The maintenance of equipment has been an important issue for companies for many years. For systems with hidden or unrevealed failures (i.e., failures are not self-announcing), a common practice is to regularly inspect the system looking for such failures. Examples of these systems include protective devices, emergency devices, standby units, underwater devices etc. If no periodical inspection is scheduled, and a hidden failure has already occurred, severe consequences may result. Research on periodical inspection seeks to establish the optimal inspection interval (Failure Finding Interval) of systems to maximize availability and/or minimize expected cost. Research also focuses on important system parameters such as unavailability. Most research in this area considers non-negligible downtime due to repair/replacement but ignores the downtime caused by inspections. In many situations, however, inspection time is non-negligible. We address this gap by proposing an optimal failure finding interval (FFI) considering both non-negligible inspection time and repair/replacement time. A novel feature of this work is the development of models for both age-based and calendar-based inspection policies with random/constant inspection time and random/constant repair/replacement time. More specifically, we first study instantaneous availability for constant inspection and repair/replacement times. We start with the assumption of renewal of the system at each inspection. We then consider models with the assumption of renewal only after failure. We also develop limiting average availability models for random inspection and repair/replacement times, considering both age-based and calendar-based inspection policies. We optimize these availability models to obtain an optimal FFI in order to maximize the system’s availability. Finally, we develop several cost models for both age-based and calendar-based inspection policies with random inspection time and repair/replacement time. We formulate the model for constant inspection time and repair/replacement time as a special case. We investigate the optimization of cost models for each case to obtain optimal FFI in order to minimize the expected cost. The numerical examples and case study presented in the dissertation demonstrate the importance of considering non-negligible downtime due to inspection.

The maintenance of equipment has been an important issue for companies for many years. For systems with hidden or unrevealed failures (i.e., failures are not self-announcing), a common practice is to regularly inspect the system looking for such failures. Examples of these systems include protective devices, emergency devices, standby units, underwater devices etc. If no periodical inspection is scheduled, and a hidden failure has already occurred, severe consequences may result. Research on periodical inspection seeks to establish the optimal inspection interval (Failure Finding Interval) of systems to maximize availability and/or minimize expected cost. Research also focuses on important system parameters such as unavailability. Most research in this area considers non-negligible downtime due to repair/replacement but ignores the downtime caused by inspections. In many situations, however, inspection time is non-negligible. We address this gap by proposing an optimal failure finding interval (FFI) considering both non-negligible inspection time and repair/replacement time. A novel feature of this work is the development of models for both age-based and calendar-based inspection policies with random/constant inspection time and random/constant repair/replacement time. More specifically, we first study instantaneous availability for constant inspection and repair/replacement times. We start with the assumption of renewal of the system at each inspection. We then consider models with the assumption of renewal only after failure. We also develop limiting average availability models for random inspection and repair/replacement times, considering both age-based and calendar-based inspection policies. We optimize these availability models to obtain an optimal FFI in order to maximize the system’s availability. Finally, we develop several cost models for both age-based and calendar-based inspection policies with random inspection time and repair/replacement time. We formulate the model for constant inspection time and repair/replacement time as a special case. We investigate the optimization of cost models for each case to obtain optimal FFI in order to minimize the expected cost. The numerical examples and case study presented in the dissertation demonstrate the importance of considering non-negligible downtime due to inspection.

For decades, reliability engineering techniques have been successfully applied in many industries to improve the performance of equipment maintenance management. Numerous inspection and optimization models are developed and widely used to achieve maintenance excellence, i.e. the balance of performance, risk, resources and cost to reach to an optimal solution. However, the application of all these techniques and models to medical devices is new. Hospitals, due to possessing a large number of difference devices, can benefit significantly if the optimization techniques are used properly in the equipment management processes. Most research in the area of reliability engineering for medical equipment mainly considers the devices in their design or manufacturing stage and suggests some techniques to improve the reliability. To this point, best maintenance strategies for medical equipment in their operating context have not been considered. We aim to address this gap and propose methods to improve current maintenance strategies in the healthcare industry. More specifically, we first identify or propose the criteria which are important to assess the criticality of medical devices, and propose a model for the prioritization of medical equipment for maintenance decisions. The model is a novel application of multi-criteria decision making methodology to prioritize medical devices in a hospital according to their criticality. The devices with high level of criticality should be included in the hospital’s maintenance management program. Then, we propose a method to statistically analyze maintenance data for complex medical devices with censoring and missing information. We present a classification of failure types and establish policies for analyzing data at different levels of the device. Moreover, a new method for trend analysis of censored failure data is proposed. A novel feature of this work is that it considers dependent failure histories which are censored by inspection intervals. Trend analysis of this type of data has not been discussed in the literature. Finally, we introduce some assumptions based on the results of the analysis, and develop several new models to find the optimal inspection interval for a system subject to hard and soft failures. Hard failures are instantaneously revealed and fixed. Soft failures are only rectified at inspections. They do not halt the system, although they reduce its performance or productivity. The models are constructed for two main cases with the assumption of periodic inspections, and periodic and opportunistic inspections, respectively. All numerical examples and case studies presented in the dissertation are adapted from the maintenance data received from a Canadian hospital.

For decades, reliability engineering techniques have been successfully applied in many industries to improve the performance of equipment maintenance management. Numerous inspection and optimization models are developed and widely used to achieve maintenance excellence, i.e. the balance of performance, risk, resources and cost to reach to an optimal solution. However, the application of all these techniques and models to medical devices is new. Hospitals, due to possessing a large number of difference devices, can benefit significantly if the optimization techniques are used properly in the equipment management processes. Most research in the area of reliability engineering for medical equipment mainly considers the devices in their design or manufacturing stage and suggests some techniques to improve the reliability. To this point, best maintenance strategies for medical equipment in their operating context have not been considered. We aim to address this gap and propose methods to improve current maintenance strategies in the healthcare industry. More specifically, we first identify or propose the criteria which are important to assess the criticality of medical devices, and propose a model for the prioritization of medical equipment for maintenance decisions. The model is a novel application of multi-criteria decision making methodology to prioritize medical devices in a hospital according to their criticality. The devices with high level of criticality should be included in the hospital’s maintenance management program. Then, we propose a method to statistically analyze maintenance data for complex medical devices with censoring and missing information. We present a classification of failure types and establish policies for analyzing data at different levels of the device. Moreover, a new method for trend analysis of censored failure data is proposed. A novel feature of this work is that it considers dependent failure histories which are censored by inspection intervals. Trend analysis of this type of data has not been discussed in the literature. Finally, we introduce some assumptions based on the results of the analysis, and develop several new models to find the optimal inspection interval for a system subject to hard and soft failures. Hard failures are instantaneously revealed and fixed. Soft failures are only rectified at inspections. They do not halt the system, although they reduce its performance or productivity. The models are constructed for two main cases with the assumption of periodic inspections, and periodic and opportunistic inspections, respectively. All numerical examples and case studies presented in the dissertation are adapted from the maintenance data received from a Canadian hospital.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:31:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-08-14Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:42:04Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 siqueira_jl_dr_botfca.pdf: 1502700 bytes, checksum: 1d3a462ce07320745538f36861327089 (MD5) / Os objetivos deste trabalho foram analisar os erros dos métodos usuais de calibração dos pulverizadores e quantificar o impacto econômico de problemas detectados na inspeção periódica de pulverizadores nas principais regiões produtoras de grãos no Brasil. A base do trabalho envolveu uma coleta de dados nos moldes do projeto IPP (Inspeção Periódica de Pulverizadores), englobando estudos dos equipamentos de pulverização de propriedades rurais nos Estados do Paraná (PR), Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) e Mato Grosso (MT). De posse da base de dados foram desenvolvidos modelos de simulação para avaliação dos métodos de calibração, estimativa de erros e dos prejuízos causados pelos mesmos. Os resultados mostraram que todas as máquinas apresentaram falhas de manutenção e calibração, com destaques para problemas no estado e conservação das pontas de pulverização. No MT 82,4% das pontas de pulverização encontravam-se inadequadas para o uso, seguido de PR com 72,5%, MS com 62,5% e RS 59,3%. Os erros na taxa de aplicação foram significativos, com valores de 70,6% para o PR, 60,2% para o RS, 37,5% para o MS e 61,8% para o MT. No que se refere ao método de calibração, o módulo dos erros médios de leitura do copo calibrador variaram de 1,8% (RS) a 2,7% (PR), enquanto o módulo dos erros médios de calibração do sensor de fluxo dos computadores variou de 5,3% (RS) a 8,8% (MT). A maior freqüência de prejuízos devido a erros de calibração da taxa de aplicação ficou na faixa de R$ 4.000,00 por ano por pulverizador. Entretanto, os fatores ligados a calibração geraram perdas maiores que R$ 10.000,00 por pulverizador por ano em alguns casos. Os problemas de manutenção também causam prejuízos, com grande freqüência de valores até R$ 4.000,00 por ano por pulverizador. De acordo com os resultados obtidos nas coletas de dados e nas simulações... / The aim of this study was to analyze errors on the sprayer calibration process and to quantify the economic impact of problems detected on periodic inspection of crop sprayers on the main soybean production regions in Brazil. This work was based on the IPP Project (Periodic Inspection of Sprayers) with focus on sprayers used on the States of Paraná (PR), Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) e Mato Grosso (MT). After the data collection process, some models were developed in order to analyze the calibration methods and the economic losses related to it. The results showed that all the sprayers presented failures, with emphasis on nozzle problems (82.4% on MT, 72.5% on PR, 62.5% on MS and 59.3% on RS). The frequency of errors on spray volume calibration were 70.6% on PR, 60.2% on RS, 37.5% on MS and 61,8% on MT. On the calibration process, the absolute mean errors on using the measuring cylinder range were 1.8% (RS) to 2.7% (PR), while the absolute mean errors for the calibration of the flow sensor range were 5.3% (RS) to 8,8% (MT). The higher frequency of economic losses related to the calibration process was within R$ 4,000.00 per year per sprayer. However, this value was found higher that R$ 10,000.00 per year per sprayer in some cases. Problems related to maintenance caused losses frequently up to R$ 4,000.00 per year per sprayer. Based on the data collected and the simulation using the models it was concluded that the calibration process based on the measuring cylinder present errors both related to the visual use of it the and the variability of nozzle flow along the boom. The calibration of the sprayers with electronic control showed errors above to those found on the measuring cylinder calibration process and this may be due to a chain of errors that should be further studied. As a general view the calibration process based on the measuring cylinder shower errors that... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Orientador: Ulisses Rocha Antuniassi / Banca: Paulo Roberto Arbex Silva / Banca: Kléber Pereira Lanças / Banca: Marco Antonio Gandolfo / Banca: Otavio Jorge Grigoli Abi Saab / Resumo: Os objetivos deste trabalho foram analisar os erros dos métodos usuais de calibração dos pulverizadores e quantificar o impacto econômico de problemas detectados na inspeção periódica de pulverizadores nas principais regiões produtoras de grãos no Brasil. A base do trabalho envolveu uma coleta de dados nos moldes do projeto IPP (Inspeção Periódica de Pulverizadores), englobando estudos dos equipamentos de pulverização de propriedades rurais nos Estados do Paraná (PR), Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) e Mato Grosso (MT). De posse da base de dados foram desenvolvidos modelos de simulação para avaliação dos métodos de calibração, estimativa de erros e dos prejuízos causados pelos mesmos. Os resultados mostraram que todas as máquinas apresentaram falhas de manutenção e calibração, com destaques para problemas no estado e conservação das pontas de pulverização. No MT 82,4% das pontas de pulverização encontravam-se inadequadas para o uso, seguido de PR com 72,5%, MS com 62,5% e RS 59,3%. Os erros na taxa de aplicação foram significativos, com valores de 70,6% para o PR, 60,2% para o RS, 37,5% para o MS e 61,8% para o MT. No que se refere ao método de calibração, o módulo dos erros médios de leitura do copo calibrador variaram de 1,8% (RS) a 2,7% (PR), enquanto o módulo dos erros médios de calibração do sensor de fluxo dos computadores variou de 5,3% (RS) a 8,8% (MT). A maior freqüência de prejuízos devido a erros de calibração da taxa de aplicação ficou na faixa de R$ 4.000,00 por ano por pulverizador. Entretanto, os fatores ligados a calibração geraram perdas maiores que R$ 10.000,00 por pulverizador por ano em alguns casos. Os problemas de manutenção também causam prejuízos, com grande freqüência de valores até R$ 4.000,00 por ano por pulverizador. De acordo com os resultados obtidos nas coletas de dados e nas simulações... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze errors on the sprayer calibration process and to quantify the economic impact of problems detected on periodic inspection of crop sprayers on the main soybean production regions in Brazil. This work was based on the IPP Project (Periodic Inspection of Sprayers) with focus on sprayers used on the States of Paraná (PR), Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Mato Grosso do Sul (MS) e Mato Grosso (MT). After the data collection process, some models were developed in order to analyze the calibration methods and the economic losses related to it. The results showed that all the sprayers presented failures, with emphasis on nozzle problems (82.4% on MT, 72.5% on PR, 62.5% on MS and 59.3% on RS). The frequency of errors on spray volume calibration were 70.6% on PR, 60.2% on RS, 37.5% on MS and 61,8% on MT. On the calibration process, the absolute mean errors on using the measuring cylinder range were 1.8% (RS) to 2.7% (PR), while the absolute mean errors for the calibration of the flow sensor range were 5.3% (RS) to 8,8% (MT). The higher frequency of economic losses related to the calibration process was within R$ 4,000.00 per year per sprayer. However, this value was found higher that R$ 10,000.00 per year per sprayer in some cases. Problems related to maintenance caused losses frequently up to R$ 4,000.00 per year per sprayer. Based on the data collected and the simulation using the models it was concluded that the calibration process based on the measuring cylinder present errors both related to the visual use of it the and the variability of nozzle flow along the boom. The calibration of the sprayers with electronic control showed errors above to those found on the measuring cylinder calibration process and this may be due to a chain of errors that should be further studied. As a general view the calibration process based on the measuring cylinder shower errors that... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The primary sector development by the expansion of cultivation areas and the increase in the productive indices promoted the increase of pesticide uses. That reflect in problems related to application inefficiency, making a important point to be studied mainly related to spray precision. Taking account the necessity in reduced the environmental contamination and increase the pesticides application quality, this work aimed conduct a project for agricultural sprayers inspection based on the norm ISO 16122 in the first time in Brazil. For this, a team of Laboratório de Agrotecnologia da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria moved in nine towns in central and west frontier of Rio Grande do Sul state. Sprayers coupled to the traction bars of tractors and to hydraulic system of three points, totaling 56 sprayers were evaluated using the ISO 16122 standard any its parts. Based on the obtained results, was possible observed that the state of use and conservation of agricultural sprayers inspected were considered serious because 67.85% were discontent with the used methodology, 26.79% showed partial compliance and only 5.35% were classified in accordance with the used metodology. The most serious problems were related to the operator security and environmental contamination that showed 41.07% of sprayers without the cardan shaft and 33.93% of sprayers did not have belts and pulleys. In addition, 46.43% of the sprayers evaluated showed static leaks, 87.50% showed dynamic leaks. Even in 71.43% did not have clean water tank to washing rigid packaging. Considering the most common problems related to application activity, was verified that in 64.29% the pressure gauge accuracy was considered grave and in 73.21% the distribution of the spray bar was considered grave too. This is related mainly to the high nozzle spacing error and due the spray nozzle wear that affect the equipment application volume in 76.79%. Besides the mentioned items, was also observed that 69.64% of inspection sprayers the PTO rotation was lower than recommended. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is a need for agricultural sprayer inspections to become mandatory in Brazil. / O desenvolvimento do setor primário, por meio da expansão das áreas de cultivo e o aumento dos índices produtivos, aumentaram a demanda do uso de agrotóxicos. Isso reflete em problemas relacionados à ineficiência das aplicações, tornando-se um ponto importante a ser estudado, principalmente, ao que se refere à precisão das pulverizações. Tendo em vista a necessidade de reduzir a contaminação ambiental e elevar a eficiência e qualidade das aplicações de agrotóxicos, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo a avaliação de pulverizadores agrícolas por meio da inspeção técnica, baseada na norma ISO 16122 de forma inédita no Brasil. Para isto, uma equipe do Laboratório de Agrotecnologia da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria deslocou-se por nove municípios do estado do Rio Grande do Sul contemplando as regiões, Central e Fronteira Oeste. Foram inspecionados pulverizadores acoplados ao sistema hidráulico de três pontos e à barra de tração de tratores agrícolas, totalizando 56 pulverizadores, os quais foram avaliados utilizando a metodologia descrita na norma ISO 16122 e suas partes. Com base nos resultados obtidos, foi possível observar que o estado de uso e conservação dos pulverizadores agrícolas inspecionados é considerado grave, pois 67,85% dos casos apresentaram-se desconformes, 26,79% apresentaram conformidade parcial e somente 5,35% foram classificados como conformes à metodologia utilizada. Os problemas mais graves encontrados estão relacionados, principalmente, à segurança do operador e à contaminação ambiental, uma vez que 41,07% dos pulverizadores não apresentaram a proteção da árvore cardânica e 33,93% não possuíam a proteção de correias e polias. Além disso, em 46,43% das amostras houve a presença de vazamentos estáticos e 87,50% apresentaram vazamentos dinâmicos. Ainda, em 71,43% dos casos não havia o reservatório de água limpa para lavagem das embalagens rígidas. Considerando os problemas mais frequentes relacionados à atividade de aplicação, pode-se constatar que em 64,29% das avaliações a precisão do manômetro foi considerada grave e, em 73,21% das ocorrências, a distribuição transversal da barra de pulverização também foi considerada grave. Isso está relacionado, principalmente, ao elevado erro de espaçamento entre bicos e ao desgaste das pontas de pulverização, o que afetou o volume de aplicação em 76,79% dos equipamentos. Além dos itens já relacionados, também foi observado que em 69,64% dos pulverizadores inspecionados, a TDP era utilizada com rotação aquém da recomendada. Sendo assim, pode-se concluir que há necessidade de que as inspeções de pulverizadores agrícolas tornem-se obrigatórias no Brasil.