Earliness–tardiness minimization on scheduling a batch processing machine with non-identical job sizes

This paper considers the scheduling problem of minimizing earliness–tardiness (E/T) on a single batch processing machine with a common due date. The problem is extended to the environment of non-identical job sizes. First, a mathematical model is formulated, which is tested effectively under IBM ILOG CPLEX using the constraint programming solver. Then several optimal properties are given to schedule batches effectively, and by introducing the concept of ARB (Attribute Ratio of Batch), it is proven that the ARB of each batch should be made as small as possible in order to minimize the objective, designed as the heuristic information for assigning jobs into batches. Based on these properties, a heuristic algorithm MARB (Minimum Attribute Ratio of Batch) for batch forming is proposed, and a hybrid genetic algorithm is developed for the problem under study by combining GA (genetic algorithm) with MARB. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms other algorithms in the literature, both for small and large problem instances.     

烟道流量计量标准装置

为了解决我国烟道流量计的量值溯源问题,中国计量科学研究院建立了烟道流量计量标准装置。装置使用可溯源至标准转盘的激光多普勒测速仪作为原级标准器,采用激光多普勒流速剖面扫描和超声流量计波动修正的方式测量标准流量,经校准的8声道超声流量计为工作级标准表,具备了908~104840m3/h的测量能力,扩展不确定度为0.62%(k=2),可对最大口径为1m的流量计进行校准。装置下游测试段包括圆形管段和矩形管段,能够开展烟道流量计测量性能的研究。     

Restructuring bank networks after mergers and acquisitions: A capacitated delocation model for closing and resizing branches

During restructuring processes, due to mergers and acquisitions, banks frequently face the problem of having redundant branches competing in the same market. In this work, we introduce a new Capacitated Branch Restructuring Model which extends the available literature in delocation models. It considers both closing down and long term operations׳ costs, and addresses the problem of resizing open branches in order to maintain a constant service level. We consider, as well, the presence of competitors and allow for ceding market share whenever the restructuring costs are prohibitively expensive.We test our model in a real life scenario, obtaining a reduction of about 40% of the network size, and annual savings over 45% in operation costs from the second year on. We finally perform a sensitivity analysis on critical parameters. This analysis shows that the final design of the network depends on certain strategic decisions concerning the redundancy of the branches, as well as their proximity to the demand nodes and to the competitor׳s branches. At the same time, this design is quite robust to changes in the parameters associated with the adjustments on service capacity and with the market reaction.     

Potential for rice straw ethanol production in the Mekong Delta,Vietnam

This study is to evaluate the potential for development of a cellulosic ethanol facility in Vietnam. Rice straw is abundant in Vietnam and highly concentrated in the Mekong Delta, where about 26 Mt year⁻¹ of rice straw has been yearly produced. To minimize the overall production cost (PC) of ethanol from rice straw, it is crucial to choose the optimal facility size. The delivered cost of rice straw varied from 20.5 to 65.4 $ dry t⁻¹ depending on transportation distance. The Mekong Delta has much lower rice straw prices compared with other regions in Vietnam because of high density and quantity of rice straw supply. Thus, this region has been considered as the most suitable location for deploying ethanol production in Vietnam. The optimal plant size of ethanol production in the region was estimated up to 200 ML year⁻¹. The improvement in solid concentration of material in the hydrothermal pre-treatment step and using residues for power generation could substantially reduce the PC in Vietnam, where energy costs account for the second largest contribution to the PC, following only enzyme costs. The potential for building larger ethanol plants with low rice straw costs can reduce ethanol production costs in Vietnam. The current estimated production cost for an optimal plant size of 200 ML year⁻¹ was 1.19 $ L⁻¹. For the future scenario, considering improvements in pre-treatment, enzyme hydrolysis steps, specific enzyme activity, and applying residues for energy generation, the ethanol production cost could reduce to 0.45 $ L⁻¹ for a plant size of 200 ML year⁻¹ in Vietnam. These data indicated that the cost-competitiveness of ethanol production could be realized in Vietnam with future improvements in production technologies.     

石油化工可燃气体或蒸气排放系统的消防安全设计

石油化工生产装置大多是通过火炬燃烧排放易燃易爆气体或通过放空管将易爆气体直接排入大气中。文章分析了火炬系统和放空管的火灾危险因素,并从火炬的布置、高度、排放能力、自动监控装置以及放空管的气体排放浓度、安装位置、安全装置等方面,重点论述了火炬系统和放空管的消防安全设计要点。     

浅论国内大中型磷铵装置技术改造路线的选择

简述国内磷酸二铵的建设情况及不同的生产工艺、原有磷酸二铵装置改造选用的工艺及生产情况 ,重点介绍 Incro工艺在云南红河州磷肥厂年产 12万吨磷铵装置中的改造情况 ,经过比较认为原采用预中和槽流程磷酸二铵装置增产改造时选用 Incro工艺比较合适     

An Adaptive Recipe Implementation in Case‐Based Formalism for Abnormal Condition Management

This paper deals with accurate recipe implementation for abnormal condition management in a batch process using a case‐based reasoning (CBR) approach. A set of new problems can be solved by reusing proven process solutions. The proposed system integrates quantitative and qualitative parameters for adaptation of cases. A novel methodology to generate accurate recipes and to adapt to the processes is introduced during normal and abnormal conditions. In particular, the differences between current conditions and the references (recipes) should be managed to prevent any hazardous conditions arising. The processes are evaluated using their similarity to the past cases. This intelligent approach distinguishes plausible cases, generates accurate recipes, and adapts to new situations. The aim is to use the offline historical process data and safety related information in order to propose changes and adjustments in the processes.     

Facility layout problems: A survey

Layout problems are found in several types of manufacturing systems. Typically, layout problems are related to the location of facilities (e.g., machines, departments) in a plant. They are known to greatly impact the system performance. Most of these problems are NP hard. Numerous research works related to facility layout have been published. A few literature reviews exist, but they are not recent or are restricted to certain specific aspects of these problems. The literature analysis given here is recent and not restricted to specific considerations about layout design.

We suggest a general framework to analyze the literature and present existing works using such criteria as: the manufacturing system features, static/dynamic considerations, continual/discrete representation, problem formulation, and resolution approach. Several research directions are pointed out and discussed in our conclusion.     

Makespan estimation and order acceptance in batch process industries when processing times are uncertain

Batch process industries are characterized by complex precedence relationships between operations, which renders the estimation of an acceptable workload very difficult. A detailed schedule based model can be used for this purpose, but for large problems this may require a prohibitive large amount of computation time. We propose a regression based model to estimate the makespan of a set of jobs. We extend earlier work based on deterministic processing times by considering Erlang-distributed processing times in our model. This regression-based model is used to support customer order acceptance. Three order acceptance policies are compared by means of simulation experiments: a scheduling policy, a workload policy and a regression policy. The results indicate that the performance of the regression policy can compete with the performance of the scheduling policy in situations with high variety in the job mix and high uncertainty in the processing times. Correspondence to: C.V. Ivanescu     

三种新型流量计在醋酸装置中的应用

阐述了阿牛巴、超声波、电磁等3种流量计的性能特点、选用原则和安装要点。重点分析了低压甲醇羰基化生产醋酸装置中的各种介质的特点如强腐蚀性、两相流、低电导率等,根据不同介质的特点和工艺要求选用不同类型的流量计,并且总结了这些流量计替代原有孔板、涡街、涡轮流量计的实际使用情况以及经验教训。