and feed preparation, Nitration, centrifugation, drowning, boiling, pulping, poaching, screening and blending, centrifugation, dehydration, mixing, pressing, solvent recovery and hardening. In this study, designing a process line for nitrocellulose-based gunpowder was done. This was illustrated using block, process flow and piping and instrumentation diagrams. Nitrocellulose with a low degree of nitration is applied in paints, lacquers, varnishes, inks and others while that with a high degree of nitration (>12.5%) is used in explosives.
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    Geological and stratigraphic field study of Kibuku (Semiliki) area in the Albertain Graben, Ntoroko District, Western Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2018) Kaija, Jerome
    The area of study, Kibuku is found in Semliki basin located in the southern part of the Albertine graben (Ntoroko district), western Uganda. Semliki area lies onshore south of Lake Albert, it is bounded by the escarpment to the east and south and by rivers Lamia and Semliki to the west. It covers approximately 1200km². . The Albertine Graben lies on the western arm of the East Africa rift system with the rift flanks rising to approximately a height of 400m above the Graben on the eastern side. The rift flanks are underlined by the Basement Complex rocks such as granitic-gneisses, gneisses, amphibolites, schists, and quartzites which have undergone intense metamorphism. The field work and excursion study in the Albertine graben is conducted by students pursuing petroleum Geoscience and Production program during the recess term of third year under the guidance of our lecturers. The aim of this study was to enable us apply the geological, geophysical and other knowledge we have acquired during the course of the program to understand the geology, scrutinize and analyze the petroleum system of the area practically, also study the environments of deposition and the depositional processes that took place in the area. The Stratigraphy of the mapped Kibuku area comprises of fluvial and lacustrine deposits. The fluvial deposits include sand, conglomerates and thin layers of clays whereas the lacustrine deposits comprised of thick clay layers, mudstones and silt sediments. These sediment deposits have different types of bedding characteristics, nature of formation contacts, sedimentary structures and directional properties, textures, sorting, cementation, coloration, grain size and degree of consolidation. These differences are probably attributed to climatic changes, water discharge, sediment load, river mouth processes, waves, tides, currents, winds, slope together with the tectonics and geometry of the receiving basin The structures encountered include in syn-rift lithology include lamination, ripple marks, bedding (cross and graded beds), intra-sedimentary faults, Diapiric structures whereas for pre-rift lithology includes foliation, joints, faults.
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    Determination of optimal conditions for the galvanisation process at Luwero industries
    (Makerere University, 2018-04-11) Kemigisha, Hilda Patience
    In Electro galvanization, one metal (steel fragments) is coated with another metal, for many reasons such as increasing corrosion resistance and improving the appearance of the fragments. The objective of this project was to determine the optimal conditions for the zinc plating process by running the galvanisation line various times while varying different parameters (like concentration of zinc chloride, voltage, time and temperature) in the galvanization. Investigation of process parameters for the electro-deposition of zinc was carried out using direct current. Fragments were first pre cleaned using gasoline to remove oils and grease, sodium hydroxide solution to remove any remaining dirt and dipped in hydrochloric acid solution for thorough cleaning after which they were galvanized, bright dipped & passivated and the dried using low temperature warm air (60°C). Extreme conditions yielded poor results, that is, high zinc chloride concentration, high voltage, high temperature and much time gave thick and dull deposits while low zinc chloride concentration, low voltage, low temperature and little time gave faint deposits. The optimum parameters were therefore moderate, which are; a concentration of 130.5g/l, voltage of 11.5V, temperature of 40°C and 30 minutes since they gave desired and bright deposits. Fragments electrodeposited using moderate conditions were also able to withstand harsh conditions. Therefore, moderate conditions as stated should be maintained and critically monitored for quality zinc deposits onto the steel fragments.
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    Design, construction and testing the performance of a simple solar water heater
    (Makerere University, 2018-05-17) Kisegerwa, Isaac
    A growing demand for emerging alternative energy technologies is fueled by rising energy prices and decreasing energy supplies. Domestic hot water heating is an industry that continues to benefit from increased research in and improvement of solar technology and solar water heaters (SWH) are becoming increasingly attractive in sustainable development. In an effort to reduce their costs in order to make them more affordable, a solar water heater was made using the cheap readily available raw materials. This book describes the design, construction and testing the performance of a simple solar water heater with a flat plate collector of dimensions 63cm by 43.5 cm made out of a cardboard, transparent glass, aluminium foil and a coated copper tube. The results were obtained with in Makerere University and procedures were repeated for the different times of testing the performance of a simple solar water heater. These tests verified the performance of this solar water heating system and provide a baseline profile for further modifications to improve the efficiency of future solar domestic hot water heating system. xi
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    A report on a geologic field project in Semilik basin area, Ntoroko district.
    (Makerere University, 2018-05-28) Matovu, Stewart Peter
    As students pursuing Petroleum Geosciences and Production program, we are required to do fieldwork and excursion study in the Albertine Graben under the guidance of our lecturers during the recess term of third year of our study for fourteen days. The area of study was Semliki basin located in the southern part of the Albertine Graben (Ntoroko district) western Uganda. Semliki area lies onshore south of Lake Albert, it is bounded by the escarpment to the east and south and by rivers Lamia and Semliki to the west. It covers approximately 1200km². The aim of this study was to enable us apply the geological, geophysical and other knowledge we have acquired during the course of the program to understand the geology, scrutinize and analyze the petroleum system of the area practically, also study the environments of deposition and the depositional processes that took place in the area. We collected vast structural and stratigraphic data that we then analyzed to make conclusions about the petroleum potential of Semliki basin. The study area comprised of fluvial, deltaic and lacustrine sediments. The basin was affected by intensive tectonic activity, which led to the formation of vast types of structures with in the basement and sediments that we observed, examples of these structures include faults, joints, folds, veins and banding. Sedimentary structures observed included cross bedding, unconformities, faults, a mud diapir and deformation bands. Mud diapirs, faults, plunging folds would be good structural seals. The presence of hot springs with in the area indicated the presence of high enough geothermal gradients for maturation and expulsion of hydrocarbons. Sedimentology, stratigraphy and tectonics are applied to develop a full understanding of the rocks and the sediments that fill Semliki sedimentary basin and use this information to interpret the geologic history and evaluate the economic importance of these rocks. We concluded that the study area had a good (working) petroleum system characterized with all the required system components that is source rocks reservoir rocks, seals, traps and migration pathways.
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    Investigation of lead levels in plants and soil along Sir Apollo Kagwa Road due to leaded gasoline once used
    (Makerere University, 2018-06) Tusingwire, Ambrose
    Despite the well-known adverse consequences of lead poisoning, there is still little data on the magnitude of lead poisoning in Uganda. East African countries were a bit slow to place measures on leaded products not until Uganda phased out the use of leaded gasoline in December 2005. (UNEP-PCFV, 2008). However, it’s believed that million tons of lead remained in the atmosphere as a silent epidemic. The objective was to determine lead levels in the environment; on soils and in plants along Sir Apollo Kaggwa Road and assess its impacts to humans. Therefore, this research aimed at quantifying the amount of lead still in the environment since the ban. As a result, the major focus area was along roads using sir Apollo Kaggwa Road as a base area. This was chosen because it has been in existence for quite long and it possesses a high traffic. This makes it one of the affected roads. Samples were not taken near shells, not near homes and swamps to limit effects from other lead sources like leaded paints, industrial drainage systems. The concentration of lead levels in the samples was obtained using the atomic absorption spectrum after sample collection, preparation, and sample digestion. The lead content in the samples of the soils is almost the same of about 0.38ppm for samples taken 2metres from the road. Also, the lead content in plants is similar of about 0.2ppm taken 2metres from the road. The results show no significant lead pollution along Sir Apollo Kaggwa Road posing a lower risk to the humans. But since lead is non-biodegradable and is not dissolved by the body, its accumulation could be of harm. The results show much low lead levels in relation to the acceptable levels by the world health organization accounting to constant reduction of lead in the environment. These results are useful in creating awareness about the risk of lead contamination to human health and in the enactment of policies and regulation measures to continue limiting lead pollution and contamination to the environment.
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    Determining the efficiency of the Vacuum pump at Kampala Pharmaceutical Industries Limited
    (Makerere University, 2018-06) Amoding, Bridget Tembo
    Vacuum pumps can produce vacuum ranging from low, medium, and high to ultra high. The vacuum pump in study produces low vacuum. The rotary vane vacuum pump used in the Capsulation process was analyzed in this research. This study was set to determine the efficiency of the pump. The efficiency in this case can be volumetric and mechanical. Many sources infer to mechanical efficiency by varying frictional torque at the vanes and the pressure difference existing between the two ends. Efficiency here was determined by varying Pumping speed with Pressure, then compared with performance curves. Volumetric efficiency is obtained from displacement and theoretical flow rate though volumetric efficiency is not considered as a design parameter. The mechanical efficiency was found to be 15.33%. Desirable parameters at which the vacuum pump can operate were recommended.
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    Design and construction of a motor speed control of direct current motor
    (Makerere University, 2018-06) Nakirijja, Norah
    Precise speed control is an important requirement for efficient industrial automation. Direct current (DC) motors have been extensively used for this purpose. The conventional method employs analog circuits to control the speed of the DC motor by varying the voltage of the armature while the field voltage is kept constant. In this paper, a digital speed control of DC motor using pulse width modulation technique was implemented by using an integrated circuit (IC ) chip called LM 324. An experimentation of the design showed that the DC motor can run forward motoring, forward regeneration, reverse motoring and reverse regeneration. This digital approach proved to have increased precision and greater control efficiency. Thus, a centralized control of several motors can also be achieved.
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    Investigating the efficiency of mango leaves & water melon rind powders to remove lead (II) ions from industrial waste water at Uganda Batteries Limited
    (Makerere University, 2018-08) Naddunga, Phionah
    As the demand for treatment of industrial wastewater is increasing worldwide, many countries are becoming dependent on methods like Precipitation, Ion Exchange, Filtration, Membrane Filtration, Electro Chemical Treatment and Reverse Osmosis which are relatively expensive. In this project research, an extensive literature survey was conducted. A simple, inexpensive, efficient and effective was discovered. The research experimentally tested the applicability of mango leaves and Watermelon rind Powders in removing lead (II) ions from wastewater. Laboratory tests were carried out at the Ministry of Water and Environment, Directorate of Water Resources Management (DWRM) and METLAB EAST AFRICA LTD. The efficiency of the combination of mango leaves and watermelon rind powders as a low-cost adsorbent for the removal of Pb (II) ions from industrial waste water at Uganda Batteries Limited was investigated in this research. The influence of adsorbent load, PH, contact time, adsorbent ratios and agitation rate on a sample were studied in batch experiments at room temperature. The findings showed that the lead uptake increased with increasing adsorbent load, agitation rate, PH and contact time. The maximum uptake of Pb (II) ions was at PH 5, contact time of 1hour, adsorbent load of 5grams with adsorbent ratio of MLP75:WMR25 and agitation rate of 200rpm. Parameter values were chosen on basis of efficiency and implied cost. These values yielded an average efficiency of 80% when used to adsorb lead from UBL waste water. The economic analysis showed that the combined adsorbent was more cost effective to treat leaded waste water compared to polyacrylamide. The cost of treatment was reduced by 90%. The results showed that the combination of watermelon rind and mango leaves has the potential to be applied as alternative low-cost bio sorbent in the remediation of heavy metal contamination in waste water.
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    Preparation of a suitable agar containing Human blood for microbial growth
    (Makerere University, 2018-08-20) Peter, Ssemwanga
    This study was to determine if the washed human blood (expired, overfilled and under filled) can be used as an alternative enrichment agent in the preparation of Blood Agar Plate (BAP) culture media and comparing the routine culture with use of chocolate Human Blood Agar (HuBA) using Beta hemolytic microbes. The cultural characteristics and hemolytic reactions of the selected microorganisms were to be assessed and compared with their growth in HuBA, washed HuBA and Human Chocolate Agar (CA) then the routine culture using both BA and CA in relation to citrated sheep Blood agar (CSBA). This was aimed at producing a suitable Agar containing human blood especially for the use in laboratories of developing countries aimed at utilizing the blood units disposed from Uganda blood transfusion Services using the overfilled, inadequate together with the TTI positive units. Success was attained in developing a blood agar for microbial growth using washed red blood cells and whole blood from expired/disposed human blood and in performance comparison of the prepared blood agar, washed human blood and unwashed human blood together with chocolate agar it was found out that washed human blood produces a more convenient Blood Agar for hemolytic microbiological studies due to the reduction of growth inhibitors and dilution of the blood cell concentration.
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    The lithostratigraphy and basin analysis of the Kibuku area Semiliki Basin in Ntoroko district
    (Makerere University, 2019) Apil, Simon
    This report is a complete record of the field work and field excursion that was conducted from 10th - 23rd June 2018 at Kibuku, around and within the Semliki Basin in Ntoroko district that lies in the Western part of Uganda. The report is made up of a seven-fold dissection of chapters that give it a detailed account of the objectives, materials and methods, lithology and stratigraphy, basin and facies analysis, structures and Geophysics of the Semliki basin which altogether where useful in the deduction of the petroleum potential of the semliki basin. Outcrop studies near Kichwamba about the basement showed a highly metamorphosed and complex assemblage of volcanic, intrusive, igneous and metamorphic rock types majorly granitic gneisses and amphibolites. The area was marked by distinct structural features in the basement which included folds, faults and zone of intensive fracturing comprising different sets of joints. Tensional forces were responsible for the formation of most of the features such as the Semliki basin, though with the presence of the positive flowers structure such as in the sedimentary section of former Turaco sites in the Graben indicates that compressional forces also play a key role regional deformation of the area. Synthesis studies of the evolution of the Albertine Graben suggest that the Albertine Graben basin is a tertiary intra-continental rift basin that developed on the Precambrian orogenic belt of the African Craton. The sediment sequence within the Kibuku study area comprised sands, clays and siltstone ranging from tertiary to recent in age representing a prolonged and nearly continuous phase of cyclic sedimentation in the biggest part of the basin, considering that the source of such sediments were from the basement rocks at higher altitudes. The prominent cyclic pattern of clays and sands in the study area reflected changing depositional environments whereby sands were probably deposited by high energy water in the fluvial system and finer sediment such as clays were deposited with decrease in energy in the lacustrine system. The interpretation of gravity data helped to understand the crustal thickness variation while magnetic data enabled the mapping of basement depth, composition and the presence of intra sedimentary volcanic bodies. Integration of the gravity and magnetic interpretation suggested that the Northern part of the Semliki basin consisted of many faults with many structural trends. I would recommend that further exploration works should be conducted on the basin for there is high potential for the existence of an active petroleum system.
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    Geological mapping project report of Igayaza-isingiro district, Uganda.
    (Makerere University, 2019) Kutesa, Solomon Victor
    This report is a summary of the Geologic mapping course carried out in Gayaza, Isingiro district on the Gayaza synclinorium, within the Karagwe-Ankolean system of rocks. This excursion was aimed at equipping students with skills of geologic mapping such as recording field data, interpreting it and correctly representing it on a base map, measure and correctly interprets the different field structures, collect relevant samples and learn how to use field equipment such as the GPS and geologic compass. The report is comprised of a detailed geological study of area E that I mapped that is the mineralogy, metamorphism, stratigraphy, structural data and economic activities as well as the regional synthesis which covers Gayaza synclinorium and surrounding areas of Western Uganda within the Karagwe-Ankolean system. Area E is predominated by quartzite on top of the ridges, shale on the ridge slopes and valleys, as well as a few conglomerates. On addition to these, the rest of the Gayaza synclinorium contains slates, mudstones, schists, phyllites and granites in the arena. The metamorphism of the Gayaza area is largely of low grade and the metamorphism grade increases towards the arena due to the contact metamorphism resulting from granitic intrusion. Faulting and folding are the major tectonic events that occurred in this area and thus the common rock structures encountered are faults, joints, folds as well as bedding planes, laminations, boudins and quartz veins. There are two major fold trends in this region; the regional set generally trending North-westerly which predominates and the cross fold set trending North-easterly. The Gayaza Synclinorium is a cross fold with the axis plunging to the South-West. Weathering and erosion have also contributed greatly to the topography of this area such as the arena topography and the ridges. The major economic activities in this area are cattle keeping, farming in the fertile valleys and quarrying on the rock outcrops and exposures. Settlements are scarce in this area and it is largely in the valleys.
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    Designing procedure for a water based paint pump
    (Makerere University, 2019) Mubiru, Harunna
    This project was aimed at designing procedure for a water based paint pump. A design procedure is a process for elaborating the details to provide specifications for the elements in the concept. The procedure reviews the pumping system design in terms of basic elements. A design procedure for a water based paints pump starts with a concept for paint pumping water system broken down into elements, pipeline through which paint is to be conveyed and the pump type and size. The objectives of this project were to prepare a procedure for selection of the pipeline material and pipe size and also to prepare a selection of procedure pipe type and size based on the pipeline characteristics. This was aimed at improving on the process of plain in the industry. A procedure for pipe selection based on the available pipe standards was determined which enables the selection of the pipe type and size based on the pipeline characteristics. one would therefore be able to use this project as a guideline for the design of a water paint pumping system.