THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY,
AKURE
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF METALLURGICAL AND MATERIALS
ENGINEERING
A
TECHNICAL REPORT
ON THE
STUDENTS’ WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME (SWEP II)
FIELD TRIP/WORK EXERCISE ONE (1)
COMPILED BY:
ADEKOLA CALEB ADEMOLA
MME/18/8523
IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT
FOR THE AWARD OF
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (B. ENG)
IN METALLURGICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING
SUBMITTED TO:
DR. (ENGR) O. O. DARAMOLA
SWEP/FIELD WORK COORDINATOR
DEPARTMENT OF METALLURGICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING
JULY 2023
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Students 'Work Experience Programme (SWEP II) like SWEP I which exposes students to the
practical of basic engineering practice, is another aimed at further providing students with real - time
work experience particularly in their field - related establishments during the long vacation holiday at
the end of 300 level for Engineering Students of the Federal University of Technology, Akure. It is also
part of NUC and COREN requirements for graduation with a degree and accreditation of engineering
programmes in the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology.
For the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, SWEP II is regarded as field trip/work
exercise. Students in the department are taken on a tour of different industries with specializations in
the various classes of materials studied in the field which includes Metals, Polymers, and Ceramics etc.
The week-long trip did however expose students in the department to establishments which began
with visit to the Ibadan Factory of a distinguished player in the Nigerian Plastic Sector, Black Horse
Plastics Limited, located at Ibadan, Oyo State; then to the integrated metal processing plant of another
leading producer of Steel and Aluminum Products, NIML Limited at Sango - Otta, Ogun State; and to
the multi - billion naira cold roll steel mill plant of the Western Metal Products Company (WEMPCO)
Group at Magboro, Ogun State, all in Nigeria.
With the trip obviously without any iota of doubt fulfilling its primary aim of first class industrial
experience as well as aligning future career plans and ambitions, it is hereby humbly recommended
that more establishments be visited and provisions for a 1- Month brief Industrial Work Schedule at
some of these visited companies to cover for the remainder of the long holiday for subsequent
generation of students who will be undergoing the exercise in future. This will help prepare students
for the Industrial Training proper which will take place in the second semester of the fourth year of
their academic programme.
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Contents
CHAPTER ONE..................................................................................................................................................................... 5
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 5
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................................................................. 5
CHAPTER TWO.................................................................................................................................................................... 6
BLACK HORSE PLASTICS LIMITED ....................................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................ 6
2.2 COMPANY'S PRODUCTS ........................................................................................................................................... 7
2.3 PLANTS/SECTIONS OF PRODUCTION....................................................................................................................... 7
2.3.1 RAW MATERIALS SECTION ................................................................................................................................ 7
2.3.2 HOUSEHOLD SECTION ....................................................................................................................................... 7
2.3.3 FURNITURE SECTION ......................................................................................................................................... 9
2.3.4 PRINTING, TAGGING AND PACKAGING SECTION ............................................................................................. 9
2.3.5 WAREHOUSE SECTION ...................................................................................................................................... 9
2.3.6 RECYCLING PLANT ........................................................................................................................................... 10
2.3.7 SHOWROOM ................................................................................................................................................... 12
2.4 SKILL/EXPERIENCE GAINED .................................................................................................................................... 12
2.5 PLANS AND AMBITION REVIEW ............................................................................................................................ 12
CHAPTER THREE ............................................................................................................................................................... 14
NIGERIAN ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION LIMITED ................................................................................................................. 14
3.1 BACKGROUNG INFORMATION .............................................................................................................................. 14
3.2 COMPANY PRODUCTS............................................................................................................................................ 14
3.3 COMPANY SECTION/UNIT ..................................................................................................................................... 14
3.4 SKILL/EXPERIENCE GAINED .................................................................................................................................... 19
CHAPTER FOUR................................................................................................................................................................. 20
NIGERIAN FOUNDRIES LIMITED ....................................................................................................................................... 20
BACKGROUND INFORMATION .................................................................................................................................... 20
COMPANY SECTION ..................................................................................................................................................... 20
CHAPTER FIVE ................................................................................................................................................................... 23
NATIONAL IRON ORE MINING COMPANY LIMITED. ....................................................................................................... 23
5.2 COMPANY PRODUCT ............................................................................................................................................. 23
5.3 COMPANY SECTION ............................................................................................................................................... 23
HEAVY EQUIPMENTS MAINTENANCE DIVISION ......................................................................................................... 27
CHAPTER SIX ..................................................................................................................................................................... 28
6.0 CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................................................................... 28
6.1 RECOMMENDATION .............................................................................................................................................. 28
Figure 1: Schematic Diagram of an Injection Molding Machine ...................................................................................... 8
Figure 2: A printed and tagged Dangote Cement Chair .................................................................................................... 9
Figure 3: warehouse......................................................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 4: Recycling house................................................................................................................................................. 11
Figure 5: Recycling plant .................................................................................................................................................. 11
Figure 6: Showroom; Self Assembly Furniture ................................................................................................................ 12
Figure 7: A typical extrusion machine ........................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 8: An extrusion plant ........................................................................................................................................... 16
Figure 9: A color coating machine.................................................................................................................................. 17
Figure 10: anodizing section ............................................................................................................................................ 18
Figure 11: A typical profile ready for anodizing ........................................................................................................... 18
Figure 12: A typical pattern shop and a 3D machine. ..................................................................................................... 22
Figure 13: The primary and secondary crusher ........................................................................................................... 24
Figure 14: A typical gyratory crusher. ........................................................................................................................... 25
Figure 15: STOCKPILE SECTION ........................................................................................................................................ 25
Figure 16: A typical milling machine ............................................................................................................................. 26
Figure 17: A typical CAT 992C .......................................................................................................................................... 27
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
The student work experience programme, SWEP, is organized for engineering students in Nigerian
universities for one week, usually at the end of their third year in school as directed by the Nigerian
Universities’ Commission. SWEP (Field work) in which it was divided into two phases which was
coordinated by DR. (ENGR) O. O. DARAMOLA. The first phase of the field trip commenced on the 9th
of May 2023 immediately after the second semester examination and it lasted for two days, and we visited
the NATIONAL IRON ORE MINING COMPANY LIMITED, IKTAPE KOGI STATE. The second
phase of the field work commenced on the 11th of July 2023 which lasted for four days where we visited
BLACK HORSE PLASTICS LIMITED, NIGALEX- NIGERIAN ALUMINUM EXTRUSION
LIMITED, NIGERIAN FOUNDARIES, OGUN STATE.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Student work experience program (SWEP II) is aimed at exposing and providing 300 level
engineering students to practical activities in major disciplines of the courses taught in
school all within the country. This program provides students with practical experience for
2 weeks during the long vacation holiday at the end of 300 levels for engineering students
of FUTA. It is also part of NUC and COREN requirements for graduation and accreditation
of engineering programs for school of engineering and engineering technology. Also, it
helps students to know what the department really entails in the practical aspect, it also
widens their understanding.
This report entails the summary of all companies visited which lasted for 2 weeks. Also
•
To give student more practical knowledge in various aspect of metallurgy.
•
It helps in developing student innovative ideas and creativity relevant to their program
•
It helps students to know where they can also work after their education and also it
helps in IT placement.
CHAPTER TWO
BLACK HORSE PLASTICS LIMITED
2.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Black Horse Plastics Industry Limited was founded and registered in 1976, it was
incorporated in Ibadan, Nigeria with registration number 17737. Black Horse is a
distinguished player in the Nigerian plastic sector; 100% Nigerian owned, Black Horse
Plastics has been producing plastic household items, garden furniture, kitchenware,
industrial products and packaging materials in Nigeria for over 25 years meeting the
European and International Standards. Their high-quality furniture is number one in the
business; their chairs are great for all events, school functions, conference rooms,
churches, hotels, café, reception areas, training rooms and offices. Their design selection
grows by the day so they can offer their customers the best with various options of
designs to the Nigerian public and the whole of West Africa. Their factory is located at
Km 12, Old Lagos Road, P.O. Box 18, Ibadan, Nigeria and they have various offices
across the country in all 36 states including Abuja, they have agents in most West African
countries. Their showrooms/depots are located at Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and
Maiduguri. Black Horse is a 100% Nigerian owned distinguished player of the Nigerian
Plastic Industry. It has been in existence for over 25 years with products including,
Plastic Household items, garden furniture, kitchen ware, industrial products as well as
other packaging materials by meeting European and industrial standards. Its products are
for local and mostly export consumption. Its visited factory is located at Km 12, Old
Lagos Road, Ibadan, Oyo State.
2.2 COMPANY'S PRODUCTS
Its wide range of products includes Household Bowls, Dinner Plates, Mugs, Cups, Chairs
(with specifications in Royalle, Richmond, Alaska, Geneve etc.) and Tables with designs
such as the Nova, Lifestyle, Lifestyle 2, Unity, Viva types and so on. Its products are
fortified with strength increasing additives and the surface protected with UV Inhibitors.
2.3 PLANTS/SECTIONS OF PRODUCTION
During the tour, different active sections including the Raw materials section, Household,
Furniture, Tagging, Warehouse, Recycling Plant and the Showroom Sections were visited,
while the abandoned furniture and bottle producing factories which have since been closed
down due to unfavorable production factors including high cost and unavailability of raw
materials as well as the general high cost of production the major cause were shown to us
as well. The actively visited sections are briefly discussed as appropriate below:
2.3.1 RAW MATERIALS SECTION
This section houses the polymeric raw materials used for production. The major raw
material is called "Polypropylene (PP)" which may either be in compound or single form.
They are packaged in 25kg net weight bags. These materials are semi -finished products in
form of 'pellets' either imported most times or bought from NNPC’s affiliate company,
Eleme Petrochemicals, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Other important raw materials used are
Fillers which gives strength to products like furniture to enable them withstand external
weight, and the Master-batch which is the major coloring agent used to transform the
product from its initial transparent color to any desired one.
2.3.2 HOUSEHOLD SECTION
In this section, household items including bowls, dinner-plates, mugs and cups are
produced. It is the first section in the whole factory setup. It is bordered by the rawmaterials and furniture sections.
2.3.2.2 METHOD/ MECHANISM OF PRODUCTION
The mechanism of production is the Injection Molding method of plastic production.
Pellets of the polypropylene raw material are poured into the cavities (hopper) of the
molding machine. The master batch color is also added from another cavity if the product
is expected to have a specific color. The sprue system takes the materials into the mold.
The sprue is covered with heater bands in the barrel. The materials are heated up to a certain
temperature as it passes through the barrel before they are pushed into the mold. The mold
of the injection molding machine which is used for the production consists of the static and
mobile side. They both form the shape of the product to be produced. A chilling system
which is part of the mold setup takes water into the mold and turns the already heated
liquefied product into solid which takes the shape of the mold. The chilling system brings
cold water into the mold and returns the hot one after production for cooling.
Once the product is formed in the mold, air pushes the ejector while the mobile side of the
mold opens and the product is pushed out. The products are then collected, and the flaps
removed manually by the machine operator assigned to each one. However, products may
come out defective, they are not packed together with the undefective ones, they are rather
separated instantly and taken to the recycling plant after production target has been met. It
takes approximately thirty seconds to produce one household item.
The machines in this section are of different mold shapes and sizes which are nonremovable. There is a particular shape and size peculiar to the specific machine. The
machine is an automatic machine which requires all parameters be inputted before
production starts. The machine regulates the amount of material and additives to be injected
at a go. Sometimes, household materials carry stripes of different color on the predominant
color. The master batch of all the colors are added separately from its respective cavities
and the information entered from the machine panel used to determine the quantity of each
color which enters the barrel with the major raw material.
2.3.2.3 MACHINES USED FOR PRODUCTION
The machines used in the section are the Automatic Injection Molding Machine of different
product shape and size.
Figure 1: Schematic Diagram of an Injection Molding Machine
2.3.3 FURNITURE SECTION
In this section, various plastic tables and chairs are produced. This section is bordered by
the household section and the warehouse. The method and mechanism as well as the
machines are same as those used in the previous section. However, the fillers are used in
this section since the products here need strength to withstand the external weight to be
exerted on them. Usually, due to the big nature of the furniture produced, the machines
used are literally larger and of higher capacities than those in the household section. It takes
approximately one minute to produce products in this section. The furniture may be whole
or detachable ones, with which the heads and legs are produced separately and then coupled
together thereafter. These detachable are referred to as the "SELF ASSEMBLY
FURNITURES” (SAF)
2.3.4 PRINTING, TAGGING AND PACKAGING SECTION
This section involves the printing, packing and packaging of the products. Products are
usually packaged at the same time, with just little partition amongst them. Most times,
Household items are packed into polythene bags in designated quantities. Tags are usually
used on Furniture. The tags are preprinted which are used on the products for reference,
specific, and beautification purposes. This section is usually close to the warehouse for
easy movement of the products from this section to where they are stored.
Figure 2: A printed and tagged Dangote Cement Chair
2.3.5 WAREHOUSE SECTION
This section houses finished products ready for supply. All plastic products manufactured
in this factory are first stored before they are supplied for consumer consumption. The
warehouse also jointly acts as showroom for the non-detachable furniture products and the
household products.
Figure 3: warehouse
2.3.6 RECYCLING PLANT
This plant is a major section in the factory. Plastic scraps are mostly the materials recycled
and grounded back in form of pellets to be reused for production. Different plastic items
once discarded, are brought to the plant. The defective products in the production sections
are also brought back to this plant for grinding. The machine used uses a conveyor belt to
transport the materials from the ground to where it would be processed. They are then
collected into bags to be taken to the sections for usage. This plant is the last section in the
main factory building.
Figure 4: Recycling house
Figure 5: Recycling plant
2.3.7 SHOWROOM
The show room is located close to the main entrance of the factory. It is used to display
self-assembly furniture products. Others which are not displayed are left in the cartons for
easy dispatching. The product comes in different colors, shapes and sizes. They may also
be in form of the double, triple or multiple seats. These types of furniture are fast replacing
the sofa ones used at homes due to its long-term durability and lightweight nature.
Figure 6: Showroom; Self Assembly Furniture
2.4 SKILL/EXPERIENCE GAINED
The tour of the factory has given me the opportunity to harness the theoretical knowledge
of injection molding process with the practical skill. Although, the production process is
mainly automated, there is the need to understand the process involved in inputting all
parameters specific for the type of product to be manufactured. Injecting more or less the
required quantity material may cause wastage which affects the overall production cost and
so on.
2.5 PLANS AND AMBITION REVIEW
Visiting the factory has been an eye opener. This is due to the fact that, I have been able to
see the prospect of a small-scale industry in the polymeric sector. As a young Materials
engineer, one can decide to make a survey of the most demanded polymeric household or
furniture item, get the automatic injection molding machine peculiar to this product and
start on a small scale. There is little or no need for labor since the machines are automatic.
A perfect example is the big bowls used at homes as well as lunch plates. These products
are used every day and would be on a constant demand from consumers.
However, the major constrain is the power to be used for production. Generators may be
the major source of power. Also, if transparent products are to be produced, the use of
recycled plastic materials may not be the best option. This may require importation of the
raw material to be used. While it is also worthy to note the multiple taxations, import duties
and so on which are levied on businesses by the different agencies of the government.
CHAPTER THREE
NIGERIAN ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION LIMITED
3.1 BACKGROUNG INFORMATION
Nigerian Aluminum Extrusions (NIGALEX)Limited was established in 1973 with a work
force of 250 employees and has since been contributing immensely to Nigeria's economic
and industrial growth. Backed with the relevant modern cutting-edge technology, Nigalex
has over the years emerged as the leading producer of high-quality Aluminum Profiles in
West Africa. Owned mainly by big time institutional investors and Leichstein based
company, Messrs Hallmark; NIGALEX extrudes aluminum in desired configuration and
colors to users in the construction, automobile and aviation industries. It is located at 31/37
Apapa-Oshodi Express Way, Coker, Lagos.
Vision statement: To become an aluminum extruder of choice in Africa by creating distinct
value for our customers for their enduring patronage
Mission statement: To create clients for life through innovative approach to Qualitative
production, Competitive pricing, Outstanding customer service, Prudent sales conduct and
operation support, well-motivated and engaged employees.
3.2 COMPANY PRODUCTS
The company products are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Cego flyscreen
Projected window system
Door system
Swing door system
Stock extrusion
Special profiles
Sliding window system
Fixed louvers.
3.3 COMPANY SECTION/UNIT
The company is divided into different section for efficient production of aluminium
profiles. The main sections we were taken to were the
Remelt section& scrap yard
Extrusion section
Surface finish section
Remelt section& Scrap yard: The scrap yard contains different composition of aluminum
and other element. Scraps containing 60-63% aluminum is sort with the help of some
machines that is used to detect the percentage of aluminum. After that they are now taken
to the melting section which is inside the furnace to melt them alongside with the imported
aluminum billet, it melts at 660 degrees centigrade.
Extrusion section: After melting the aluminum this is the next stage it is taken to, the
molten aluminum is then poured into an extrusion plant for casting into different shapes
but before been poured, the mounds(dies) will have been preheated in an oven in order to
prevent shock, it is then taken to the extrusion plant and the molten metal (semi-solid) is
the forced out by the machine and it brings out the shape of the die placed in the plant. It
is then cooled by natural air (fan) after this process, age hardening is done at 180 degrees
centigrade for 6hours in other to improve the strength and ductility of the metal been
produced. It is then allowed to cool.
Figure 7: A typical extrusion machine
Figure 8: An extrusion plant
Surface finish section: This is the last stage od production before the product is now sold
to the final consumer. It is divided into two section which is the powder coating and the
anodizing section. Both are used for painting the surface of the materials, but powder
coating last longer than anodizing. For powder coating it under preheat treatment before
coating the surface of the material it is washed at 100 degrees centigrade and it is then
cured at 180 degrees centigrade in the color coating machine.
Also, for the anodizing section, it deals with electrolysis. The profile is washed in an
alkaline solution, then it is later neutralized by sulphury acid and electricity passed for
proper electrolysis to be done and the process is all done in a sealing tank at a temperature
of 100 degrees centigrade.
Figure 9: A color coating machine
Anodizing section
This is where most of the electrolysis is done which involves the transfer of ions. Both the
external and internal part are coated, sulphuric acid is applied. After alkaline washing, you
neutralize with sulphuric acid then electricity is applied for proper electrolysis. Put in the
sealing tang to seal the surface of the aluminium profile after it must have been opened by
electrolysis and the sealing is done at 100°c.
Figure 10: anodizing section
Figure 11: A typical profile ready for anodizing
Remelt section
Source of material is scrap from initially generated extrusion lime, it is charged in a
furnace, melted and treated. The impurities being removed are known as Drows.
After melting, it is poured in a mould and it is a continuous casting process. The melting is
done at about 720°c. the mould (dies) should be prepared before producing the profile, the
die is then taken to an oven to prepare for extrusion, after the extrusion it is cooled by
natural gas. Aluminium melts at 660°c.
3.4 SKILL/EXPERIENCE GAINED
The tour of the factory has given me the opportunity to harness the theoretical knowledge
of color coating and anodizing with the practical skill. Although, the production process
is mainly automated, there is the need to understand the process involved in inputting all
parameters specific for the type of product to be manufactured. An unprecise anodic
process could lead to an untimely damage of the products at point of application.
CHAPTER FOUR
NIGERIAN FOUNDRIES LIMITED
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Nigerian foundries limited is located in Sango-Otta, Ado Odo/ota, Ogun state. The
company is mainly into casting of materials which is used mainly in the oil sector and other
sector in the country. The company is in conjunction with Metec-West Africa limited and
the cast to last since 1969.Metec-West Africa is into cathodic protection solution which is
made of zinc and aluminum to prevent corrosion of metals used in seas, while NFL are into
casting of ferrous metals. Area under the Metec is the melting section, fettling section, etc.
and area under the NFL are the melting section, fettling section, molding section, scrap
yard, heat treatment section, generation house, etc.
COMPANY SECTION
The company is divided into different unit which are the:
Scrap yard
Fabrication bay
Machine shop
Quality control room
Molding section
Engineering shop
Melting shop
Fabrication bay: This was the first section we were taken to, and in this section
the major work of operation is the cutting of metals which include mild steel,
aluminum, etc. the machine used here are rolling machine and CSC profile
cutting machine.
Machine shop: This section deals machining of metals after casting of metals. The
machines used are the lathe machine, milling machine, shearing machine, drilling machine,
etc.
Quality control room: In this section they test for the physical and chemical properties
the metals and also for the sand that is to be used, and the equipment used are the:
Sand testing machine
Tensile testing machine
Universal testing machine
Spectrometer
Electron microscope
Molding section: This section where the casting really starts, in this section the sand is
mixed with other molding materials and they are filled into the cope and the drag which
already contain the pattern, then they are vent and gas is passed through to prevent any
entrapped gases, in order not to cause defect in the cast materials. For large casting a sand
plant is used to mix the sand alongside with other molding materials to avoid wastage of
time.
Engineering shop: This is where the pattern is been made by the pattern maker.
Materials used for pattern are wood, metals and plastics. Also, they also have the 3D pattern
machine which is more accurate than using hand to design the pattern but it consumes time.
Figure 12: A typical pattern shop and a 3D machine.
Melting shop: The NFL uses the electric induction furnace and the power is 400kw and
it is called VIP 400(variable induction power), while Mectec uses the tilting furnace to melt
aluminum. After melting the scraps, it is then poured into the flask and the shape of the
cast materials is formed. After casting the metal, it is then cooled and taken to the fettling
shop for fettling and machine shop for machining, and if it needs any further treatment then
it is taken to the heat treatment shop wires, etc.
CHAPTER FIVE
NATIONAL IRON ORE MINING COMPANY LIMITED.
BRIEF INTRODUCTION
National iron ore mining limited is located at Itakpe, kogi state, which was founded in
1971. The Itakpe mine is a large iron mine located in central Nigeria in kogi state. It
represents one of the largest iron ore reserves in Nigeria and in the world having estimate
deposit of 3 billion tonnes of ore grading 32% iron metal. The major raw material is the
iron ore deposit. The company deals with three major aspect which are :
Exploration
Exploitation
Beneficiation/processing of iron ore
5.2 COMPANY PRODUCT
The company product is iron concentrate which is transported to ajaokuta steel limited and
alaja steel limited.
5.3 COMPANY SECTION
The company is divided into different section in order for the final product to be achieved:
QUARRY
The quarry section is where the granite is excavated from the ground and it is processed
with the help of some machines which are the primary crusher and the secondary crusher,
then it is transported into the bin with the help of conveyor belts. The granite is used for
road construction.
CRUSHING SECTION
Figure 13: The primary and secondary crusher
After mining of the ore from its run-off mines it is then transported to the primary crusher
plant for size reduction(comminution). The machine used here is called the gyratory
crusher in which reduce the size of the ore from 500m to 200mm. It has inccentric and
eccentric sleeves, and has no shaft. Below is inccentric while above is eccentric, between
the mantle and crushing chamber is a gape. After these process some of the ore that are not
properly crushed are taken to the secondary crusher to reduce their size for further
processing It uses electricity.
Figure 14: A typical gyratory crusher.
STOCKPILE
This is also part of the section we were shown in the company some of the ore
are stored here until when they are need for processing, in order to use them a
reclaimer is used to reclaim them which then blend them with the other ore
gotten from the primary crusher, after the mixture is then done, they are now
transported to the milling machine for grinding them into smaller sizes.
Figure 15: STOCKPILE SECTION
GRINDING SECTION
This is where beneficiation start and ore dressing. This was the next section we were taken
to after the primary crusher, in this process water is then introduced in order to reduce dust
and easy flow of the concentrate to the next stage of processing. The type of milling
machine used is the autogenous milling machine (ore grinding ore), which reduce the size
from 200mm to 1.6mm, then it screens it, the undersize are sent to another processing plant
while the oversize are screened out and they are grinded again, until they achieve the
required size. The undersize is then sent to a hydrocyclone in order to classify the
concentrate from the tailing, the hydrocyclone classify the ore according to the
specific gravity. After this process has been carried out the ore is then taken to
a magnetic separator machine in order to separate the concentrate from the
tailing, then water is then extracted from both the tailing and concentrate, and the tailing
is transported to the tailing dam until they are further needed for another extraction process.
Figure 16: A typical milling machine
HEAVY EQUIPMENTS MAINTENANCE DIVISION
In this section, heavy duty machines are serviced. Few off these machines are listed
below:
▪ D9R (Bulldozer): Piles up materials after blasting.
▪ Loader 992C:
▪ Dumper
▪ ROC601
Figure 17: A typical CAT 992C
CHAPTER SIX
6.0 CONCLUSION
Conclusively, Metallurgy and material engineering is a great field to be, because it remains
the mother of all engineering fields, but its so unfortunate that lack of proper Government
policy and finance in this nation is gradually striping the field of her right of being the
mother of all, for example if Ajaokuta steel company limited and national iron ore mining
company can be revived, Nigeria will be far better than its present state and it will create
employment opportunities, be a source of income and foreign exchange. The challenges
faced by some of the companies are power supply, most of the companies are privately
owned and lack of support from the government from more production and improvement
in their productivity level. The field work help the student understand what they have been
taught in class and also expose their understanding on each aspect of metallurgy.
6.1 RECOMMENDATION
In lieu of the experience gained from all the establishments, it is hereby humbly
recommended that for a better field experience and expertise for students and the general
development of the industry;
• That more establishments be visited around the country.
• That provision is made for a 1-month brief work schedule for all students in some of
the visited establishments which will serve as a pre -Industrial Training work
experience, as well as a cover for the remainder of the long holiday.
• That on the path of the facilitators and management, a general wakeup call on all Heads
of department of institutions, professional bodies and other affiliates be made on the
need to work together in one voice, solicit and compel the government to consider the
right path and move for a favourable upstream and downstream manufacturing process
for the general development of the Metallurgical and Materials industry.