UGANDA TECHNICAL COLLEGE-LIRA

P. O BOX 4 LIRA (U)

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

REAL LIFE PROJECT REPORT FOR THE FABRICATION OF A IN CUBATOR.

BY: OKAO MOSES- UBT005/2023/T/A/HD/1298
YEAR OF STUDY: YEAR ONE SEMESTER TWO- 2024

CARRIED OUT AT UGANDA TECHNICAL COLLEGE- LIRA.

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT FOR THE AWARD OF HIGHER NATIONAL
DIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING.

SUPERVISED BY: MR ANGENY MOSES

SIGN……………………..…….
DATE…………………………..…

PERIOD: FEBRUARY/MAY 2024

 DECLARATION

I,OKAO MOSES, UBT005/2023/T/HD/A/1298, do declare that the information in this

document is from my own effort and has not been submitted to any Institution for the award
of Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.

Signature………………………
Reg no- UBT005/2023/T/A/HD/1298
Date………………………………..

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 APPROVAL

This is to certify that OKAO MOSES has carried out his real-life project for the design and
development of an egg incubator under my supervision and is ready for submission.

Supervisor: Mr. Angeny Moses.

Sign.……………..……….……
Contact: ……………………...
Date…………………………..

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 DEDICATION

I would like to dedicate this report to my family members for their unending support and
encouragement offered to me during this report writing. I also dedicate this report to my
course mates and the course lecturers; Mr. Angeny Moses, and Mr. Wedunga Felix for the
guidance they rendered to me during this report writing.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to thank the Almighty God for providing me with good health, wisdom and
protection during my study time until this day.
I acknowledge my course mates for their contribution towards identifying, and completing
the project.
To my lecturers, I acknowledge the guidance and wisdom they provided towards the success
of the project.
In that regard, it’s my heart felt prayer that the Almighty God rewards them and blessed .

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 ABSTRACT

This report presents real life project for the design and development for partial fulfilment of
award of National Higher Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
The report comprises of four chapters which are briefly summarized as below;
Chapter I; this is an introductory part consisting of background, problem statement,
objectives, scope, significant and justification.
Chapter II; this chapter includes, literature review and the bills of quantities
Chapter III; this chapter is for methodology, which involves introduction, taking
measurements, transferring it to the wood and cutting it to scale ,joining pieces of timbers to
form the board with nails, drilling the holes ,installing the components of the incubator,
testing them for the functionality and commissioning.
Chapter IV; under this chapter we review challenges, recommendations, conclusion and
appendices.

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LIST OF ACRONYMS/ ABBREVIATIONS
UBTEB -Uganda Business And Technical Examination Board
HNDME –Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Examination
PCS - Pieces
LTR -Liters
ShS. –Shillings
Mm –Millimeter
Cm; Centimeter
S/NO –Serial Number

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List of figures
Figure 1 cutting pieces to size using angle grinder................................................................................5
Figure 2 first coat applied to the surface...............................................................................................7
Figure 3 final coat application...............................................................................................................8
Figure 4 full welding Figure 5 tacking................................13
Figure 6 Figure 7 rolling to desired shape........................................13
Figure 8 final coat application Figure 9 full welding.......................14
Figure 10 bending and riveting hinges Figure 11 marking and tracing.....14

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

DECLARATION....................................................................................................................................i
APPROVAL..........................................................................................................................................ii
DEDICATION......................................................................................................................................iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT....................................................................................................................iv
ABSTRACT..........................................................................................................................................v
LIST OF ACRONYMS/ ABBREVIATIONS.......................................................................................vi
List of figures........................................................................................................................................vii
CHAPTER ONE....................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND................................................................................................1
incubator fabrication...................................................................................................................1
Problem statements.....................................................................................................................1
OBJECTIVES...................................................................................................................................1
Main objectives of the Project.......................................................................................................1
JUSTIFICATION..............................................................................................................................1
SIGNIFICANCE...............................................................................................................................1
SCOPE OF THE PROJECT..............................................................................................................2
TIME SCOPE................................................................................................................................2
Safety requirements during the fabrication............................................................................................3
Safety observations during fabrication process......................................................................................3
CHAPTER TWO...................................................................................................................................4
LITERATURE REVIEW..................................................................................................................4
INCUBATOR FABRICATION....................................................................................................4
The bill of quantities..........................................................................................................................4
CHAPTER THREE:..............................................................................................................................5
METHODOLOGY................................................................................................................................5
Introduction.................................................................................................................................5
Lists of tools and machine used;....................................................................................................6
Machines used:..............................................................................................................................6
Importance of tacking....................................................................................................................6
Applying body filler material.........................................................................................................7
FINAL COAT APPLICATION.....................................................................................................8
INSTALLATION OF THE INCUBATOR....................................................................................8

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CHAPTER FOUR.................................................................................................................................9
ACHIEVEMENTS............................................................................................................................9
CHALLENGES/PROBLEMS FACED.............................................................................................9
RECOMMENDATION...................................................................................................................10
CONCLUSION...............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................12
APPENDICES.................................................................................................................................13

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 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND

Design and Development of an Automatic egg incubator for poultry egg hatching
Incubation is a critical process in poultry farming , ensuring the successful hatching of eggs
and the subsequent growth of chicks. Natural incubation method is prone to inconsistencies
especially in dry seasons ,leading to a reduced hatching rates for poultry chicks. To address
these challenges, this report presents the design and development of an automatic incubator
system that can precisely control environmental conditions required for successful egg
hatching as it recreates the role that the broody hens play in nature.
Incubators can hatch more eggs at a time and is a lot more reliable way than the hens if all
favorable condition s are maintained. if you let the hen hatch eggs, then she will stop laying
eggs for the time she sits on eggs and rear her offsprings. This means that you are losing
potential chicks that you could have hatched in the incubator.

Problem statements
Lack of favorable conditions for egg incubator especially in dry seasons in Northen Uganda
greatly affects poultry farming. This is because the humidity level drops greatly due to very
high temperature affecting the incubation or hatching of the chicks.
Buying chicks is very expensive currently which is at about 3000 shilling per chicks. This is
because there is high demand from poultry farmers and yet there is limited supply of chicks.
Limited stock of eggs produced by incubating hens, this is because many days are spent on
sitting on the eggs from sitting, hatching until rearing of chicks thereby limiting laying of
eggs.

OBJECTIVES
Main objectives of the Project
 Project to design and fabricate a functional egg incubator with an automatic turning
mechanism powered by a backup power source.
Specific objectives
To design an egg incubator

To design an automatic turning mechanism for eggs

To install an automatic temperature and humidity control. system

To install power supply with a back up of more than 12 hours.

To test the system for the functionality.

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JUSTIFICATION.

SIGNIFICANCE.
Student will gain practical skills after the project completion.
The two class room blocks compound will have less litter after project completion.
This will help the students to partially fulfill UBTEB assessment requirements.

SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

 To fabricate a working unit of an egg incubator, design an automatic turning
mechanism for the eggs, install temperature and humidity control with monitoring and
alarm system.

TIME SCOPE.
The project was set to run for a period of eight (8) days and the activities were carried out in
the time framed below.

S/NO ACTIVITY PERIOD

01 Identifying, and drawing day (1)
02 estimation and costing day (2)
03 Procurement of materials and transportation day (3)
04 Framing incubator housing day (4)
05 Insulating material /wiring day (5)
06 Testing incubator day (6)
07 Project report writing Day (7)

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Safety requirements during the fabrication
 Welding helmet and shield
 Hand gloves
 Protective clothes (over-coat)
 Safety boots
 Cotton waste
 Washing detergents
 Safety goggles

Safety observations during fabrication process

 Keep the working area clean and free from obstructions.
 Using a right tool for the right job.
 Putting on personal protective equipment.
 Avoiding un insulated wires in the workshop to avoid shocks and fires.
 Following correct working procedures.
 Identifying potential hazards and risks and putting in place measures to curb it down
 Staying sober and alert always.
 Never operate any machine unless under the instructions of the instructor.
 Clean and organize your workshop

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 CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Design and development of an automatic incubator for poultry egg hatching.
The bill of quantities
S/No. MATERIAL QUANTITY RATE AMOUNT
1 Mild steel plate 1pc 115000 115,000
4000*2000mm*1.2mm
2 Hollow section sq25mm ½ pc 18,000 9,000
3 Angle bar L50mm*3.0mm 1pc 70000 70,000
4 Grinding disc 1pc 10,000 10,000
5 Cutting disc 1pc 10,000 10,000
6 Sadolin paint 1 liter 14,000 14,000
7 Body filler ½ kg 18,000 9,000
8 Thinner 1 liter 10,000 10,000
9 Transport Lump sum Lump sum 15,000
Sub-total 262,000/-
Labor Lump sum 20% of subtotal 52,400/-
Grand total 314,400/-

CHAPTER THREE:

METHODOLOGY
Introduction
Methodology are the steps taken during execution of the tasks that is rihgth from the design
to development of an egg incubator.
Egg chamber.
A well-insulated chamber that can accommodate a specific number of eggs, depending on the
desired capacity of the poultry eggs.

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Temperature and humidity control
A microcomtroller-based system that monitors and regulates the temperature and humidity
levels within the egg chamber. This is achieved through the use of heating elements ,cooling
fans., and the humidifier, all of which are controlled by the micrometer.
Egg turn ing mechanism.
An automatic system that periodically rotates the eggs to ensure even heat distribution and
prevent the embryos from adhereing to n the shell. This is typically accomplished using a
motor-driven mechanism that gently turns the eggs at pre-determined intervals.
Monitoring and alarm systems
The incubator is equipped with sensors to continuously monitor the temperature,
humidity ,and egg turning status. If any of these parameters deviate from the optimal range,
the system triggers visual and audible alarms to alert the user.
User interface.
A digital display and control panel allow the user to set the desired temperature, humidity and
egg turning schedule, as well as monitor the incubation process.
Operational principles
The automated incubator operates as follows;
The user loads the eggs into the chamber and sets the desired temperature, humidity, and egg
turning schedule using the control panel
The microcontroller continuously monitors the environmental conditions within the egg
chamber and adjusts the heating ,cooling and humidification systems accordingly to maintain
the optimal parameters for egg hatching.
Egg turning mechanism rotates te eggs at a predetermined intervals ewith the help of a wiper
pmotor to ensure even haet distrinbution And PREVENT the embryos from adhering to the
shell.
The monitoring and alarm systems continousely checks the tempereature, humidity, and egg
turning status, n triggering alerts if any of the parameters fall OUTSIDES the optimatal
range.
The uswer can monitor the incubation progress and make adjustments as needed through
through the digital display and control panel.
Benefits and applications.
The automated incubator offers several advantages over traDItiONAL manual incubation
mecthods.
Improves hatch rates, the precise control of temperature , humidity, and egg turning ensures
optional conditions for embryo development, leading to higher hatch rates.
Reduced labour requirenment ; the automated system eliminates the need for manual egg
turning and frequent monitoring, allowing for more efficient use of labor resources.

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Consistent performance; the microcomtroller-based control system ensures consistent
environmental conditions, reducing the risk of inconsistencyies and improving the reliable

Lists of tools and machine used;

Tools:
 Scriber
 Tape measure
 Hacksaw
 Square
 Steel ruler
 Bench vice
 Anvil
 Hammer
Other consumable materials include;
 Painting brush
 Welding Electrodes
 Sand paper

Machines used:

 Arc welding machine

 Angle bending machine
 Sheet rolling machine
 Angle grinder

Joining parts by tack and full welding

Having cut materials to the required dimensions, tacking of the work pieces was done at the
bottom plate and the side plates (faces) to form the prototype.
This involves proper use of square to make sure the faces are at right angles, measuring of
diagonals for accuracy before full weld is done

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Importance of tacking
This helps in coming up with rough picture of the object.
In cases of inaccuracy, this can still be rectified and rebuilt.
It reduces material wasted.

Grinding welded points

Fix the grinding disc onto the angle grinder.

Surfaces with sprat sharp corners and over built weld beads should be reduced to appropriate
size.
Sanding is also used to clean the dirt, scales, rust and burrs. This is done to achieve final
smooth finish for filler application. The grade of sand paper should be chosen with care to
avoid roughening of surfaces (i.e. grade 1.5 is more preferable)
Applying body filler material.
Body filler consist of polyester resin with a cream hardener that form a putty like substance
that is used to fill the dents to its smooth surface after minor damage.
After grinding is done, the body filler is mixed and applied to the joints before its allowed to
dry.
Applying first coat painting
The primer and thinner is mixed in the ratio of 1:1 in a separate container, swirl vigorously
for uniform mixing.
The mixing is done and the under coat is applied on the parts uniformly using brush, the
process is then repeated until a fine texture is achieved.

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Figure 1 first coat applied to the surface.

FINAL COAT APPLICATION

The product was given one hour to dry and then final coat is applied.
Mix the paint and thinner in the ratio of 1:1 in a separate container,
Swirl vigorously for uniform mixing and apply the mixture on the under coat on the parts
uniformly using brush, the process is repeated until a fine texture is achieved.

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Figure 2 final coat application

INSTALLATION OF THE DUST BIN

The dust bin is to be installed around the new class room blocks, higher national diploma
class using concrete mixture.
Dig a hole of approximately 1*1*2feet deep and later put the dustbin anchor poles into the
hole, pour the concrete mixture and allow it to cure.

CHAPTER FOUR

ACHIEVEMENTS

 Practical skills on measurements and cutting of the material was gained.

 I acquired the skill of welding
 The use of specific machines like sheet rolling and sheet bending machines.
 The importance of the safety regulations in the workplace.

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  The behavior of materials when subjected to heat.

CHALLENGES/PROBLEMS FACED.

 Delay in the funding by the administration to support the implementation of the

project
 Limited time for the project
 Limited access to the workshop

RECOMMENDATION.

 More time should be allocated in the timetable for the timely completion of the
project
 The college administration should address the funding challenge
 The workshop technician should provide special consideration for the accessibility of
the workshop for Higher Diploma students especially on weekends

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CONCLUSION.

Allow me take this opportunity to thank UBTEB for coming up with competence based
curriculum to address the demands in the world of work.
The College Administration for implementing the curriculum by providing resources and
identifying competent lecturers to fill in the void.
However, all the stake holders should give this module extra attention if we are to pass out
competent technicians to address the rising demands in the world of work.

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REFERENCES.

 Lecturer MR. EOJU PIUS

 Text book (science and practice of welding By; A.C.DAVIS)
 Workshop Technology by JS Schand
 Google application
 YouTube application

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 APPENDICES

Figure 3 full welding Figure 4 tacking

Figure 5 cutting to dimension Figure 6 rolling to desired shape

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 Figure 7 final coat application Figure 8 full welding

Figure 9 bending and riveting hinges Figure 10 marking and tracing

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