Presents a methodology for calculating the availability of a refining system in a sugar plant. The refining system consists of a number of subsystems including a filter, heating…
Abstract
Presents a methodology for calculating the availability of a refining system in a sugar plant. The refining system consists of a number of subsystems including a filter, heating sulphitor and clarifier, each having series and parallel elements. The mathematical modelling of the failures and repairs of the subsystems is based on the birth and death process and the use of Chapman‐Kolmogorov equations. During the analysis of an actual sugar plant, it has been found that the clarifier unit of the refining system is the most critical component and requires immediate corrective action. Other critical components included are: filter and sulphonation units.
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Sekar Vinodh and C. Dinesh Kumar
The purpose of this paper is to develop a decision support system (DSS) for multi grade fuzzy leanness assessment (MGFLA) (DSS‐MGFLA).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a decision support system (DSS) for multi grade fuzzy leanness assessment (MGFLA) (DSS‐MGFLA).
Design/methodology/approach
The assessment of leanness gains vital importance. Due to the drawbacks associated with conventional approaches, fuzzy methods are gaining importance. In this context, multi‐grade fuzzy method has been used for leanness assessment. Since the computation is time consuming and error‐prone, a computerized DSS known as DSS‐MGFLA has been developed.
Findings
DSS‐MGFLA enables the accurate evaluation of leanness. Besides assessing leanness, DSS also enables the identification of improvement areas. The DSS has been validated in an Indian relays manufacturing organization. Based on the validation, its practical feasibility has been ensured.
Research limitations/implications
DSS‐MGFLA has been validated in a single manufacturing organization for its working feasibility. But the findings could be extended to similar manufacturing organizations.
Originality/value
The idea of developing DSS for leanness assessment is novel, original and unique contribution of authors.
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Amit Kumar Yadav and Dinesh Kumar
The already-strained vaccine supply chain (VSC) of the expanded program for immunization (EPI) require a more robust and structured distribution network for pandemic/outbreak…
Abstract
Purpose
The already-strained vaccine supply chain (VSC) of the expanded program for immunization (EPI) require a more robust and structured distribution network for pandemic/outbreak vaccination due to huge volume demand and time constraint. In this paper, a lean-agile-green (LAG) practices approach is proposed to improve the operational, economic and environmental efficiency of the VSC.
Design/methodology/approach
A fuzzy decision framework of importance performance analysis (IPA)–analytical hierarchy process (AHP)–technique for order for preference by similarity in ideal solution (TOPSIS) has been presented in this paper to prioritize the LAG practices on the basis of the influence on performance indicators. Sensitivity analysis is carried out to check the robustness of the presented model.
Findings
The derived result indicates that sustainable packaging, coordination among supply chain stakeholders and cold chain technology improvement are among the top practices affecting most of the performance parameters of VSC. The sensitivity analysis reveals that the priority of practices is highly dependent on the weightage of performance indicators.
Practical implications
This study's finding will help policymakers reframe strategies for sustainable VSC (SVSC) by including new management practices that can handle regular immunization programs as well as emergency mass vaccination.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that proposes the LAG framework for SVSC. The IPA–Fuzzy AHP (FAHP)–Fuzyy TOPSIS (FTOPSIS) is also a novel combination in decision-making.
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Dinesh Kumar, Satnam Singh and Surjit Angra
This study aims to investigate the corrosion behavior of stir-cast hybrid aluminum composite reinforced with CeO2 and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) nanoparticulates used as…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the corrosion behavior of stir-cast hybrid aluminum composite reinforced with CeO2 and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) nanoparticulates used as cylinder liner material in the engines (automotive, aerospace and aircraft industries).
Design/methodology/approach
The composites were prepared using the stir-casting technique, and their microstructure and corrosion behavior was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and potentiodynamic polarization test, respectively.
Findings
The results showed that the addition of CeO2 and GNPs improved the corrosion resistance of the composites, and the optimal combination of these two nanoparticles was found to be 3 wt.% CeO2 and 3 wt.% GNPs. The enhanced corrosion resistance was attributed to the formation of a protective layer on the surface of the composite, as well as the effective dispersion and uniform distribution of nanoparticles in the matrix. The 0.031362 was noted as the lowest corrosion rate (mmpy) and was noticed in 94% Al-6061 alloy + (3 Wt.% CeO2 + 3 Wt.% GNPs) sample at room temperature and at elevated temperatures; the corrosion rate (mmpy) was observed as 0.0601 and 0.0636 at 45 °C and 75 °C, respectively.
Originality/value
In the vast majority of the published research publications, either cerium oxide or graphene nanoplatelets were utilized as a single reinforcement or in conjunction with other types of reinforcement such as alumina, silicon carbide, carbon nano-tubes, tungsten carbide, etc., but on the combination of the CeO2 and GNPs as reinforcements have very less literatures with 2 wt.% each only. The prepared hybrid aluminum composite (reinforcing 1 wt.% to 3 wt.% in Al-6061 alloy) was considered for replacing the cylinder liner material in the piston-cylinder arrangement of engines.
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Mayur Pratap Singh, Pavan Kumar Meena, Kanwer Singh Arora, Rajneesh Kumar and Dinesh Kumar Shukla
This paper aims to measure peak temperatures and cooling rates for distinct locations of thermocouples in the butt weld joint of mild steel plates. For experimental measurement of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to measure peak temperatures and cooling rates for distinct locations of thermocouples in the butt weld joint of mild steel plates. For experimental measurement of peak temperatures, K-type thermocouples coupled with a data acquisition system were used at predetermined locations. Thereafter, Rosenthal’s analytical models for thin two-dimensional (2D) and thick three-dimensional (3D) plates were adopted to predict peak temperatures for different thermocouple positions. A finite element model (FEM) based on an advanced prescribed temperature approach was adopted to predict time-temperature history for predetermined locations of thermocouples.
Design/methodology/approach
Comparing experimental and Rosenthal analytical models (2D and 3D) findings show that predicted and measured peak temperatures are in close agreement, while cooling rates predicted by analytical models (2D, 3D) show significant variation from measured values. On the other hand, 3D FEM simulation predicted peak temperatures and cooling rates for different thermocouple positions are close to experimental findings.
Findings
The inclusion of filler metal during simulation of welding rightly replicates the real welding situation and improves outcomes of the analysis.
Originality/value
The present study is an original contribution to the field of welding technology.
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Dinesh Kumar and D. Kumar
The purpose of this paper is to eliminate the medicine stock-out problem by building an optimum medicine stock in rural healthcare centers in India.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to eliminate the medicine stock-out problem by building an optimum medicine stock in rural healthcare centers in India.
Design/methodology/approach
Data associated with inflow and outflow of a specific medicine (folic acid tablets) arer collected from all consecutive supply chain stages during the survey. While conducting the survey, it is found that several medicines are out of stock owing to uncertain lead time and demand. Integrating with quantity discount and min–max (s, S) inventory policy, two models are developed using system dynamics: one is Model 1 with constant lead time and uncertain demand, and the other is Model 2 with both uncertain lead time and demand.
Findings
Both models are simulated for a period of one year on Stella 9.1 platform. The results are compared with actual data, and the comparison shows significant improvement of the medicine stock at all downstream stages, while maintaining a certain safety stock. Further, Model 2 suggests a larger stock than Model 1 at each point of time.
Practical implications
Despite numerous issues, the stocks of medicine in rural healthcare systems can be improved as suggested by the models. The models depict the behavior of inventory stock at each stage of the supply chain and act as a function of time that could be used in the form of a prediction tool for the policymakers.
Originality/value
This paper is one of the first papers that had developed the model of the medicine supply chain in rural parts of a developing country. It provides a generic framework for the stock assessment and improvement throughout the supply chain.
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Dinesh Kumar, Pardeep Kumar, Navin Kumar and Saumy Agarwal
This research aims to examine the impact of friction stir processing (FSP) treatment on an aluminum alloy, especially the AD31T alloy derived from the Al-Fe-Mg-Si system. The aim…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to examine the impact of friction stir processing (FSP) treatment on an aluminum alloy, especially the AD31T alloy derived from the Al-Fe-Mg-Si system. The aim is to assess the influence of different processing techniques on the microstructure and physical and mechanical characteristics of the material, with a specific focus on structural and bulk imperfections inside the stir zone (SZ).
Design/methodology/approach
The study demonstrates that augmenting the linear velocity of the tool within the 25–100 mm/min range results in significant enhancements. The enhancements include a decrease in the heat-affected zone (HAZ), a reduction in the extent of volume defects inside the SZ and a more uniform deformation. The microstructural analysis results are corroborated by data acquired from microhardness and electrical conductivity studies, confirming the beneficial influence of modifying the tool’s linear velocity on the material parameters.
Findings
This study provides significant observations on the changes in microstructure and the generation of flaws throughout the process of FSP of AD31T alloy. These results have practical implications for improving the characteristics of the alloy and optimizing the production conditions.
Originality/value
All samples exhibit a distinct reduction in electrical conductivity within the initial third of the sample, aligning with the transitional region between the base metal (BM) and the HAZ. This underscores the importance of understanding the transitional zones during FSP.
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Prabhat Kumar Rai, Dinesh Rout, D. Satish Kumar, Sanjay Sharma and G. Balachandran
The purpose of the present study is to simulate the industrial hot-dip process of Zn-2.5Wt.%Mg-3 Wt.%Al and Zn-2.5 Wt.%Mg-9 Wt.%Al-0.15 Wt.%Si coatings and to study the effect of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the present study is to simulate the industrial hot-dip process of Zn-2.5Wt.%Mg-3 Wt.%Al and Zn-2.5 Wt.%Mg-9 Wt.%Al-0.15 Wt.%Si coatings and to study the effect of low and high Al variation on their microstructure, microhardness, adhesion and corrosion behaviour.
Design/methodology/approach
The hot-dip Zn-2.5 Mg-xAl coating simulation on steel substrate was carried out using a hot-dip process simulator. The microstructure of the coatings was characterized using a scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The corrosion behaviour of the coatings was studied using a salt spray test in 5% NaCl solution as well as dynamic polarization in 3.5% NaCl solution.
Findings
Microhardness of the developed Zn-2.5 Mg-xAl coatings has been found to be approximately two times higher than that of the conventional galvanized coating. Zn-2.5 Mg-3Al coating has exhibited two times higher corrosion resistance as compared to that of Zn-2.5 Mg-9Al-0.15Si coating because of formation of more homogeneous and defect-free microstructure of the former. The MgZn2 phase has undergone preferential dissolution and provided Mg2+ ions to form a protective film.
Originality/value
The relative corrosion resistance of the two Zn–Al–Mg coatings with different Al content has been studied. The defect formed because of higher Al addition in the coating has been detected, and its effect on corrosion behaviour has been analysed.
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Dinesh Kumar Kushwaha, Dilbagh Panchal and Anish Kumar Sachdeva
An integrated intuitionistic fuzzy (IF) modelling-based framework for examining the performance analysis of a packaging unit (PU) in three different stages has been proposed.
Abstract
Purpose
An integrated intuitionistic fuzzy (IF) modelling-based framework for examining the performance analysis of a packaging unit (PU) in three different stages has been proposed.
Design/methodology/approach
For the series and parallel configuration of PU, a mathematical model based on the intuitionistic fuzzy Lambda–Tau (IFLT) approach was developed in order to calculate various reliability parameters at various spreads. For determining membership and non-membership function-based reliability parameters for the top event, AND/OR gate transitions expression was employed.
Findings
For 15%–30% spread, unit’s availability for the membership function falls by 0.006442%, and it falls even more by 0.014907% with an increase in spread from 30% to 45%. In contrast, for 15%–30% spread, the availability of non-membership function-based systems reduces by 0.007491% and further diminishes. Risk analysis has presented applying an emerging approach called intuitionistic fuzzy failure mode and effect analysis (IFFMEA). For each of the stated failure causes, the output values of the intuitionistic fuzzy hybrid weighted Euclidean distance (IFHWED)-based IFFMEA have been tabulated. Failure causes like HP1, MT6, FB9, EL16, DR23, GR27, categorized under subsystems, namely hopper, motor, fluidized bed dryer, distributor, grader and bin, respectively, with corresponding IFFMEA output scores 1.0975, 1.0190, 0.8543, 1.0228, 0.9026, 1.0021, were the most critical one to contribute in the system’s failure.
Research limitations/implications
The limitation of the proposed framework lies in the fact that the results obtained for both reliability and risk aspects mainly depend on the correctness of raw data provided by the experts. Also, an approximate model of PU is obtained from plant experts to carry performance analysis, and hence more attention is required in constructing the model. Under IFLT, reliability parameters of PU have been calculated at various spreads to study and analyse the failure behaviour of the unit for both membership and non-membership function in the IFS of [0.6,0.8]. For both membership- and non-membership-based results, availability of the considered system shows decreasing trend. To improve the performance of the considered system, risk assessment was carried using IFFMEA technique, ranking all the critical failure causes against IFHWED score value, on which more attention should be paid so as to avoid sudden failure of unit.
Social implications
The livelihood of millions of farmers and workers depends on sugar industries. So perpetual running of these industries is very important from this viewpoint. On the basis of findings of reliability parameters, the maintenance manager could frame a correct maintenance policy for long-run availability of the sugar mills. This long-run availability will generate revenue, which, in turn, will ensure the livelihood of the farmers.
Originality/value
Mathematical modelling of the considered unit has been done applying basic expressions of AND/OR gate. IFTOPSIS approach has been implemented for ranking result comparison obtained under IFFMEA approach. Eventually, sensitivity analysis was also presented to demonstrate the stability of ranking of failure causes of PU.
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Amit Kumar Yadav and Dinesh Kumar
Each individual needs to be vaccinated to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the shortest possible time. However, the vaccine distribution with an already strained…
Abstract
Purpose
Each individual needs to be vaccinated to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the shortest possible time. However, the vaccine distribution with an already strained supply chain in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) will not be effective enough to vaccinate all the population in stipulated time. The purpose of this paper is to show that there is a need to revolutionize the vaccine supply chain (VSC) by overcoming the challenges of sustainable vaccine distribution.
Design/methodology/approach
An integrated lean, agile and green (LAG) framework is proposed to overcome the challenges of the sustainable vaccine supply chain (SVSC). A hybrid best worst method (BWM)–Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking According to COmpromise Solution (MARCOS) methodology is designed to analyze the challenges and solutions.
Findings
The analysis shows that vaccine wastage is the most critical challenge for SVSC, and the coordination among stakeholders is the most significant solution followed by effective management support.
Social implications
The result of the analysis can help the health care organizations (HCOs) to manage the VSC. The effective vaccination in stipulated time will help control the further spread of the virus, which will result in the normalcy of business and availability of livelihood for millions of people.
Originality/value
To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first study to explore sustainability in VSC by considering the environmental and social impact of vaccination. The LAG-based framework is also a new approach in VSC to find the solution for existing challenges.