A risk management initiative implemented in Canada

This paper describes recent initiatives in Canada that lead to a new regulation on environmental emergencies under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act of 1999. The regulation includes a list of hazardous substances with threshold quantities. It has requirements for prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. The regulation is based on voluntary guidelines developed by industry, public authorities, municipalities and representatives of the public. The guidelines are a reference for industry and municipalities to help them manage risk related to major industrial accidents. The guidelines released in July 2002 are innovative in the sense that municipalities are strongly involved in the risk management process through the creation of Local Emergency Planning Committees (Joint Committees) with representatives from industry, municipalities and public. This work appears as a relevant approach to involve the public in the decision-making process and makes people aware of the hazards and the measures taken to control risk.     

DoD microcircuit qualification innovation–QML

The U.S. Department of Defence (DoD) has undertaken the task of modernizing the procedure for qualification of military high-quality/high-reliability microcircuits. This new approach, known as generic qualification, will develop a qualified manufacturers list (QML) which will permit certification of design, fabrication, assembly and packaging using an innovative approach. The objective is to have a single process flow on which both commercial and military product will be indistinguishable and only at qualification testing (which is revolutionary) will the differences be evident. The realization of this change is implementation of statistical process control (SPC) methodologies and total quality management (TQM).     

Application of fuzzy quality function deployment for sustainable design of consumer electronics products: a case study

With a steep increase in the demand for consumer electronics products, the contemporary manufacturers are committed toward sustainable development of such products. There exists a scope for developing a methodology for enabling sustainable development of consumer electronics products. In this context, fuzzy quality function deployment (QFD) approach has been presented in this article in order to prioritize relevant customer requirements, sustainability parameters and sustainability initiatives. Key influential parameters for sustainable development of consumer electronics products have been identified from the literature. In the first phase of fuzzy QFD, parameters influencing sustainable development have been prioritized in accordance with customer requirements. In the second phase, environmental design initiatives have been prioritized based on critical sustainability parameters. From phase I of fuzzy QFD, ‘reduction in environmental release’ has been found as the most significant sustainability parameter with a crisp value of 22.83, and from phase II, environmental impact assessment is proved to be the significant design method with a crisp value of 20.40. The methodology would provide a comprehensive understanding to practitioners on the interrelationships among customer requirements, sustainability parameters and environmentally benign initiatives for development of consumer electronic products. The generic model developed can be applied to most of the consumer electronics product     

Database management systems for process safety

Several elements of the process safety management regulation (PSM) require tracking and documentation of actions; process hazard analyses, management of change, process safety information, operating procedures, training, contractor safety programs, pre-startup safety reviews, incident investigations, emergency planning, and compliance audits. These elements can result in hundreds of actions annually that require actions. This tracking and documentation commonly is a failing identified in compliance audits, and is difficult to manage through action lists, spreadsheets, or other tools that are comfortably manipulated by plant personnel. This paper discusses the recent implementation of a database management system at a chemical plant and chronicles the improvements accomplished through the introduction of a customized system. The system as implemented modeled the normal plant workflows, and provided simple, recognizable user interfaces for ease of use.     

Influence of charge regulation in electrostatic interaction chromatography of proteins

Recently, the "slab model" was proposed to describe the interaction between a protein and the charged stationary phase surface in electrostatic interaction chromatography. The model is based on the solution of the linearized Poisson-Boltzmann equation for a system consisting of two charged planar surfaces in contact with an electrolyte solution. In the model it is assumed that the charge densities of both the protein and the stationary phase are constant during the adsorption process. However, as the protein comes close to the oppositely charged stationary phase surface, the protein net charge will change due to the electrical field from the stationary phase. In this paper, the theory for charge regulation is applied to the original slab model, and simple algebraic equations are developed in order to include the effect of charge regulation on the capacity factor. A large body of retention data are reanalyzed with the new model, and it is found that there is good agreement between the chromatographically and titrimetrically obtained protein net charge. An interesting consequence of charge regulation is that it gives a contribution to the retention of proteins with zero net charge and even to proteins with the same sign of charge as the stationary phase.     

汽轮发电机进相能力分析及试验验证

发电机进相运行是发电机在保持正常有功输出的情况下调节励磁,使发电机欠励磁运行,并从系统中吸收无功的一种运行方式,其进相深度一般受发电机静态稳定极限、定子端部构件发热等因素制约。在对发电机进相运行特征、功角变化及进相运行限制因素分析的基础上,以某火电厂600 MW发电机组为例,分析并记录发电机功角、定子电压、厂用电压等电气量及发电机端部温升在进相试验中的实时数据和变化情况,验证了发电机进相运行深度及其限制因素,检验了自动励磁调节器在进相运行中的调节性能及稳定性,为发电机组后续进相运行实践提供数据支撑,提出的改善策略可有效提升机组进相运行能力。     

Tools and techniques for enabling sustainability through lean initiatives

There has been a paradigm shift in the manufacturing systems. Lean manufacturing is a manufacturing system that is focused on the elimination of wastes thereby facilitating process streamlining and waste reduction. In the recent days, the need for environmental consciousness is very much realized. The environmental waste is regarded as the ninth waste. This article focuses on the exploration of various issues of sustainability using lean initiatives. Also, some of the strategies/techniques that would enable the achievement of sustainability objectives using lean initiatives are presented.     

相变蓄冷技术在生鲜产品冷链中的研究进展

目的 分析相变蓄冷材料的研究现状,以及在生鲜产品冷链运输领域中的应用进展,为相变蓄冷技术在生鲜产品冷链上的应用及发展提供参考。方法 阐述相变蓄冷技术的基本原理,及各种相变蓄冷材料性能的调控方法,总结近年相变蓄冷技术在生鲜冷链运输中的研究方向。结论 相变蓄冷箱是未来的研究重点,相变蓄冷技术在中短途冷链运输领域中应用广泛。为满足我国绿色化、节能化、标准化的冷链进程需求,相变蓄冷技术还需向更深入、更广泛的方向发展。     

Simulation study of the dynamic performance of a MRC plant with refrigerant charged or leaked

The running condition of a MRC plant is affected by the charge or leakage of the refrigerant. It is significant for the design and operation of the plant. A new model which is established based on the process simulation, mass conservation and characteristics of the system was employed to study the dynamic performance in these cases. The results show that the light composition mainly affects the pressure and the heavy composition affects the liquid level of vessel more obviously. This is due to the fact that the light composition mainly stays in the vapor phase and the heavies stay in the liquid phase mostly. The case when leakages occur at different location was also studied. The results can provide useful information for the adjustment of mixture refrigerant and operation of a MRC plant.     

Process safety management in the pipeline industry: parallels and differences between the pipeline integrity management (IMP) rule of the Office of Pipeline Safety and the PSM/RMP approach for process facilities

In 2001, the Federal Office of Pipeline Safety promulgated its pipeline integrity management rule for hazardous liquid pipelines. A notice of proposed rule making for a similar rule for gas pipelines was issued in January 2003. A final rule must be in place by the end of 2003. These rules derive from formal risk management initiatives of both the pipeline industry and the regulators beginning in the early to mid-1990s. The initiatives and resulting rules built on many of the process safety and risk management concepts and frameworks of the process industries, as modified for pipelines. Looking closely at the parallels and the differences is an interesting study of how the technical, public and industry-specific requirements affect the types of regulations, supporting management system frameworks and the technical activities for improving hazardous materials process safety. This paper is based on the experience of the author in project work with federal and state regulators and with industry groups and companies, in both the process and pipeline industries over the last 17 years. It provides insights into various alternative pathways for communicating process safety concepts and improving process safety as the concepts are translated into specific company and even individual employee actions. It specifically highlights how the commonalities and differences in the types and configurations of physical assets and operating practices of the pipeline companies and process facilities affect respective cultures, language and actions for process safety management.     

A hierarchical fuzzy TOPSIS approach to assess improvement areas when implementing green supply chain initiatives

Implementing green supply chain management (GSCM) initiatives can generate more business opportunities for firms. It also requires changes in firms’ operational capabilities and resources that may have an adverse effect on firms’ operations performance. In order to achieve sustainable economic and environmental performance, it is essential for companies to evaluate different green initiatives and assess improvement areas when implementing green initiatives. This study proposes a fuzzy hierarchical TOPSIS approach to support such an assessment. It enables decision makers to better understand the complete evaluation process and provide a more accurate, effective and systematic decision support tool. An illustrative case is presented to help researchers and practitioners understand the importance of developing an appropriate organisation strategy in implementing green practices.     

Decision analysis of multi-pollutant control strategy for coal-fired power plant in Malaysia

The promulgation of Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulations 2014 on emissions from coal-fired power plants in Malaysia has prompted power plant operators to adopt emission control strategy that complies with the new emission limits. Currently, various emission control strategies are available to achieve the desired emission level. Each strategy offers unique advantages and disadvantages, depending on the objective of emissions control, process nature, and constraints on the resources incurred. To address this challenge, a proper decision-making analysis needs to be performed. In this paper, a systematic decision analysis methodology is proposed to select the most effective multi-pollutant control strategy that is compatible for coal-fired power plants in Malaysia. The methodology includes: (1) identification of pollutant emission from the plant under study and comparison with the stipulated emission limits, (2) establishment of emission factors, (3) selection of multi-pollutant control strategy, (4) identification of emission reduction factor for the pollutants and control technologies of interest, (5) determination of emission level from the selected multi-pollutant control strategy, and (6) prediction of ground-level concentration of pollutants. The decision analysis methodology is applied to a real case study of coal-fired power plant in Malaysia, which also currently faces a dilemma to comply with the additional and more stringent emission limits stipulated in the Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulations 2014. The proposed method is applicable for both the process concept under the design phase as well as the existing process plant.     

Integrating ABM/TOC approaches for performance improvement: A framework and application

During the last 20 years, new philosophies such as the Theory of Constraints (TOC) and Activity-Based Management (ABM) have emerged as viable, distinct alternatives for measuring and improving the performance of world-class manufacturing companies. In the early phase of their evolution, these philosophies differed fundamentally in their approaches; but there is increasing evidence that both philosophies have now evolved to a stage where an integrated framework can be developed for enhancing cross-functional coordination, thereby improving organizational performance. In this paper, a general framework is presented that integrates the basic concepts, as well as recent advances of TOC and ABM philosophies, into a cohesive framework that can be used to guide performance improvement initiatives . A successful implementation in a world-class manufacturing company is described to validate the framework and to demonstrate that these philosophies can indeed work together in positive ways. Insights are provided into the reasons for implementing such an integrative framework, e.g. identifying the most profitable mix of products, allocating scarce resources optimally, establishing priorities for process improvements, analysing the strategic investment (or expansion) alternatives, and exploiting new market segments.     

Role of current profiles and atomic force microscope tips on local electric crystallization of amorphous silicon

Various types of conductive tips in atomic force microscope (AFM) are used to localize field-enhanced metal-induced solid phase crystallization (FE-MISPC) of amorphous silicon at room temperature down to nanoscale dimensions. The process is driven by electrical currents ranging from 0.1 nA to 3 nA between the tip and the bottom nickel electrode. The amplitude of the current is controlled by a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor-based regulation circuit using proportional and derivative feedback loops. We analyze the results of the FE-MISPC process as a function of exposition current profiles, topographic changes, local conductivity changes (using current-sensing AFM) and regulation parameters. We found out that the FE-MISPC crystallization requires fluctuations of the exposition current rather than its stability. This is independent of the actual current set-point level. We also show the influence of the process on the AFM probes employed and vice versa. Bulk diamond probes exhibit superior endurance compared to bare or coated silicon probes, nevertheless all tips produce similar FE-MISPC results.     

State Primary Standard of Temperature Unit in the Range 0–3200°C GET 34-2020: Practical Implementation of the New Definition of Kelvin

Measurement Techniques - We consider the necessity and means of modernizing the State primary standard GET 34-2007 of the unit of temperature in the range of 0–3000°С. The problem...     

Biotechnology and the lawmakers

The author reviews the origins of the public policy debate concerning recombinant DNA technology and Congressional consideration of legislation to regulate recombinant DNA research. He notes especially his successful attempts to urge delay in passing legislation until there was complete evaluation of data — studies that ultimately resulted in noting that potential hazards were not as great as originally conceived. The author comments that strict regulation of recombinant DNA research, as proposed by some legislators, would have inhibited many of the great benefits that society is now receiving from this research. The author then raises a number of questions concerning government regulation and funding priorities on scientific and technological innovation, as well as government practices regarding basic and applied research in industrial and academic laboratories. A major concern of his is the government's ability to assess and manage risk. The author reviews one legislative proposal, which would have established risk analysis demonstration projects, and outlines a number of legislative initiatives that could impact the biotechnology industry and university-based research. He concludes by discussing opportunities for industrial applications of this technology and possible roles for Congress.     

Optimizing OEE,productivity and production cost for improving sales volume in an automobile industry through TPM: a case study

The aim of this paper is to investigate how increase in sales volume has evolved by improving overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) of machines, plant productivity and production cost through total productive maintenance (TPM) initiatives in a reputed tractors manufacturing industry in India. In the present scenario of global competitive market, the manufacturing industry needs to improve their operational performance for surviving and prospering. TPM is practised by industry as a business tool for rapid and continuous improvement in its manufacturing capabilities. OEE offers a powerful control tool to overcome production deficiencies and operational performance constrains. Productivity and manufacturing cost are also crucial operational measures to analyse the manufacturing performance. In this study, evaluation and analysis of the methodology adopted for improving sales volume through TPM initiatives was carried out using an interactive research approach. The industrial example on the application of OEE tool demonstrates that it has a remarkable potential to enhance the equipment effectiveness. The empirical findings of the study reveal that augmented OEE and productivity, and reduced production cost resulted to double the sales revenue and triple the profit within a period of three years. The industry also achieved notably tangible and intangible benefits with the TPM implementation.     

A methodology for fault diagnosis in large chemical processes and an application to a multistage flash desalination process: Part II

In Part I, an efficient method for identifying faults in large processes was presented. The whole plant is divided into sectors by using structural, functional, or causal decomposition. A signed directed graph (SDG) is the model used for each sector. The SDG represents interactions among process variables. This qualitative model is used to carry out qualitative simulation for all possible faults. The output of this step is information about the process behaviour. This information is used to build rules. When a symptom is detected in one sector, its rules are evaluated using on-line data and fuzzy logic to yield the diagnosis. In this paper the proposed methodology is applied to a multiple stage flash (MSF) desalination process. This process is composed of sequential flash chambers. It was designed for a pilot plant that produces drinkable water for a community in Argentina; that is, it is a real case. Due to the large number of variables, recycles, phase changes, etc., this process is a good challenge for the proposed diagnosis method.     

团体标准分裂性的私有元治理机理研究

本文通过分析团体标准分裂性的原因,指出运用私有元治理协调团体标准的必要性,并分析了团体标准私有元治理的内涵、特征与运作方式,然后,通过对国家有机农业运动联盟的案例研究发现,私有元治理是解决团体标准分裂问题的有效方式,有助于推动团体标准发展,凝聚标准管制力量.