ADAMS, TAIWO DAVIDS110804003

SIWES Presentation

NIGERITE: Overview

Nigerite Limited was incorporated in Nigeria on the 29th of April 1959 as a joint venture between Etex Group of Belgium and O’dua Investment Corporation Limited of Nigeria.

Nigerite is engaged in the manufacturing, marketing and installation of New Technology fibre cement roofing and ceiling sheets, compressed sandcrete roofing tiles (Crete Tile French and Crete Tile Mission) and vinyl floor tiles (Luxe).

NIGERITE: Products

Nigerite’s New Technology fibre cement products are made from Portland cement, cellulose and polyvinyl alcohol (a derivative of crude oil) only.

The compressed sandcrete roofing tiles are made from coarse and soft aggregates mixed with Portland cement and iron-oxide pigments only.

Sampling

This is done to get a fraction, usually randomly, to represent the whole.

The sample is taken using a sampler, and samples are taken from bags or production silos.

Particle Size Distribution

This is a granulometry test.

To determine the particle size distribution of cement, sand and stone (CaCO3).

The implication of this test is to know how much of the material would be retained in the product as to how much of it would go to waste.

Blaine Test

This is an air permeability test.

To determine the fineness or surface area per gram of cement and stone (CaCO3).

The implication of this test is to know if the fineness of the material is suitable for production as very high blaine could lead to waste, and low blaine would require blending if it must be taken by the roller belt with other composites during production.

Loss on ignition

This is a thermogravimetry method.

To determine the weight loss of the cement and sand on heating.

On blasting in the furnace, water and carbon-dioxide are given off.

Thermography

To determine the peak of heat evolution during the hydration of cement.

If the peak of evolution falls within the range of 6hours, then it is passed.

The implication of this test to know how long before the products are depiled, in readying the moulders for the next batch.

Free-Lime Test

To determine the percentage of uncombined lime contained in the cement.

The implication of this test is to tell whether the amount of free lime would cause cracks in the product overtime. Free lime combines with atmospheric air and water to form CaCO3, which causes cracks in the product.

Setting Time

To determine the cure time of the cement.

This method determines the time of setting by means of penetration resistance measurements on the cement mixture.

The implication of this test to know what time the product starts to dry.

Strength Test

To determine the flexural strength and the compressive strength.

The strength of the products is reliant on the strength of the cement. The implication of this test is to know how strong the product would eventually be in relation to the strength of the cement used.

Purity Test

To determine the percentage purity of the calcium carbonate, i.e, the percentage composition of CaCO3.

This test tells us how impurity free the sample is, perhaps it is has been mixed with some other products.

Relevance to chemistry

CHM 303 : This course is applicable in the sample preparation and gravimetric analysis.

CHM 312 : was useful in helping us understand the industrial processes and terms used in an industrial environment.

Thank You