Evaluating the Retrofit of Water Tube Boiler for Enhanced Steam Genaration With Specific Biofuels
Student: Fatima Julde (Project, 2025)
Department of Chemical Engineering
Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna
Abstract
This study evaluates the retrofit of a water tube boiler for enhanced steam generation using biofuels, bioethanol derived from sugarcane and diesel alongside LPG as a comparative fuel. Experimental analysis focused on flame characteristics, ignition time, fuel consumption, and cost implications. Results showed that LPG exhibited the fastest combustion due to its high high flame velocity, igniting within 3 seconds with a blue flame, while diesel had moderate combustion with an 8 seconds ignition time and bioethanol displayed slower combustion with a yellow flame igniting in 5 seconds. Fuel consumption analysis indicates that LPG required the least mass and shortest duration to convert 25L of water to steam, whereas bioethanol had the highest consumption with diesel being moderate. Cost evaluation revealed LPG as the most economical option, costing 2835 Naira, compared to 3192 Naira for bioethanol and 3252 Naira for diesel. These findings highlight LPG superior efficiency and cost-effectiveness, while bioethanol performance underscores the need for further optimization to enhance its viability as a sustainable fuel alternative.
Keywords
For the full publication, please contact the author directly at: juldefat@gmail.com
Filters
Institutions
- University of Ilorin, Kwara State 402
- University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State 19
- University of Lagos 18
- University of Maiduguri ( - Elearning), Maiduguri, Borno State 3
- University of Maiduguri, Borno State 109
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State 270
- University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt , River State 6
- University of Port-Harcourt, Rivers State 175
- University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State 207
- Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, Sokoto State 245