0% found this document useful (0 votes)
56 views34 pages

Technical Report

This technical report details the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) undertaken by Yusuf Sherifat Ahuoyiza at Gkas Table Water and Pure Water Factory from November to December 2024. It outlines the training objectives, the water treatment processes learned, and the technical skills acquired during the eight-week program. The report emphasizes the importance of practical experience in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications in the field of chemistry.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
56 views34 pages

Technical Report

This technical report details the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) undertaken by Yusuf Sherifat Ahuoyiza at Gkas Table Water and Pure Water Factory from November to December 2024. It outlines the training objectives, the water treatment processes learned, and the technical skills acquired during the eight-week program. The report emphasizes the importance of practical experience in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications in the field of chemistry.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 34

A TECHNICAL REPORT ON

STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME


(S.I.W.E.S)

BY
YUSUF SHERIFAT AHUOYIZA
22L1CH0707

CHEMISTRY PROGRAMME
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
CONFLUENCE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OSARA

JANUARY, 2025
A TECHNICAL REPORT ON
STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (S.I.W.E.S)

UNDERTAKEN AT
GKAS TABLE WATER AND PURE WATER FACTORY

BY
YUSUF SHERIFAT AHUOYIZA
22L1CH0707

CHEMISTRY PROGRAMME
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
CONFLUENCE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OSARA

SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE


AWARD OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.Sc.) IN CHEMISTRY

NOVEMBER 2024 TO DECEMBER 2024

ii
DECLARATION

I, YUSUF, Sherifat Ahuoyiza with matriculation number 22L1CH0707 hereby declare that this

report is compiled by me, and it is a result of my Eight (8) weeks industrial training undertaken at

Gkas Table Water and Pure Water Factory from November 2024 to December 2024.

YUSUF SHERIFAT AHUOYIZA


___________________________________ ________________________
Name of Student Signature and Date

iii
CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that YUSUF Sherifat Ahuoyiza with matriculation number 22L1CH0707

compiled this report based on his eight (8) weeks Student Industrial Working Experience Scheme

(S.I.W.E.S.) carried out at Gkas Table Water and Pure Water Factory.

YUSUF SHERIFAT AHUOYIZA


___________________________________ ________________________
Name of Student Signature and Date

MR. EKUNDAYO AREH


_____________________________________ ________________________
Name of Departmental SIWES Coordinator Signature and Date

MR. M. K. YAHAYA
__________________________________ ________________________
Name of Head of Department Signature and Date

iv
DEDICATION

This report is dedicated to almighty God for keeping me all through and for giving me the

wisdom, knowledge and understanding during my program.

v
ACKNOWLEGDEMENTS

Thanks be to Almighty God for the blessing, guidance, protection, and the opportunity given to me
during my SIWES programme, may His protection and blessings continue to be with us (Amen).

I wish to express my thanks to my beloved Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Yusuf for their moral and
support toward the completion of this program.

I will like to thank the Industrial training Fund for their foresight in putting this program to place
and also to the Chemistry Department, Confluence University of Science and Technology, for
providing the platform on which I was engaged in the training.

I want to say a big thank you to my industrial based supervisor, Mr. Isah Nuhu for your
encouragement, support and guidance in my learning process throughout my training period, and
for giving me the opportunity to experience and undergo training in this Company.

Special thanks to my level coordinator, Mr. Nikolas Ubenyo, I will always be grateful for his
contributions to my education and personal growth.

Finally, to my friends and colleague, I say thank you all. I am very grateful.

vi
ABSTRACT

This Industrial Training report presents the experience garnered during my 2 months industrial

training undertaking at Gkas Hotel and Table Water.

The experiments carried out include explanations and descriptions of water treatment operation

process, water bottling production, colour and bacteriological analysis. All these analyses are

clearly explained. And I have gained knowledge and practical experience in processes such as;

coagulation, flocculation, filtration and among others.

This report discusses the technical skills gained during the training period and justifies the

relevance of the scheme in equipping students with needed technical competence to thrive in the

real world after graduation.

vii
TABLE OF CONTENT
COVER PAGE i

TITLE PAGE ii

DECLARATION iii

CERTIFICATION iv

DEDICATION v

ACKNOWLEGDEMENTS vi

ABSTRACT vii

TABLE OF CONTENT viii

LIST OF FIGURES x

CHAPTER ONE 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING PROGRAM 1

1.1 PURPOSE OF TRAINING 1

1.2 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF SIWES 1

1.3 HISTORY OF COMPANY 2

1.4 ESTABLISHMENT COOPERATIVE GOAL 2

1.5 ESTABLISHMENT SCOPE OF WORK 3

CHAPTER TWO 5

2.1 DESCRIPTION OF WORK DONE 5

2.1 WATER TREATMENT 5

2.2 FACTORS AFFECTING THE QUALITY OF WATER 5

2.3 NIGERIAN STANDARD OF DRINKING WATER CRITERIA 6

2.4 CHEMICALS AND REAGENTS 6

2.5 WATER TREATMENT PROCESSES 7

2.5.1 SCREENING 7

2.5.2 AERATION 7
viii
2.5.3 LIMING 8

2.5.4 COAGULATION 8

2.5.5 FLOCCULATION 9

2.5.6 SEDIMENTATION 9

2.5.7 FILTRATION 10

2.5.8 DISINFECTION (CHLORINATION) 10

2.5.9 DISTRIBUTION 11

CHAPTER THREE 12

3.0 PROJECT CARRIED OUT 12

3.1 INTRODUCTION TO PET AND PET BOTTLE BLOWING MACHINE 12

3.1.1 IMPORTANCE OF THE PET BOTTLE BLOWING MACHINE 14

3.1.2 WORKING PRINCIPLE OF THE PET BOTTLE BLOWING MACHINE 14

1. PREFORM LOADING AND ORIENTATION 14

2. PREFORM HEATING 15

3. STRETCHING AND PRE-BLOWING 15

5. COOLING AND BOTTLE EJECTION 15

3.2 ADVANTAGES OF THE PET BLOWING PROCESS 16

3.3 BOTTLE WASHING MACHINE 16

3.3.1 IMPORTANCE OF BOTTLE WASHING 16

3.1.6 Working Principle of the Bottle Washing Machine 17

3.3.2 MY ROLE IN OPERATING THE MACHINE 17

3.4 FILLING MACHINE 18

3.4.1 MY ROLE IN THE FILLING MACHINE OPERATION 19

3.5 SAFETY PROCEDURES AND PRECAUTIONS 19

CHAPTER FOUR 20

4.0 OBSERVATION AND CONTRIBUTIONS 20


ix
4.1 OBSERVATION 20

4.2 CONTRIBUTION 20

CHAPTER FIVE 21

5.0 CONCLUSION, CHALLENGE ENCOUNTERED AND RECOMMENDATION 21

5.1 CONCLUSION 21

5.2 CHALLENGE ENCOUNTERED DURING THE TRAINING PERIOD 21

5.3 RECOMMENDATION 21

REFERENCES 22

x
LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE PAGES

FIGURE 1: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE 4

FIGURE 2: PET BLOWING MACHINE 13

FIGURE 3: FILLING MACHINE 18

xi
CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING PROGRAM

1.1 PURPOSE OF TRAINING

The student industrial work experience scheme (SIWES) was initiated in 1973 by the industrial

training fund (ITF). It is funded by the federal government of Nigeria and jointly coordinated by

the ITF and the National universities commission (NUC). It provides students with the

opportunities to apply their theoretical knowledge in real work situation, thereby bridging the

gap between university work and actual practices. The Scheme exposes students to industry

based skills necessary for a smooth transition from the classroom to the world of work. It affords

students of tertiary institutions the opportunity of being familiarized and exposed to the needed

experience in handling machinery and equipment which are usually not available in the

educational institutions.

Participation in Industrial Training is a well-known educational strategy. Classroom studies are

integrated with learning through hands-on work experiences in a field related to the student’s

academic major and career goals. Successful internships foster an experiential learning process

that not only promotes career preparation but provides opportunities for learners to develop skills

necessary to become leaders in their chosen professions.

1.2 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF SIWES

One of the primary goals of the SIWES is to help students integrate leadership development into

the experiential learning process. Students are expected to learn and develop basic non-profit

leadership skills through a mentoring relationship with innovative non-profit leaders.

1
By integrating leadership development activities into the Industrial Training experience, we hope

to encourage students to actively engage in non-profit management as a professional career

objective. However, the effectiveness of the SIWES experience will have varying outcomes

based upon the individual student, the work assignment, and the supervisor/mentor requirements.

It is vital that each internship position description includes specific, written learning objectives to

ensure leadership skill development is incorporated.

1.3 HISTORY OF COMPANY

Gkas Hotel and Table Water is an organization that engages in the treatment of water. They

make available, suitable, portable and safe water for drinking (domestic), commercial and

industrial use. Gkas Hotel and Table Water is located at 1A Audu Wokili Close, Otite Nagazi,

Adavi LGA, Lokoja, Okene Express way, Kogi state. Gkas Hotel and Table Water are the

producers of Gkas table water which has other divisions of different establishment in parts of

Rivers state.

1.4 ESTABLISHMENT COOPERATIVE GOAL

1. Provide clean drinking water: Ensure the factory operates efficiently to maximize profits for

shareholders.

2. Create employment opportunities: Provide jobs and economic opportunities for local

communities, contributing to their economic development.

3. Support community development: Partner with local organizations and initiatives to support

community development projects and promote social welfare.

4. Minimize environmental impact: Implement sustainable practices and reduce waste to

minimize the factory’s environmental footprints

2
5. Ensuring water quality: Maintaining the highest standards of water quality, meeting or

exceeding international standards and regulations.

6. Continuously improve processes: Regularly review and improve processes to ensure the

factory remains at the forefront of water purification technology.

1.5 ESTABLISHMENT SCOPE OF WORK

1. Water sourcing: Collecting water from various sources (e.g. Boreholes, Municipal supply)

2. Pre-treatment: Removing large particles, sediment and debris from the water.

3. Filtration: Passing water through filters (e.g. activated carbon, reverse osmosis) to remove

impurities.

4. Disinfections: Killing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms using methods like UV,

Ozone or chlorine.

5. Re-mineralization: Adding back beneficial minerals to the water.

6. Water testing: Regularly testing water quality to ensure it meets international standards (e.g.

WHO, NSF)

7. Microbiological Analysis: Checking for bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms.

8. Chemical analysis: Testing for chemical contaminants, pH levels, and other parameters.

9. Bottling: Filling purified water into bottles and other containers.

10. Packaging: Labeling, capping, and packaging bottles for distribution.

11. Distribution: Delivering purified water to retailers, wholesalers or directly to customers.

12. Equipment maintenance: Regularly servicing and maintaining equipment to ensure optimal

performance.

3
PLANT MANAGER (PM)

DEPUTY HOD
HOD HOD HOD HOD
PLANT
ACCOUNTING TRAINING TREATMENT ELECTRICAL MECHANICAL
MANAGER

ASSTISSTANT
STORE PUMP
OPERATORS
WATER WORKS
ATTACHMENT
ASSISSTAN
T CHEMIST
SENIOR
TECHNICAL
OFFICER ELECTRICIAN OFFICER

ASSISSTANT
STORE
LAB
ASSISSTANT
ELECTRIC TECHNICI
OFFICER IAN AN

TRAINING
WELDER
CHEMICAL
CHARGERS
SUPERVISOR

ATTACHE
TRAINEE
E

Figure 1: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

4
CHAPTER TWO

2.1 DESCRIPTION OF WORK DONE

During my stay in Gkas Table Water, I was assigned to the Quality Control Lab as a SIWES

student.

2.1 WATER TREATMENT

Water is a chemical compound consisting of the hydrogen and oxygen atoms only, (H 2O) and it

occupies about 70% of the earth’s crust. Water treatment is any process that improves the quality

of water to make it more acceptable for a specific end-use (i.e domestic, commercial or industrial

use). Water treatment removes contaminants and unwanted components (like Gases, living

organisms, soluble organic matter, etc), or reduce their concentration so that it becomes fit for its

desired end-use.

2.2 FACTORS AFFECTING THE QUALITY OF WATER

Several factors determine the quality of water. They include:

1. CHEMICAL FACTORS

a. pH: The pH of pure water is considered to be either slightly acidic or slightly alkaline.

b. Dissolved oxygen

c. Chemical composition: The quality of water is guaranteed if it contains more of minerals and

nutrients and less of chemicals (like alum, chlorine, etc).

2. PHYSICAL FACTORS

a. Temperature: The boiling point of pure water is 100OC and the freezing point is 0OC.

5
b. Turbidity: Water with a low turbidity is said to be of high quality. A pure water should be

free from colour, i.e have a high turbidity.

3. BIOLOGICAL FACTORS

a. Algae: presence of algae in water can be of great nuisance in surface water. Under favourable

conditions, it grows rapidly and cover streams, lakes, reservoirs, etc in large floating colonies

called “blooms”.

b. Presence of organic matter like silt, mud, bacteria, etc

2.3 NIGERIAN STANDARD OF DRINKING WATER CRITERIA

National council on water resources together with World Health Organization (WHO)

recognized the need to urgently established Nigeria Standard for drinking water to ensure safety

and protection of the general public. The Nigeria Standard of drinking is shown below:

PARAMETER NSDWC

TURBIDITY (NTU) 0–5

PH VALUE 6.5 - 8.5

CHLORIDES CL (mg/l) 0.2 - 0.5

2.4 CHEMICALS AND REAGENTS

Chemicals and Reagents are used in water treatment to improve the quality of water. Each carries

out a specific function in the treatment of water. Some of this chemicals and reagents include;

6
a. Aluminium Sulphate[AL2SO4], Alum for short is used as a coagulant.

b. Calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2, also known as Lime is used as a softener.

c. NaOH, H3PO4, and H2SO4, for buffer preparation.

d. Chlorine Cl, is used for disinfection.

e. Orthotolidine Reagent, used to indicate the presence of chlorine in Water.

f. Bromothymol Blue Indicator,used to check water pH using the comparator disk.

g. Buffer solution.

h. EDTA reagent.

i. Cresol red, used in monitoring pH

2.5 WATER TREATMENT PROCESSES

Many impurities and toxins are present in raw water. Several processes are required to be carried

out in water treatment to produce clean water that is suitable for consumer use.

2.5.1 SCREENING

This is a process by solid particles like dead plant and animal remains, plastics, rocks, etc are

separated from water (Raw water). This is done with the aid of screening bars.

2.5.2 AERATION

Aeration is a natural process in which water is exposed to sunlight (UV light) to remove gases

like CO2 and H2S and also kill microorganisms in the water. This process occurs at the Balancing

Tank. It also oxidizes heavy metals like Iron(Fe) and other volatile compounds. This is the first

major process in water treatment.

7
The equation showing the reaction of raw water and UV light is;

H2O + CO2 + UV light CO + OH + O2 + H2↑

The water, carbon dioxide and UV light react to form Carbon monoxide, hydroxide ion and

oxygen, which oxidises the water. Hydrogen gas is liberated.

2.5.3 LIMING

This is a treatment process in which lime solutions are prepared and added to water to adjust the

PH, reduce the temporal hardness of water and possible adjust the taste.

i. Lime neutralizes acidity:

HCl(aq) + Ca (OH)2(aq) CaCl2(aq) + 2H2O(l)

H2SO4 (aq) + Ca (OH)2(aq) CaSO4(aq) + 2H2O(l)

ii. Lime removes the temporal hardness in water:

Ca (HCO3)2(aq) + Ca (OH)2(aq) 2CaCo3(aq) + 2H2O(l)

Liming is carried out in the Mixing chamber (Pre-Liming) and the Reservoir (Post-Liming).

2.5.4 COAGULATION

Coagulation in water treatment describes the effect produced when certain chemicals are added

to raw water containing slowly settling and non-settling particles. Treatment chemicals such as

aluminium sulphate, hydrated lime, chlorine etc are added to the water and are mixed rapidly in

the flash mixer located at the mixing chamber. The mixing of the coagulant usually, aluminium

8
sulphate with the raw water to be treated is referred to as “Flash Mixing”. The chemicals causes

small particles to clump together (ie coagulate), which moves to the slow mixing chamber where

it forms smaller clumps of particles. During this process they form larger aggregates called

"flocs”. The equation of alum and water is seen below;

Al2(SO4)3 + 6H2O 2Al(OH)3 + 3H2SO4

2.5.5 FLOCCULATION

Flocculation is a process that causes the suspended solids to coalesce. There is a slow stirring

that causes the gathering together of small, coagulated particles (micro-flocs) into larger, settle-

able particles (macro-flocs). During the flocculation stage, there is contact between the particles

to promote their gathering together into formation of flocs and the flocs formation is controlled

by the rate of effective collision which occurs between the coagulant particles.

The purpose of flocculation is to create flocs of a good size, density, and toughness for later

removal in the sedimentation and filtration processes. The best flocs sizes range from 0.1mm to

about 3mm, depending on the type of removal process used.

2.5.6 SEDIMENTATION

Sedimentation in Water treatment is a process in which water (flocs water) is allowed to settle

undisturbed. The purpose of the sedimentation process is to remove suspended solid particles

that are denser than water an`d to reduce the load on the filters. Sedimentation is accomplished

by decreasing the velocity of the water being treated below the point where it cannot transport

settled materials therefore, allowing gravitational force to remove particle held in suspension. As

the water settles undisturbed, these particles will slowly begin to settle to the bottom of the basin.

9
Factors affecting sedimentation;

 Size of particles.

 Shape of particles.

 Density of particles.

 Temperature of water.

 Dissolved substances in water.

 Viscosity of water.

 Environmental condition (such as wind).

2.5.7 FILTRATION

Filtration is the process of passing water through material such as sand beds, coal, or other

granular substances like gravels to remove flocs and particulate impurities in the water. These

impurities consist of suspended particles (fine silt and clays) colloids, biological forms (bacteria

and plankton) and flocs in the treated water. The plant uses Sand gravity filters, so the water

passes through three layers of sand particles; gravel, coarse and fine sand.

2.5.8 DISINFECTION (CHLORINATION)

This is the final treatment process. Chlorine is one of the most widely used disinfectant in water

treatment. Chlorination is the addition of chlorine powder or gas in water for disinfection.

Chlorination takes place at the mixing chamber (Pre-chlorination) and at the reservoir (Post-

chlorination.

Chlorine can be present in water as free available chlorine and as combined available chlorine.

Both exists in the same water and can be determined by carrying out tests like Residual chlorine

10
test. Free chlorine is present as Hypochlorous acid, HOCl. The reaction of chlorine with water is

shown below;

Cl2+ H2O HOCl + HCl

2.5.9 DISTRIBUTION

Distribution in Water Treatment, is a process of sending out treated water to consumers. From

the reservoir, the water is sent to the pumping station after which it is sent to the booster stations

for distribution to consumers.

11
CHAPTER THREE

3.0 PROJECT CARRIED OUT

During my SIWES training at the Gkas water factory, I participated in various technical

processes involved in bottled water production. The key areas of focus were:

1. PET BOTTLE BLOWING MACHINE: Manufacturing PET bottles from preforms.

2. BOTTLE WASHING MACHINE: Cleaning and sterilizing bottles before filling.

3. FILLING MACHINE: Dispensing purified water into bottles and sealing them.

Each of these machines is essential for efficient bottled water production, and I was actively

involved in understanding their functions, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.

3.1 INTRODUCTION TO PET AND PET BOTTLE BLOWING MACHINE

The PET Bottle Blowing Machine is an industrial machine used to manufacture plastic bottles

from PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) preforms. These machines play a crucial role in the

bottled water, soft drink, and packaging industries, producing lightweight, strong, and recyclable

bottles.

PET is a type of thermoplastic polymer resin from the polyester family. It is widely used in

packaging due to its:

1. High Strength and Durability: PET bottles are impact-resistant and do not break easily.

2. Lightweight Nature: Easier and cheaper to transport compared to glass or metal containers.

3. Transparency and Glossy Finish: Provides a clear, attractive appearance for products.

12
4. Non-Toxic and Safe for Food Contact: Approved by food safety agencies like the FDA.

5. Recyclability: PET is one of the most widely recycled plastics in the world.

PET is commonly used in:

1. Bottled water and soft drinks.

2. Edible oil and juice packaging.

3. Pharmaceutical and cosmetic containers.

Figure 2: PET BLOWING MACHINE

13
3.1.1 IMPORTANCE OF THE PET BOTTLE BLOWING MACHINE

Before PET bottles are used in industries, they need to be manufactured in specific shapes and

sizes. The PET Bottle Blowing Machine automates this process, converting preforms into bottles

through a stretch blow molding process. The efficiency of this machine is critical because:

1. It determines bottle quality, consistency, and strength.

2. It ensures mass production at high speeds.

3. It helps maintain hygiene standards by preventing contamination during bottle formation.

3.1.2 WORKING PRINCIPLE OF THE PET BOTTLE BLOWING MACHINE

The PET Bottle Blowing Machine operates using the stretch blow molding (SBM) process,

which involves heating PET preforms, stretching them, and blowing them into a mold to form

bottles. This process is commonly used in the packaging industry to produce bottled water, soft

drink, oil, and pharmaceutical containers.

THE WORKING PRINCIPLE OF THE MACHINE CONSISTS OF FIVE MAIN STAGES:

1. PREFORM LOADING AND ORIENTATION

a. PET preforms (small, test-tube-shaped plastic pieces with a threaded neck) are manually or

automatically loaded into the machine’s feeding system.

b. A mechanical arm or conveyor belt transfers the preforms to the heating section.

c. The preforms are positioned vertically with their necks facing upwards to maintain

alignment.

14
2. PREFORM HEATING

a. The preforms pass through an infrared (IR) heating system, where they are evenly heated.

b. The heat softens the middle section of the preform while keeping the neck rigid.

c. The heating temperature typically ranges between 90°C and 120°C, depending on the bottle

size and thickness.

d. The machine has multiple heating zones, each controlled separately to ensure proper

softening.

3. STRETCHING AND PRE-BLOWING

a. Once the preform reaches the correct temperature, it is transferred to the mold cavity.

b. A stretching rod extends vertically downward, lengthening the softened preform to its final

height.

c. Simultaneously, low-pressure air (around 6-10 bar) is introduced into the preform, expanding

it slightly before full expansion.

4. FINAL BLOWING AND MOLDING

a. Once the preform is stretched, high-pressure air (30-40 bar) is injected into it.

b. The preform expands completely, taking the shape of the mold cavity.

c. The bottle is then rapidly cooled inside the mold to solidify its shape.

5. COOLING AND BOTTLE EJECTION

15
a. After the bottle is formed, the machine uses a cooling system (air or water-based) to solidify

the plastic.

b. The mold opens, and the finished bottle is ejected onto a conveyor belt or collected in a

storage bin.

c. The bottles are then transferred to the bottle washing section before filling.

3.2 ADVANTAGES OF THE PET BLOWING PROCESS

a. Cost Efficiency – PET is cheaper than glass or aluminum.

b. High Production Speed – Fully automatic machines can produce thousands of bottles per

hour.

c. Lightweight & Durable – Ideal for easy transportation and handling.

d. Recyclability – PET bottles can be collected and processed into new bottles or fibers.

e. Customizability – Different mold designs allow for a variety of bottle shapes and sizes.

3.3 BOTTLE WASHING MACHINE

3.3.1 IMPORTANCE OF BOTTLE WASHING

Before bottles can be filled, they must be thoroughly washed and sterilized to remove

contaminants, ensuring the final product meets hygiene standards. This process is especially

important for:

1. Removing dust or plastic residues from newly blown bottles.

2. Eliminating any microbial contamination that could affect water quality.

16
3. Ensuring compliance with food and beverage safety regulations.

3.1.6 Working Principle of the Bottle Washing Machine

THE WASHING MACHINE OPERATES IN MULTIPLE STAGES:

1. Bottle Loading:

a. Bottles are fed into the machine using a conveyor system.

b. They are positioned upright for efficient cleaning.

2. Pre-Rinse Stage:

a. The bottles are sprayed with filtered water to remove surface dust.

3. Main Washing Stage:

a. Pressurized water and cleaning agents (such as chlorine or disinfectants) are sprayed into the

bottles.

b. Rotating nozzles ensure 360-degree cleaning inside each bottle.

4. Final Rinse Stage:

a. The bottles are rinsed with pure water to remove any residual cleaning agents.

5. Air Drying and Ejection:

a. High-speed air blowers remove excess moisture.

b. The cleaned bottles move onto the filling stage.

3.3.2 MY ROLE IN OPERATING THE MACHINE

a. Loading bottles onto the conveyor system.

b. Monitoring the water pressure and chemical dosage for effective cleaning.

c. Ensuring the machine nozzles were not clogged.

17
3.4 FILLING MACHINE

Once bottles are washed and dried, they proceed to the filling machine, where purified water is

dispensed. This machine ensures:

1. Accurate filling levels to prevent overflows or under fills.

2. Hygienic water dispensing to maintain product quality.

3. Efficient sealing after filling to prevent contamination.

Figure 3: FILLING MACHINE

18
3.4.1 MY ROLE IN THE FILLING MACHINE OPERATION

I was actively involved in:

1. Setting the fill volume for different bottle sizes.

2. Ensuring bottles were properly aligned under the filling nozzles.

3. Monitoring the water filtration system to prevent contamination.

4. Checking for leaks or overflows and adjusting settings accordingly.

3.5 SAFETY PROCEDURES AND PRECAUTIONS

Since these machines operate at high speeds and involve heat, water, and compressed air, I was

trained in important safety measures:

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

a. Wearing safety gloves and glasses when handling heated materials.

b. Using ear protection due to machine noise.

2. Machine Safety Measures

a. Avoiding direct contact with moving parts.

b. Ensuring proper emergency stop protocols.

3. Hygiene Practices

a. Regular sanitization of machine parts.

b. Proper disposal of rejected bottles to maintain cleanliness

19
CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 OBSERVATION AND CONTRIBUTIONS

4.1 OBSERVATION

During my training at Gkas Table Water factory, i observed that the PET bottle blowing machine

operates at high speed, producing thousands of bottles per hour wich fully automated systems

minimizing human intervention and increasing precision. I also noticed that proper temperature

control is crucial in preform heating, as overheating or underheating leads to bottle defects such

as uneven thickness or deformation.

4.2 CONTRIBUTION

During my SIWES training, I actively participated in setting up and calibrating machines,

including adjusting heating zones in the PET blowing machine to ensure uniform bottle

formation and monitoring air pressure settings to prevent defects.

20
CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 CONCLUSION, CHALLENGE ENCOUNTERED AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 CONCLUSION

My SIWES training in the Gkas Table water factory provided e with hands-on experience in the

operation of the PET Bottle Blowing Machine. I gained practical knowledge on temperature and

air pressure control, which are essential for efficient bottle formation, as well as the importance

of machine maintenance in ensuring continuous production.

5.2 CHALLENGE ENCOUNTERED DURING THE TRAINING PERIOD

I was faced with the following challenges during industrial training;

1. Inability of some of the workers to explain some technical production process.

2. High cost of transportation.

I was able to complete my industrial training program and acquired more knowledge despite all

these challenges

5.3 RECOMMENDATION

I would recommend that future SIWES participants take the time to fully prepare for their

program, including learning about the company or organization they will be working with,

familiarizing themselves with the equipment they will be using, and researching the industry they

will be working in. I would also recommend that supervisors provide additional training and

support to help SIWES participants succeed in their placement.

21
22
REFERENCES

Apha –Awwa (1975) Standard Method for the Examination of Water and SWaste Water. 14 th
edition.

Geoge Smethrust, Basic Water Treatment, National Water Supply Training Network.
http//siwesbeginner.com

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC (2004): Test
methods for water.

National Water Rehabilitation Project in House Training Programme, National Water Resources
Institute Kaduna.

www.researchgate.net

www.science direct.org

23

You might also like