REFURBISHMENT OF FLUID FLOW DEMONSTRATION UNIT

REFURBISHMENT OF FLUID FLOW DEMONSTRATION UNIT
 
ABSTRACT
The refurbishment of the fluid flow demonstration unit was carried out in the Chemical Engineering pilot plant laboratory of the Institute of Management and Technology Enugu. The refurbishment process was carried out to ensure adequate functioning of the unit, to allow the continuous use of equipment in the pilot plant, so that student would use it in understanding the nature of the flow of fluid through pipe lines, these process was also for the development of the knowledge of every one who carried out the operation. The process involved in the refurbishment of the fluid flow demonstration unit were in stages and it started with the finding of faults, at this stage the equipment was operated to know where the possible fault would arise from, while water was passing through the cylindrical glass tube, it was not visible, which we noted was due to dirt’s cloged in the pipes internal surface.  The storage tank was filled with clean water, when this water was pumped out, it was dirty then we noted also the storage tank was dirty.  Some pipes were not held firmly to the board this was due to worn out clips, bolts and nuts, we also noticed leakages in some hose pipes. Since the faults has been found we started servicing by first decoupling of the cylindrical glass tubes from the board one after the other with utmost care using screw drivers, spanners and pliers gradually all the tubes were removed from the board.  After dismantling these tubes, sulphuric acid {H2S04}, detergent, water and brush which would be used for washing the pipes were brought in place, the sulphric acid was passed through the pipe to soften the dirt’s in the pipe, then the detergent was dissolved in water, with brushes of different sizes all the pipe were washed and rinsed with clean water and allowed to dry.  After these a dry rag was soaked in detergent and water which was used in cleaning the board removing the stains and dirts from it, then it was allowed to dry.  The board was later painted with a white oil paint using a brush to coat it first and allowed to dry then finally painted.  The storage tank was also washed with detergent and waters the allowed to dry, then it was painted with the aid of a brush both internally and externally.  Some bolts, nuts, chips and hosepipe that was leaking were replaced. Finally the fluid flow demonstration unit was brought back in place for use, giving the unit along lasting use, enabling the use in the Chemical Engineering pilot plant.