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Article
Publication date: 18 October 2022

Zul-Atfi Ismail

The chemical plant (CP) maintenance industry has been under increasing pressure by process designers to demonstrate its evaluation and information management of model checking…

Abstract

Purpose

The chemical plant (CP) maintenance industry has been under increasing pressure by process designers to demonstrate its evaluation and information management of model checking (MC) on the durability’s performance and design of plant control instrument. This main problem has been termed as imperfect maintenance actions (IMAs) level. Although IMAs have been explored in interdisciplinary maintenance environments, less is known about what imperfect maintenance problems currently exist and what their causes are, such as the recent explosion in the Beirut city (4 August 2020, about 181 fatalities). The aim of this paper is to identify how CP maintenance environments could integrate MC within their processes.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this aim, a comprehensive literature review of the existing conceptualisation of MC practices is reviewed and the main features of information and communication technology tools and techniques currently being employed on such IMA projects are carried out and synthesised into a conceptual framework for integrating MC in the automation system process.

Findings

The literature reveals that various CP designers conceptualise MC in different ways. MC is commonly shaped by long-term compliance to fulfil the requirement for maintaining a comfortable durability risk on imperfect maintenance schemes of CP projects. Also, there is a lack of common approaches for integrating the delivery process of MC. The conceptual framework demonstrates the importance of early integration of MC in the design phase to identify alternative methods to cogenerate, monitor and optimise MC.

Originality/value

Thus far, this study advances the knowledge about how CP maintenance environments can ensure MC delivery. This paper highlights the need for further research to integrate MC in CP maintenance environments. A future study could validate the framework across the design phase with different CP project designers.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 123 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2000

Gregory Theyel

This paper explores whether there are discernible differences in the environmental innovation and performance of US chemical firms that can be explained by differences in the…

7502

Abstract

This paper explores whether there are discernible differences in the environmental innovation and performance of US chemical firms that can be explained by differences in the management practices and characteristics of the firms. Using data from a national survey, firm visits, and phone interviews, this research assesses the pervasiveness of the adoption of environmental management practices. It also assesses whether the adoption of these practices is related to leadership in environmental innovation and performance. This paper shows high levels of adoption of several practices for improving environmental innovation and performance. Firms are using practices such as total quality management, certification of suppliers, R&D, and the involvement of employees in innovation and training to integrate environmental management with their production systems. In addition, firms with the highest adoption levels of environmental practices have substituted cleaner materials and changed their production processes for cleaner production, and they are leaders in reducing their generation of chemical waste.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1999

Ruth Aylett, Gary Petley, P.W.H. Chung, James Soutter and Andrew Rushton

Operating procedure synthesis (OPS) has been used to generate plant operating procedures for chemical plants. However, the application of AI planning to this domain has been…

1221

Abstract

Operating procedure synthesis (OPS) has been used to generate plant operating procedures for chemical plants. However, the application of AI planning to this domain has been rarely considered, and when it has the scope of the system used has limited it to solving “toy” problems. This paper describes the application of state‐of‐the‐art AI planning techniques to the generation of operating procedures for chemical plant as part of the INT‐OP project at the Universities of Salford and Loughborough. The CEP planner is outlined and its application to a double effect evaporator test rig is discussed in detail. Particular attention is paid to the issues involved in domain modelling, requiring the description of the domain, development of AI planning operators, the definition of safety restrictions, and the definition of the problem. There is then a presentation of the results, lessons learned and problems still remaining.

Details

Integrated Manufacturing Systems, vol. 10 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-6061

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1964

In this modern age of processing it is extremely difficult to make any classifications of the true meaning of a chemical plant. Basically, it must be assumed that it is an…

Abstract

In this modern age of processing it is extremely difficult to make any classifications of the true meaning of a chemical plant. Basically, it must be assumed that it is an engineering installation that handles chemicals as part of its process. This, of course, means that the definition covers a very high percentage of our industries. As far as corrosion considerations are concerned the dividing line between chemical and other plant is just as fluid, although there are certain specific approaches involved where the chemicals are concerned.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Article
Publication date: 1 November 1962

Geigy Co. Ltd. Stand 75. Diversified application of benzotriazole as a corrosion inhibitor specifically for copper and its alloys is the main theme of Geigy's stand.

Abstract

Geigy Co. Ltd. Stand 75. Diversified application of benzotriazole as a corrosion inhibitor specifically for copper and its alloys is the main theme of Geigy's stand.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 9 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Article
Publication date: 6 March 2017

Omid Pourali, Hashem Ghasemi Kadijani and Farideh Mohammadi Khangheshlaghi

An effective chemical conditioning technique was successfully tested and investigated to control and minimize the chemistry-related damages within mixed metallurgy steam and water…

Abstract

Purpose

An effective chemical conditioning technique was successfully tested and investigated to control and minimize the chemistry-related damages within mixed metallurgy steam and water cycle of Heller dry cooled combined cycle power plants (CCPPs), in which cooling water and condensate are completely mixed in direct contact condenser. This study aims to perform a comprehensive experimental research in four mixed metallurgy steam and water cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive experimental study was carried out in four mixed metallurgy steam and water cycle fabricated with ferrous- and aluminum-based alloys which have various corrosion resistance capabilities in contact with water. Chemical conditioning was conducted using both volatile and non-volatile alkalizing agents, and, to perform chemical conditioning effectively, quality parameters (pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, sodium, silica, iron, aluminum and phosphate) were monitored by analyzing grab and online samples taken at eight key sampling points.

Findings

Results indicated that pH was the most critical parameter which was not mainly within the recommended ranges of widely used standards and guidelines at all key sampling points that generally increases the occurrence of chemistry-related damages. The other quality parameters were mostly satisfactory.

Originality/value

In this research, the development of a suitable chemical conditioning technique in mixed metallurgy steam and water cycle, fabricated with ferrous and aluminum-based alloys, was studied. The obtained results in this thorough research work was evaluated by comparison with the chemistry limits of the widely used standards and guidelines, and combined use of volatile and solid alkalizing agents was considered as a promising chemical conditioning technique for utilization in mixed metallurgy units of Heller dry cooled CCPPs.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 64 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 16 May 2007

Alla Bolotova

In both natural sciences and social sciences, there is relative agreement about the fact that the 20th century saw great diminishment of the earth's natural resources. In addition…

Abstract

In both natural sciences and social sciences, there is relative agreement about the fact that the 20th century saw great diminishment of the earth's natural resources. In addition to dwindling materials and space for human activities, our industrial mode of natural resource consumption brought various ecological problems, including waste, and pollution of water, soil, and air.1 The specifics of any given social system influence an individual's perception of pollution of the surrounding environment and its consequences, and also influence the reaction of a society in general to ecological problems. In other words, different societies develop different collective and individual strategies for coping with problematic situations related to “technogenic” pollution of the environment. This article, based as it is on an in-depth case study, analyzes the peculiar relationship of people to ecological issues in Russian society. Research was carried out in the city Dzerzhinsk, which, throughout the Soviet period, was proudly called the “Capital of Soviet Chemistry.” This city is thus a demonstrable example of the Soviet period, and the history of the city will serve as a lens through which we will analyze contemporary ecological problems of the city and the relations of its citizens to these problems. Dzerzhinsk was selected for study after it was described in newspapers as “the dirtiest (i.e., most polluted) city in Russia.”

Details

Cultures of Contamination
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-7623-1371-6

Article
Publication date: 11 December 2020

Mira Lehberger and Christine Becker

The purpose of this paper is to identify which plant protection practices consumers prefer and why. The authors focused on beneficial insects, genetically modified (GM) plants

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify which plant protection practices consumers prefer and why. The authors focused on beneficial insects, genetically modified (GM) plants, synthetic chemical pesticides, biological plant protection, mechanical-physical plant protection as well as biotechnical plant protection. The authors studied the effects of the risk perception and both subjective and objective knowledge on preference.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected cross-sectional data from n = 1,223 people living in Germany. For this, the authors used an online panel and quoted participation after age, gender, income and region. The authors used multiple regression analyses and also explored moderation effects of knowledge on risk perception to explain participants' preferences.

Findings

The most preferred plant protection practice in the study sample was the application of beneficial insects. The authors found evidence that risk perception, as well as objective and subjective knowledge, can have a pivotal direct effect on preferences. Additionally, subjective as well as objective knowledge typically moderated the effect of risk perception, depending on the plant protection practice in focus. Overall, the authors found that levels of subjective and objective knowledge of plant protection practices were rather low among German participants.

Originality/value

While studies on consumer preferences for GM or organic food are abundant, preferences regarding other types of common plant protection practices are hardly investigated. To tackle this research gap, the authors focused on six different and common plant protection practices and compare results.

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1998

Alan Tuckman

In the debate leading up to the publication of the proposed Government White Paper Fairness at Work, companies which have de‐recognised unions have been portrayed by the unions as…

Abstract

In the debate leading up to the publication of the proposed Government White Paper Fairness at Work, companies which have de‐recognised unions have been portrayed by the unions as looking backwards to “Victorian” employment practices. This paper traces the development of “single status” ‐ effecively the de‐recognition of trade unions ‐ at BP Chemicals. It indicates that, after an initial phase of “macho” tactics at its Baglan Bay site, management adopted an apparently more consensual approach at its two other main sites utilising ballots of workers for the “single status” package. Further, the package introduced Employee Forums on each site which formed the basis of the establishment of a European Works Council. As such it leads to a questioning of the effectiveness of measures in the White Paper to bring about a return to trade union recognition.

Details

Employee Relations, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 1954

Horace Manley

There is an interesting similarity between the problems facing the maintenance engineer and those facing the medical practitioner. Corrosion, for instance, can be considered as a…

Abstract

There is an interesting similarity between the problems facing the maintenance engineer and those facing the medical practitioner. Corrosion, for instance, can be considered as a generic term for a variety of ‘ailments’ in factory plant. One may carry the analogy further and equate preventive medicine, which is one of the fundamental tenets of medical theory, with preventive maintenance, which is now rapidly gaining ground in engineering circles. As with certain human complaints, it is impossible to eliminate corrosion completely—what is important is to take the necessary remedial action before it has gone too far. The analogy extends even further: the engineer now has diagnostic tools comparable to the doctor's stethoscope. Ultrasonic waves are now used to measure the thickness of walls of which only one side is accessible. Such measurements are non‐destructive, safe, quick and accurate. This article describes an ultrasonic thickness gauge and its use in the chemical industry to check for corrosion without interfering with production.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 1 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

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