Browsing by Author "Osei, Isaac"

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    Development of techno-economic models for optimised utilisation of jatropha curcas linnaeus
    (JUNE, 2016 ) Osei, Isaac
    This study sought to develop techno-economic models for the production and optimised utilisation of jatropha oil and its by-products. Jatropha oil and press cake briquette were characterised for physico-chemical properties. Four models were developed based on business cases for jatropha production and processing. Model 1: large scale plantation with export of oil. Model 2: large scale plantation and utilisation of oil for electricity and soap production and by-products for biogas and briquette production. Model 3: out grower scheme with export of oil and utilisation of cake for compost. Model 4: out grower scheme with utilisation of oil and by-products as presented in model 2. Economic analyses of the models were performed using NPV and IRR. Linear programming models were developed based on outcomes of the models to optimise the use of jatropha oil and by-products through profit maximisation. Results from the study revealed average oil, press cake and residual oil content of 30.89%, 65.51% and 3.60% respectively. Physico-chemical properties of the oil revealed iron content (62 mg/kg), iodine number (93), flash point (213oC), density (918 kg/m3) and acid value (29.75 mgKOH/g). The findings suggest that using the oil directly in modified CI engine require thorough filtering to remove contaminants to recommended levels. Results of the physico-chemical assessment of the briquettes revealed moisture content (8% dry basis), ash content (4.64%) and calorific value (7,115.7 kcal/kg) which meet recommended briquette characteristics. Findings from the techno-economic models revealed that model 1 was not financially viable. All the scenarios considered under model 2 were financially viable. Models 3 and 4 were financially viable from the processors’ perspective but not from the farmers’. Financial viability was achieved for both parties in models 3 and 4 at seed price of $0.1/kg and $0.085/kg respectively. Soap and biogas production were identified to be the most profitable use of oil and by-products respectively. The findings indicate that, valorisation of by-products and local utilisation of Jatropha oil produce financial viability. Optimising the utilisation of the oil resulted in annual maximum profit of $147,865. This required production of 140,135 kWh of electricity and 62,129 kg of soap. Maximising the utilisation of by-products resulted in an annual profit of $22,220 by producing 46,133m3 of biogas and 87,241 kg of compost.  
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    Development of Techno-Economic Models for Optimised Utilisation of Jatropha Curcas Linnaeus
    (June, 2016) Osei, Isaac
    This study sought to develop techno-economic models for the production and optimised utilisation of jatropha oil and its by-products. Jatropha oil and press cake briquette were characterised for physico-chemical properties. Four models were developed based on business cases for jatropha production and processing. Model 1: large scale plantation with export of oil. Model 2: large scale plantation and utilisation of oil for electricity and soap production and by-products for biogas and briquette production. Model 3: out grower scheme with export of oil and utilisation of cake for compost. Model 4: out grower scheme with utilisation of oil and by-products as presented in model 2. Economic analyses of the models were performed using NPV and IRR. Linear programming models were developed based on outcomes of the models to optimise the use of jatropha oil and by-products through profit maximisation. Results from the study revealed average oil, press cake and residual oil content of 30.89%, 65.51% and 3.60% respectively. Physico-chemical properties of the oil revealed iron content (62 mg/kg), iodine number (93), flash point (213oC), density (918 kg/m3) and acid value (29.75 mgKOH/g). The findings suggest that using the oil directly in modified CI engine require thorough filtering to remove contaminants to recommended levels. Results of the physico-chemical assessment of the briquettes revealed moisture content (8% dry basis), ash content (4.64%) and calorific value (7,115.7 kcal/kg) which meet recommended briquette characteristics. Findings from the techno-economic models revealed that model 1 was not financially viable. All the scenarios considered under model 2 were financially viable. Models 3 and 4 were financially viable from the processors’ perspective but not from the farmers’. Financial viability was achieved for both parties in models 3 and 4 at seed price of $0.1/kg and $0.085/kg respectively. Soap and biogas production were identified to be the most profitable use of oil and by-products respectively. The findings indicate that, valorisation of by-products and local utilisation of Jatropha oil produce financial viability. Optimising the utilisation of the oil resulted in annual maximum profit of $147,865. This required production of 140,135 kWh of electricity and 62,129 kg of soap. Maximising the utilisation of by-products resulted in an annual profit of $22,220 by producing 46,133m3 of biogas and 87,241 kg of compost.  
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    An evaluation of reader services at the University of Science and Technology (U.S.T) Kumasi Library
    (1991) Osei, Isaac
    The U. S. T. Library, since its inception, has remained the best university agency for collecting and organising knowledge for effective use and continues to provide important services and facilities to support the University to meet her noble objectives. The problem is posed as to whether it is effectively and efficiently fulfilling its educational objectives. This study has therefore, been carried out to determine the extent to which the Library meets demands placed on it by its readers. Using data obtained mainly through the client-centred method and complemented with objective methods, the study evaluated the facilities, resources, services and the overal1 1evel of performance of the Library. It is revealed that whereas the Library’s own total collections are inadequate to meet demands, its resort to cooperative activities immensely helps it to mitigate this problem. It is also revealed that physical facilities are inadequate and that the provision of such facilities for 1 earning and study are unsatisfactory. Its overall level of performance in the provision of information and services is found to be satisfactory in either case. Cognisance is taken of the constraints in the use of both the subjective and objective methods in an evaluation of’ this type. Particularly, the constraints that make it difficult to use the objective criteria, measures and indicators of performance within the environment in which the U.S. T. Library operates are highlighted. The study concludes by recommending measures which would enhance the effective use of the Library and its collections as well as the performance level of’ the Library.