Nzita Alain Lelo, P. Stephan Heyns and Johann Wannenburg
Steam explosions are a major safety concern in many modern furnaces. The explosions are sometimes caused by water ingress into the furnace from leaks in its high-pressure (HP…
Abstract
Purpose
Steam explosions are a major safety concern in many modern furnaces. The explosions are sometimes caused by water ingress into the furnace from leaks in its high-pressure (HP) cooling water system, coming into contact with molten matte. To address such safety issues related to steam explosions, risk based inspection (RBI) is suggested in this paper. RBI is presently one of the best-practice methodologies to provide an inspection schedule and ensure the mechanical integrity of pressure vessels. The application of RBIs on furnace HP cooling systems in this work is performed by incorporating the proportional hazards model (PHM) with the RBI approach; the PHM uses real-time condition data to allow dynamic decision-making on inspection and maintenance planning.
Design/methodology/approach
To accomplish this, a case study is presented that applies an HP cooling system data with moisture and cumulated feed rate as covariates or condition indicators to compute the probability of failure and the consequence of failure (CoF), which is modelled based on the boiling liquid-expanding vapour explosion (BLEVE) theory.
Findings
The benefit of this approach is that the risk assessment introduces real-time condition data in addition to time-based failure information to allow improved dynamic decision-making for inspection and maintenance planning of the HP cooling system. The work presented here comprises the application of the newly proposed methodology in the context of pressure vessels, considering the important challenge of possible explosion accidents due to BLEVE as the CoF calculations.
Research limitations/implications
This paper however aims to optimise the inspection schedule on the HP cooling system, by incorporating PHM into the RBI methodology, as was recently proposed in the literature by Lelo et al. (2022). Moisture and cumulated feed rate are used as covariate. At the end, risk mitigation policy is suggested.
Originality/value
In this paper, the proposed methodology yields a dynamically calculated quantified risk, which emphasised the imperative for mitigating the risk, as well as presents a number of mitigation options, to quantifiably affect such mitigation.
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A method is presented by means of which the lift coefficient of an arbitrary aerofoil in a two‐dimensional cascade is obtained explicitly in terms of a number of cascade…
Abstract
A method is presented by means of which the lift coefficient of an arbitrary aerofoil in a two‐dimensional cascade is obtained explicitly in terms of a number of cascade functions, whose values depend only on the cascade geometry. The method is based on Schlichting's theory, whereby the profile is substituted by a continuous row of singularities arranged along the blade chord, and it consists in a simplification of the usual procedure of satisfying the boundary conditions. The simplified method greatly reduces the amount of work involved, and an analysis of a number of representative aerofoils indicated a good agreement with the values obtained by the more exact procedure. The values of the special cascade functions required for the application of the method are tabulated over a wide range of stagger angles and pitch/chord ratios.
Nzita Alain Lelo, P. Stephan Heyns and Johann Wannenburg
Industry decision makers often rely on a risk-based approach to perform inspection and maintenance planning. According to the Risk-Based Inspection and Maintenance Procedure…
Abstract
Purpose
Industry decision makers often rely on a risk-based approach to perform inspection and maintenance planning. According to the Risk-Based Inspection and Maintenance Procedure project for the European industry, risk has two main components: probability of failure (PoF) and consequence of failure (CoF). As one of these risk drivers, a more accurate estimation of the PoF will contribute to a more accurate risk assessment. Current methods to estimate the PoF are either time-based or founded on expert judgement. This paper suggests an approach that incorporates the proportional hazards model (PHM), which is a statistical procedure to estimate the risk of failure for a component subject to condition monitoring, into the risk-based inspection (RBI) methodology, so that the PoF estimation is enhanced to optimize inspection policies.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve the overall goal of this paper, a case study applying the PHM to determine the PoF for the real-time condition data component is discussed. Due to a lack of published data for risk assessment at this stage of the research, the case study considered here uses failure data obtained from the simple but readily available Intelligent Maintenance Systems bearing data, to illustrate the methodology.
Findings
The benefit of incorporating PHM into the RBI approach is that PHM uses real-time condition data, allowing dynamic decision-making on inspection and maintenance planning. An additional advantage of the PHM is that where traditional techniques might not give an accurate estimation of the remaining useful life to plan inspection, the PHM method has the ability to consider the condition as well as the age of the component.
Research limitations/implications
This paper is proposing the development of an approach to incorporate the PHM into an RBI methodology using bearing data to illustrate the methodology. The CoF estimation is not addressed in this paper.
Originality/value
This paper presents the benefits related to the use of PHM as an approach to optimize the PoF estimation, which drives to the optimal risk assessment, in comparison to the time-based approach.
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SUMMARY Schlichting's cascade functions are expressed as power series in terms of the blade solidity, which makes it possible to derive analytical expressions for the lift…
Abstract
SUMMARY Schlichting's cascade functions are expressed as power series in terms of the blade solidity, which makes it possible to derive analytical expressions for the lift coefficient and velocity distribution of an arbitrary cascade of thin aerofoils for solidities of less than unity under smooth air inlet conditions. It is shown that, within the scope of the assumptions made, the angle of attack for shock‐free inlet conditions must be zero, irrespective of the cascade configuration, and that a symmetrical camber line will then yield the maximum lift coefficient. Expressions for this lift coefficient and for the corresponding velocity distribution are derived in terms of the maximum camber and cascade configuration. The analysis is based on Schlichting's cascade theory, and is intended primarily for application to fan blade design.
Mohammadreza Salehi, Nader Pourmahmoud, Amir Hassanzadeh, S. Hoseinzadeh and P.S. Heyns
Using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique, this paper aims to investigate the influence of key parameters such as throat diameter; the suction ratio on the flow field…
Abstract
Purpose
Using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique, this paper aims to investigate the influence of key parameters such as throat diameter; the suction ratio on the flow field behaviors such as Mach number; pressure; and temperature.
Design/methodology/approach
To investigate the effect of throat diameter, it is simulated for 4, 6, 8 and 10 mm as throat diameters. The governing equations have been solved by standard code of Fluent Software together with a compressible 2 D symmetric and turbulence model with the standard k–ε model. First, the influence of the throat diameter is investigated by keeping the inlet mass flow constant.
Findings
The results show that a place of shock wave creation is changed by changing the throat diameter. The obtained results illustrate that the maximum amount of Mach number is dependent on the throat diameter. It is obtained from the results that for smaller throats higher Mach numbers can be obtained. Therefore, for mixing purposes smaller throats and for exhausting bigger throats seems to be appropriate.
Originality/value
The obtained numerical results are compared to the existing experimental ones which show good agreement.
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Willem Wannenburg, Helen M. Inglis, Johann Wannenburg and Chris Roth
Failure of a critical reinforced concrete beam due to fatigue can have severe safety and production consequences, and preventative repair/replacement of such a beam is expensive…
Abstract
Purpose
Failure of a critical reinforced concrete beam due to fatigue can have severe safety and production consequences, and preventative repair/replacement of such a beam is expensive. It would therefore be beneficial if repair/replacement can be done based on an accurately and conservatively predicted remaining useful life (RUL). The purpose of this paper is to develop such a model.
Design/methodology/approach
Condition-based maintenance is a maintenance approach that uses empirical/analytical models and a measurable condition to predict remaining useful life. The P-F curve (condition-life) is a useful tool that can aid in making these decisions. A model to create a P-F curve is developed using rebar fatigue test results (in the form of an S–N curve) and the Palmgren-Miner law of damage accumulation. A Monte Carlo simulation with statistical distributions is employed to provide confidence levels of RUL outputs.
Findings
An example of how the model can successfully be used in practice is shown in this paper, and a sensitivity study is performed leading to conclusions being drawn with regard to damage tolerant design considerations.
Originality/value
If a critical reinforced concrete beam fails due to fatigue can have serious consequences. This paper develops a model to help base repair/replacement decisions based on accurately and conservatively predicted RUL. Financial and safety benefits would be gained if this model would be used in practice.
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Vikas Kumar, Amanjot Singh Syan and Komalpreet Kaur
The underlying research is an attempt to discover the factors responsible for influencing customer purchase intention towards solar water heaters.
Abstract
Purpose
The underlying research is an attempt to discover the factors responsible for influencing customer purchase intention towards solar water heaters.
Design/methodology/approach
Six dimensions have been considered to assess customer purchase intention towards a solar water heater. The primary data involves the responses collected from 695 respondents belonging to the north region of India using a convenience sampling technique. Structural equation modeling analysis has been employed to examine the dimensions' impact on customer purchase intention.
Findings
The results concluded that dimensions such as increasing energy prices, product knowledge and experience, financial support and subsidies, perceived cost, have a positive influence on customers' purchase intention of solar water heater except for the dimension of “solar water heater aesthetics”.
Research limitations/implications
Due to the limited sample size, findings cannot be generalized for the large-scale population. Moreover, this study is only confined to the assessment of particular factors that are affecting the purchase intention of customers confined to solar water heaters only.
Practical implications
The present study will provide an advantage to organizations that are in the process of implementing solar energy products into working. Moreover, this research will also assist policymakers regarding the formulation of policies on solar energy products. An undue advantage of this would be the increasing adoption of a solar water heater by understanding the factors that impact customer purchase intention.
Originality/value
Considerably, this research, by filling up the gap in the existing studies, will empirically contribute to the customer purchase intention towards SWHs. Additionally, the results of the study will also endow an additive advantage to the existing firms.
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The purpose of this paper is to identify the dimensions of service quality and examining the interrelationships among behavioral intentions, customer satisfaction, perceived…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the dimensions of service quality and examining the interrelationships among behavioral intentions, customer satisfaction, perceived value, corporate image and service quality in the gaming industry. A multi-level and hierarchical model is used as a framework to synthesize the effects of customer satisfaction, perceived value, corporate image and service quality on behavioral intentions of customers in the gaming industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The data used in this study were based on a sample of 470 at a newly built casino in Macau. Data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and regression analysis.
Findings
The findings support using a multi-level model consisting of three primary dimensions and ten sub-dimensions to conceptualize and measure perceived service quality. Perceived service quality significantly influences perceived value and corporate image, respectively. In addition, perceived value and corporate image are main determinants of customer satisfaction. Also, customer satisfaction and corporate image significantly affect behavioral intentions.
Originality/value
This is the first study synthesizing behavioral intentions, customer satisfaction, perceived value, corporate image and perceived service quality in a Macau casino setting.
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Nzita Alain Lelo, P. Stephan Heyns and Johann Wannenburg
The control of an inventory where spare parts demand is infrequent has always been difficult to manage because of the randomness of the demand, as well as the existence of a large…
Abstract
Purpose
The control of an inventory where spare parts demand is infrequent has always been difficult to manage because of the randomness of the demand, as well as the existence of a large proportion of zero values in the demand pattern. The purpose of this paper is to propose a just-in-time (JIT) spare parts availability approach by integrating condition monitoring (CM) with spare parts management by means of proportional hazards models (PHM) to eliminate some of the shortcomings of the spare parts demand forecasting methods.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to obtain the event data (lifetime) and CM data (first natural frequency) required to build the PHM for the spares demand forecasting, a series of fatigue tests were conducted on a group of turbomachinery blades that were systematically fatigued on an electrodynamic shaker in the laboratory, through base excitation. The process of data generation in the numerical as well as experimental approaches comprised introducing an initial crack in each of the blades and subjecting the blades to base excitation on the shaker and then propagating the crack. The blade fatigue life was estimated from monitoring the first natural frequency of each blade while the crack was propagating. The numerical investigation was performed using the MSC.MARC/2016 software package.
Findings
After building the PHM using the data obtained during the fatigue tests, a blending of the PHM with economic considerations allowed determining the optimal risk level, which minimizes the cost. The optimal risk point was then used to estimate the JIT spare parts demand and define a component replacement policy. The outcome from the PHM and economical approach allowed proposing development of an integrated forecasting methodology based not only on failure information, but also on condition information.
Research limitations/implications
The research is simplified by not considering all the elements usually forming part of the spare parts management study, such as lead time, stock holding, etc. This is done to focus the attention on component replacement, so that a just-in-time spare parts availability approach can be implemented. Another feature of the work relates to the decision making using PHM. The approach adopted here does not consider the use of the transition probability matrix as addressed by Jardine and Makis (2013). Instead, a simulation method is used to determine the optimal risk point which minimizes the cost.
Originality/value
This paper presents a way to address some existing shortcomings of traditional spare parts demand forecasting methods, by introducing the PHM as a tool to forecast spare parts demand, not considering the previous demand as is the case for most of the traditional spare parts forecasting methods, but the condition of the parts in operation. In this paper, the blade bending first mode natural frequency is used as the covariate in the PHM in a laboratory experiment. The choice of natural frequency as covariate is justified by its relationship with structural stiffness (and hence damage), as well as being a global parameter that could be measured anywhere on the blade without affecting the results.
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Sheila Namagembe, R Sridharan and Suzanne Ryan
The purpose of this paper is to advance enviropreneurial orientation (EO) as a new internal driver for green supply chain practice adoption. Because manufacturing supply chains…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to advance enviropreneurial orientation (EO) as a new internal driver for green supply chain practice adoption. Because manufacturing supply chains are major contributors to environmental pollution, green practice adoption is a means of reducing environmental pollution. However, why owner/managers adopt green practices remains uncertain. The concept of EO is a potential and important motivation for adoption of green supply chain practices that has yet to be explored. The study investigates the relationship between EO and green supply chain practice adoption.
Design/methodology/approach
Cross-sectional survey design was employed to collect data from owners/managers of SME manufacturing firms in Uganda. The structural equation modelling was used to analyse results on the influence of each of nine EO on green supply chain practice adoption and the influence of EO dimensions on green supply chain practice adoption.
Findings
Findings show that EO positively influences green supply chain practice adoption. All but two of nine dimensions of EO were significant predictors of green supply chain practice adoption. Competitive aggressiveness and perceived pressure from environmental regulations were not significant predictors for green supply chain practice adoption.
Research limitations/implications
The study was cross-sectional. A longitudinal survey was more appropriate because of the presence of a behavioural variable green supply chain practice adoption. Further a comparative study is required because of the existence of differences in classifications of SMEs in both the developing and developed countries.
Originality/value
The research contributes to further scholarly understanding of green practice adoption in SMEs through offering a new construct, EO, and its role in influencing green supply chain practice adoption. The authors develop EO as a construct, a concept that has not been developed for more than two decades.