Department of Industrial Technology
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Item Quantitative Analysis of Wood Tar Production Efficiency of Selected Wood Species in Sierra Leone(2024-09-26) Fofanah, Mohamed SyedWood tar is the byproduct that is discharged when wood is carbonized in a charcoal kiln or distilled in a distillation furnace. Burning of charcoal and biomass gasification processes release large quantities of trace gases and particles that contribute to air pollution and climate change. This study aims at contributing to the identification of woods suitable for wood tar production in Sierra Leone in order to help rural communities involve in charcoal production protect the environment at the same time earning additional income from sale of wood tar. Carbonization using Tumulus kiln was done on four different weights of the dry wood samples taken at 400kg, 500kg, 600kg and 700kg. The quantities of wood tars produced by the three wood samples (Phyllanthus discoideu, Diallum guinesis and Mangifera indica) determined. The study revealed that all three wood samples are suitable candidates for wood tar production with Mangifera indica and Phyllanthus discoideu most preferred.Item NON-PYROLYTIC FIELD METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF RESINOUS WOOD TAR FROM MANGIFERA INDICA (MANGO TREE)(2024-12-31) Fofanah, Mohamed SyedResinous wood tar is a dark, viscous liquid of hydrocarbons and free carbon which is a by-product of the high temperature carbonization or pyrolysis of resin producing woods like pine and mango woods in anoxic conditions. Pyrolysis produces flue gases that contain pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide, which can pollute the air and water. This study provides an alternative technology for the production of wood tar using non-pyrolytic method which is comparatively a less complex process, save cost due to low energy consumption and mitigate environmental pollution. The two main objectives considered in the study were to determine the wood tar production efficiency of mango tree resin and some physical properties of the wood tar produced. The experimental method basically involves the immersion of the mango wood bark chips in water for 72 hrs so that the resin in the chips will adequately dissolve in water. The solution is boiled at 100oC to allow water to evaporate under controlled environment leaving a dark brown tarry concentrate. The 5000ml of resin solution obtained from the 5kg bark chips immersed in water yielded 300ml of liquid wood tar and 168g of concentrated wood tar. The wood tar produced has a pH of 4.37 (acidic) and density of 1.06g/cm3.Item Impact of Total Quality Management Practices on Sustainability And Company Performance: A Case Study of Miro Forestry Company Ltd in Mile 91, Sierra Leone(2024-11-08) Fofanah, Mohamed SyedOrganizations globally are increasingly adapting to dynamic business environments, where management must consistently identify strategies to maintain or enhance competitive advantage. Total Quality Management (TQM) has emerged as a critical approach for manufacturing firms seeking to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness. Although previous research has explored the relationship between TQM practices and organizational performance, the findings have been inconclusive, signaling the need for further investigation. Notably, in Sierra Leone, limited research exists on the effect of TQM on the performance of manufacturing firms, revealing a knowledge gap. This study addresses this gap by examining the impact of TQM practices on the performance of manufacturing firms in Sierra Leone, with a specific focus on Miro Forestry Company Ltd. The main objectives of the study are to: (1) assess the impact of customer focus on organizational performance, (2) evaluate the role of top management commitment in enhancing performance, (3) examine the effect of continuous improvement on performance outcomes, and (4) determine the influence of employee involvement on organizational performance. The study employed a descriptive quantitative research design. A sample of 121 employees was selected from a target population of 400 using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS alongside correlation analyses to assess relationships between variables. The findings were presented using figures and tables. Results show that TQM practices, which mainly involve customer focus, top management commitment, continuous improvement, and employee involvement were found to positively impact organizational performance. Customer focus significantly enhances customer satisfaction, while top management commitment and continuous improvement contribute to overall performance. Employee involvement also positively influences performance outcomes. The study recommends that companies should foster a robust organizational culture characterized by trust, respect, and a shared sense of purpose. Additionally, continuous improvement should remain a central focus to sustain performance. Management is also advised to prioritize quality management by motivating employees and offering incentives to support TQM initiatives.Item Characterization of Ceramic Tile Bodies Prepared From Clays Collected from Four(2024-10-21) Fofanah, Mohamed SyedSierra Leone has high potentials for the setting-up of ceramic industry because of its huge virgin deposits of raw materials, chiefly clay, but lacks the technological know-how to utilize these materials to an economically sound level. Tile body offers a foundation for the performance of a glaze. The chemical and mineralogical composition of these clay bodies coupled with some physical properties, such a plasticity, bulk density, porosity, and water absorption, play significant role in determining the quality of the glazed surface.This is attested by certain glaze defects like pinholes, crazing and crawling on the glaze surface resulting mainly from bubble development within the body matrix during firing. The study aims at contributing to the promotion and use of appropriate ceramic building materials technology in Sierra Leone, by providing relevant research data to guide the production of quality ceramic products. The three key objectives, were to determine (1) the physical properties (2) chemical properties (3) mechanical properties of the clay samples investigated for their suitability in clay tile bodies production. Clay samples were collected from four sites in Sierra Leone namely Matankay (C-M) in the Western Rural District, Bo (C-B) in Bo District, Koribondo (C-K) in Pujehun District and Yele (C-Y) in Tonkolili District. Based on their plasticity index values, grain size distribution, bulk density, porosity and dry-fired shrinkage results obtained from this study, the four clay samples investigated are suitable for clay tile body production provided grog, frits, fluxes and other components are added proportionately and fired at temperatures above 1100oC to improve vitrification of the clay tile body during biscuit firing before application of the glaze.Item Assessing the Effectiveness of Chemical Exposure Management Practices in Sierra Leone’s Mining Sector: A Case Study of Sierra Rutile Mines(2024-11-29) Dumbuya, IbrahimThis study assessed the effectiveness of chemical exposure management practices in Sierra Leone's mining sector, focusing on the Sierra Rutile Mining Company. Utilizing a case study research design with both quantitative and qualitative methods, the research involved 70 workers from various departments, including the Mineral Separation Plant, Water Treatment Plant, Central Workshop, Laboratory, and Safety Department. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS and Excel. The findings indicate that workers' awareness of chemical exposure risks is adequate but the implementation of the strategies to mitigate the chemical exposure risk, such as effective monitoring, supervision, continuous training and strict adherence to regulatory frameworks are inadequate and inefficient. The study also reveals a shortage of specialized chemical safety personnel and poor adherence to safety regulations by management. These conditions have contributed to severe health outcomes such as respiratory and dermal diseases, eye defects, heart issues, lung damage, kidney problems, skin rashes, and mental health issues. The research concludes that chemical exposure significantly impacts workers’ health, and current management practices are insufficient. Recommendations include enhancing employee training on chemical safety, providing timely safety information, enforcing strict safety leadership, and improving regulatory compliance. Additionally, the study advises the government to prioritize research to support policy development. Future research should focus on health risk assessments, chemical toxicity, and the economic impact of chemical hazards.Item Examining the Effectiveness of Project Management in the Agricultural Sector of Sierra Leone(2025-04-21) Fofanah, Mohamed SyedSierra Leone, like in most developing countries, faces acute problem of projects failure, more especially agricultural projects, due to the short fall of project management best practices. The study employed descriptive quantitative and qualitative research design and employed judgmental sampling in the selection of 60 respondents from four Agricultural Projects in the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Food Security (MAFFS). The results presented for all the phases from planning to implementation of the projects investigated revealed that best project management practices, to a very large extent, were followed by the Projects Implementation Units (PIUs) of MAFFS. The study further revealed effective management of resources as resources were available on time, projects tracked against their plan, their were effective communications, and effective monitoring and evaluation of most of these agricultural projects.