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Article
Publication date: 28 June 2011

Rajiv Khanduja, P.C. Tewari and R.S. Chauhan

The purpose of this paper is to deal with the performance modeling and optimization for the stock preparation unit of a paper plant using genetic algorithm. It provides the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deal with the performance modeling and optimization for the stock preparation unit of a paper plant using genetic algorithm. It provides the optimum unit availability level for different combinations of failure and repair rates of the subsystems of the stock preparation unit of the paper plant concerned.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, efforts have been made to develop performance models based on real situations for the stock preparation unit. The performance in terms of availability has been evaluated on the basis of Markov birth‐death process. After that, the performance optimization using genetic algorithm is done, which gives the optimum unit availability levels for different combinations of failure and repair rates of the subsystems of stock preparation units for enhancing the overall performance of the paper plant.

Findings

The effect of genetic algorithm parameters, namely number of generations, population size and crossover probability on the unit performance i.e. availability has been analyzed and discussed with the concerned paper plant management. It is found that these results are highly beneficial to the maintenance engineers for the purpose of effective maintenance planning to enhance the overall performance (availability) of the stock preparation unit of the paper plant.

Originality/value

Most of the researchers have confined their work to the development and analysis of theoretical models which has little practical significance. To fulfill this deficiency, efforts have been made in the present work to develop a model based on real situations for the stock preparation unit.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 28 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 May 2013

Rajiv Khanduja and P.C. Tewari

This paper aims to deal with the performance modeling and optimization for the stock preparation unit of a paper plant using genetic algorithm. It provides the optimum unit

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to deal with the performance modeling and optimization for the stock preparation unit of a paper plant using genetic algorithm. It provides the optimum unit availability level for different combinations of failure and repair rates of the subsystems of the stock preparation unit of the paper plant concerned.

Design/methodology/approach

Efforts have been made to develop the performance model based on a real situation for the stock preparation unit. The performance in terms of availability has been evaluated on the basis of Markov birth‐death process. After that, the performance optimization using genetic algorithm is performed, which gives the optimum unit availability levels for different combinations of failure and repair rates of the subsystems of stock preparation unit for enhancing the overall performance of the paper plant.

Findings

The effect of genetic algorithm parameters such as number of generations, population size and crossover probability on the unit performance, i.e. availability, has been analyzed and discussed with the concerned paper plant management. It is found that these results are highly beneficial to the maintenance engineers for the purpose of the effective maintenance planning to enhance the overall performance (availability) of stock preparation unit of the paper plant.

Originality/value

Most other researchers have confined their work to the development and analysis of theoretical models which has little practical significance. To fulfill this deficiency, efforts have been made in the present work to develop a model based on real situation for stock preparation unit.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 30 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 February 2019

Gaurav Sharma and Puran Chandra Tewari

The purpose of this paper is to deal with the performance modeling and assessment of maintenance priorities for steam generation unit of a sugar plant.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deal with the performance modeling and assessment of maintenance priorities for steam generation unit of a sugar plant.

Design/methodology/approach

The unit comprises of four subsystems, i.e., Bagasse elevator, Bagasse carrier, boiler and feed pump. The Chapman–Kolmogorov equations are generated on the basis of transition diagram and further solved recursively to obtain the performance modeling with the help of normalizing condition using the Markov approach.

Findings

Decision matrices are formed with the help of different combinations of failure and repair rates of all subsystems. The performance of steam generation unit is evaluated in terms of availability levels depicted in decision matrices and plots of failure rates and repair rates of various subsystems. The maintenance priorities of various subsystems of steam generation unit are decided on the basis of effect of failure and repair rates of subsystems on the availability of steam generation unit. The key finding is that the boiler subsystem is the most critical subsystem and hence should be kept on top maintenance priority for performance enhancement of the steam generation unit.

Originality/value

The acceptance of both performance modeling and maintenance priorities decision by the management of sugar plant will result in the enhancement of unit availability and reduction of maintenance cost.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 36 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 August 2019

Amit Kumar, Vinod Kumar and Vikas Modgil

The purpose of this paper is to optimize the performance for complex repairable system of paint manufacturing unit using a new hybrid bacterial foraging and particle swarm…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to optimize the performance for complex repairable system of paint manufacturing unit using a new hybrid bacterial foraging and particle swarm optimization (BFO-PSO) evolutionary algorithm. For this, a performance model is developed with an objective to analyze the system availability.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a Markov process-based performance model is put forward for system availability estimation. The differential equations associated with the performance model are developed assuming that the failure and repair rate parameters of each sub-system are constant and follow the exponential distribution. The long-run availability expression for the system has been derived using normalizing condition. This mathematical framework is utilized for developing an optimization model in MATLAB 15 and solved through BFO-PSO and basic particle swarm optimization (PSO) evolutionary algorithms coded in the light of applicability. In this analysis, the optimal input parameters are determined for better system performance.

Findings

In the present study, the sensitivity analysis for various sub-systems is carried out in a more consistent manner in terms of the effect on system availability. The optimal failure and repair rate parameters are obtained by solving the performance optimization model through the proposed hybrid BFO-PSO algorithm and hence improved system availability. Further, the results obtained through the proposed evolutionary algorithm are compared with the PSO findings in order to verify the solution. It can be clearly observed from the obtained results that the hybrid BFO-PSO algorithm modifies the solution more precisely and consistently.

Research limitations/implications

There is no limitation for implementation of proposed methodology in complex systems, and it can, therefore, be used to analyze the behavior of the other repairable systems in higher sensitivity zone.

Originality/value

The performance model of the paint manufacturing system is formulated by utilizing the available uncertain data of the used manufacturing unit. Using these data information, which affects the performance of the system are parameterized in the input failure and repair rate parameters for each sub-system. Further, these parameters are varied to find the sensitivity of a sub-system for system availability among the various sub-systems in order to predict the repair priorities for different sub-systems. The findings of the present study show their correspondence with the system experience and highlight the various availability measures for the system analyst in maintenance planning.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 36 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 February 2019

Amit Kumar, Vinod Kumar and Vikas Modgil

The purpose of this paper is to identify the criticality of various sub-systems through the behavioral study of a multi-state repairable system with hot redundancy. The…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the criticality of various sub-systems through the behavioral study of a multi-state repairable system with hot redundancy. The availability of the system is optimized to evaluate the optimum combinations of failure and repair rate parameters for various sub-systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The behavioral study of the system is conducted through the stochastic model under probabilistic approach, i.e., Markov process. The first-order differential equations associated with the stochastic model are derived with the use of mnemonic rule assuming that the failure and repair rate parameters of all the sub-systems are constant and exponentially distributed. These differential equations are further solved recursively using the normalizing condition to obtain the long-run availability of the system. A particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm for evaluating the optimum availability of the system and supporting computational results are presented.

Findings

The maintenance priorities for various sub-systems can easily be set up, as it is clearly identified in the behavioral analysis that the sub-system (A) is the most critical component which highly influences the system availability as compared to other sub-systems. The PSO technique modifies input failure and repair rate parameters for each sub-system and evaluates the optimum availability of the system.

Originality/value

A bottom case manufacturing system is under the evaluation, which is the main component of front shock absorber in two-wheelers. The input failure and repair rate parameters were parameterized from the information provided by the plant personnel. The finding of the paper provides the various availability measures and shows the grate congruence with the system behavior.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 36 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1980

David Ray, John Gattorna and Mike Allen

Preface The functions of business divide into several areas and the general focus of this book is on one of the most important although least understood of these—DISTRIBUTION. The…

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Abstract

Preface The functions of business divide into several areas and the general focus of this book is on one of the most important although least understood of these—DISTRIBUTION. The particular focus is on reviewing current practice in distribution costing and on attempting to push the frontiers back a little by suggesting some new approaches to overcome previously defined shortcomings.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Materials Management, vol. 10 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0269-8218

Article
Publication date: 7 May 2020

Subhash Malik and P.C. Tewari

This paper deals with the optimization of coal handling system performability for a thermal power plant.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper deals with the optimization of coal handling system performability for a thermal power plant.

Design/methodology/approach

Coal handling system comprises of five subsystems, namely Wagon Tippler, Crusher, Bunker, Feeder and Coal Mill. The partial differential equations are derived on the behalf of transition diagram by using the Markov approach. These partial differential equations are further solved to obtain the performance model with the help of normalization condition. Numerous performability levels are achieved by putting the appropriate combinations of failure and repair rates (FRRs) in performance model. Performability optimization for coal handling system is obtained by varying the population and generation size.

Findings

Highest performability level, that is, 93.33 at population size of 40 and 93.31 at generation size of 70, is observed.

Originality/value

The findings of this paper highlight the optimum value of performability level and FRRs for numerous subsystems. These findings are highly beneficial for plant administration to decide about the maintenance planning.

Details

Grey Systems: Theory and Application, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-9377

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2018

Subhash Malik and Puran Chand Tewari

The purpose of this paper is to deal with the formation of performance modeling and maintenance priorities for the water flow system (WFS) of a coal-based thermal power plant.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deal with the formation of performance modeling and maintenance priorities for the water flow system (WFS) of a coal-based thermal power plant.

Design/methodology/approach

The system consists of five subsystems, i.e. condenser, condensate extraction pump, Low Pressure Heater, deaerator and boiler feed pump. The Chapman-Kolmogorov equations are generated on the basis of transition diagram and further solved recursively to obtain the performance modeling with the help of normalizing condition using Markov approach.

Findings

Availability matrices are formed with the help of different combinations of failures and repair rates of all subsystems. The performance of all subsystems is evaluated in terms of availability level achieved in availability matrices and plots of failure rates and repair rates of various subsystems. The maintenance priorities of various subsystems of WFS are decided on the basis of repair rate.

Originality/value

The adoption of both performance modeling and maintenance priorities decision by the management of thermal power plant will result in the enhancement of system availability and reduction in maintenance cost.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 35 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1987

1.1 What Are Accounts For? Overview The purpose of accounts is to reveal performance in the conduct of a business or other activity concerned with use of economic resources (e.g…

Abstract

1.1 What Are Accounts For? Overview The purpose of accounts is to reveal performance in the conduct of a business or other activity concerned with use of economic resources (e.g. a club). It is thus a matter of stewardship. Although, like economics, it is necessary in accounting to use money as a measure of performance, it is concerned with the individual organisation rather than with economic phenomena as a whole.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 25 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1990

Gordon Wills, Sherril H. Kennedy, John Cheese and Angela Rushton

To achieve a full understanding of the role ofmarketing from plan to profit requires a knowledgeof the basic building blocks. This textbookintroduces the key concepts in the art…

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Abstract

To achieve a full understanding of the role of marketing from plan to profit requires a knowledge of the basic building blocks. This textbook introduces the key concepts in the art or science of marketing to practising managers. Understanding your customers and consumers, the 4 Ps (Product, Place, Price and Promotion) provides the basic tools for effective marketing. Deploying your resources and informing your managerial decision making is dealt with in Unit VII introducing marketing intelligence, competition, budgeting and organisational issues. The logical conclusion of this effort is achieving sales and the particular techniques involved are explored in the final section.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

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