Citation:

Mahmoud Lawan Umar, Fabiyi Mustapha Olawale, Isheni Yakubu, Majidadi Solomon Tibidawe, 2023. Evaluation of Potiskum Natural Sand's Acceptability as Foundry Moulding Material, ESP Journal of Engineering & Technology Advancements  3(4): 27-35.

Abstract:

The addition of additives and changes in the quantity of certain materials and additions have an impact on the properties of molding sands. These additives include coal dust, clays, and corn flours; the materials mentioned are binders and water. The source of the natural molding sand was at Potiskum town, which is in the Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State, North Eastern Nigeria. This is where the sample was taken. The following tools are utilized to collect samples: pans, trowel, riddles, and shovels. The sand sample was subjected to basic foundry analysis using the following test equipment: X-ray fluorescence (Miniate PAN analytical, made by Philips), digital electronic weighing balance ± 0.01 g, rapid sand washer, sieve shaker/standard test sieves, laboratory sand mixer, quick moisture teller, and Universal sand testing machine, all manufactured by Ridsdale and Co. Ltd. UK. The analysis was conducted using the standard laboratory methods and procedures set forth by the American Foundrymens Society (AFS). Investigations were conducted into qualities including chemical composition, moisture content, dry and green compressive strength, permeability, flowability, moldability, refractoriness, and shatter index. The results of the chemical composition analysis of Potiskum moulding sand indicate that SiO2 makes up the majority of the sample (81.45%), followed by Al2O3 (12.71%), K2O 2.87%, TiO2 2.21%), and NaO2 1.16%. There are also trace amounts of other elements, such as MgO 0.81%, Fe2O3 0.76%, and CaO 1.07, all of which are within permissible bounds. I.e. Potiskum molding sand is a silica sand and can be used as such, according to the chemical compositions found in the analysis when compared to the typical suggested qualities of natural molding sands. The sample's grain fineness number, GFN = 138.40 AFS, is significantly higher than what is advised [20]. The physical characteristics results showed a clay concentration of 21.50%, which is significantly higher than the typical range of 5–11% [19] that is advised for natural moulding sands needed to produce high-quality aluminum castings. The moisture content (9.50-2.97%) and green sand strength (76.30KN/m2) of the natural moulding sands were assessed as additional foundry (mechanical) qualities. The highest matching value was 5.98%. The best value for green compressive strength is 76.30 KN/m2, while the best value for dry compressive strength at the lowest moisture level is 175.20 KN/m2. Other optimal values include permeability and shatter index numbers up to 510 and 88.01, flowability and moldability at 95.0% and 99.90%, respectively, and refractoriness at 1550℃. This suggests that, as table 3 illustrates, a wider range of metals and alloys can be cast with greater control and balance on the permeability number and other parameters below 1500℃.

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Keywords:

Moulding Sand, Shatter Index, Permeability, Foundry.