Pelegren Cardino ¹, Consorcio S. Namoco ²

Affiliations
1 Suttons Holden Arncliffe, 93 Princess Highway Arncliffe, New South Wales– 2205, AU
2 College of Engineering and Architecture, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City– 9000, PH

Abstract

Objectives: In this study is to evaluate the possibility of introducing innovation to the existing Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) by developing a Schematic Simulation Board (SBB) as an additional accessory. Methods: In this innovation, a Toyota 4A-FE engine (Japan surplus) trainer is used. The schematic diagram of the EFI trainer is determined since appropriate service manual was unavailable. The SBB is then developed and integrated to the EFI trainer. Possible laboratory and learning activities are then identified based on the capabilities of the trainer. Lastly, an evaluation on the usability and acceptability on the integration of SSB to an EFI trainer is conducted based on pre-determined criteria. Findings: The enhanced trainer has a very unique design in which the laboratory set-up procedures can be accomplished with greater accuracy in less time due to its plug and unplug features. It is more presentable because the component assemblies and wiring connections are properly fitted. It can also provide consistent performance and has an easy access for maintenance and servicing in the future. With the enhanced trainer, several laboratory activities related to EFI systems can be easily undertaken. Among these are demonstration of EFI system operation, testing EFI system individual circuit components, fault simulation and troubleshooting of EFI system failure, and many other laboratory activities. From the evaluation conducted, majority of the respondents strongly agreed on the usability and acceptability of the SSB. Application/Improvements: With the SSB, it is expected that the principles and operation of EFI system can be efficiently explained and understood by an average user and can be presented and demonstrated in a simplified manner.

Keywords

Automotive Trainer, EFI System, Innovation, Laboratory Activities, Schematic Simulation Board.

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Jeffrey Ken B. Balangao ¹, Feven James C. Podiotan ², Aaron Exxon C. Ambolode ², Nathaniel M. Anacleto ², Consorcio S. Namoco ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Arts and Sciences, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines-Oroquieta Campus, Mobod, Oroquieta City, 7207 Misamis Occidental, PH
2 Department of Ceramics, Metallurgical and Mining Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology, MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, 9200 Iligan City, PH
3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Architecture, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines-Cagayan de Oro Campus, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, 9000 Misamis Oriental, PH

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the reduction of mixed chromite and laterite ores which were obtained from Zambales and Surigao Del Norte provinces to produce iron (Fe)-chromium (Cr)-nickel (Ni) metal alloys. Methods: Raw ores were mixed according to eutectic point of MgO-Al₂O₃-SiO₂ ternary phase diagram for which samples are melted at 1600ºC. Isothermal reduction of 12/88, 25/75 and 50/50 chromite/laterite samples was conducted at 1600ºC in one hour in vertical electric arc furnace using coconut charcoal as reductant under argon atmosphere. Non-isothermal reduction was conducted at 10ºC/min heating rate from 200ºC to 1500ºC to show reduction characteristics of the mixed sample. Findings: Metal recoveries were 69.70% (12/88), 78.99% (25/75) and 99.62% (50/50), respectively. Chromium contents increased at increasing percentages of chromite in the mixtures, i.e. from 12% to 50%. Nickel contents decreased at decreasing laterite contents from 88% to 50%. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed presence of dark, light and some small black phases for 12/88 metal alloy; dark, light phase and gray phases for 25/75 and dark and light phases for the 50/50. According to EDS analyses, dark phases present in the metal alloys had 26.03-46.97% Fe, 35.39-59.41% Cr, 0.35-1.02%Ni and 10.14-12.44% C. Light phases consisted 62.31-67.33% Fe, 3.99-4.62% Cr, 12.05-15.75% Ni and 3.1-6.7% C. Results showed partial reduction at around 920ºC and maximum reduction at about 1450 ºC. Reduction was not completed at 1500ºC. Extent of reduction reached up to 32.16%. The extent of reduction was greatly attributed to the high concentrations of magnesia and silica and lower hematite (Fe₂O₃) in the sample. Improvements: Utilization of reductants such as graphite and activated carbon and other Philippine chromite/laterite mixing compositions that would result to higher chromium and nickel contents in alloys are recommended.

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