In a manufacturing industry, mixed model assembly line(MMAL) is preferred in order to meet the variety in product demand. MMAL balancing helps in assembling products with similar characteristics in a random fashion. T...In a manufacturing industry, mixed model assembly line(MMAL) is preferred in order to meet the variety in product demand. MMAL balancing helps in assembling products with similar characteristics in a random fashion. The objective of this work aims in reducing the number of workstations, work load index between stations and within each station. As manual contribution of workers in final assembly line is more, ergonomics is taken as an additional objective function. Ergonomic risk level of a workstation is evaluated using a parameter called accumulated risk posture(ARP), which is calculated using rapid upper limb assessment(RULA) check sheet. This work is based on the case study of an MMAL problem in Rane(Madras) Ltd.(India), in which a problem based genetic algorithm(GA) has been proposed to minimize the mentioned objectives. The working of the genetic operators such as selection, crossover and mutation has been modified with respect to the addressed MMAL problem. The results show that there is a significant impact over productivity and the process time of the final assembled product, i.e., the rate of production is increased by 39.5% and the assembly time for one particular model is reduced to 13 min from existing 18 min. Also, the space required using the proposed assembly line is only 200 m2 against existing 350 m2. Further, the algorithm helps in reducing workers fatigue(i.e., ergonomic friendly).展开更多
Biology is a rich source of great ideas that can inspire us to find successful ways to solve the challenging problems in engineering practices including those in the chemical industry. Bio-inspired chemical engineerin...Biology is a rich source of great ideas that can inspire us to find successful ways to solve the challenging problems in engineering practices including those in the chemical industry. Bio-inspired chemical engineering(Bio Ch E)may be recognized as a significant branch of chemical engineering. It may consist of, but not limited to, the following three aspects: 1) Chemical engineering principles and unit operations in biological systems; 2) Process engineering principles for producing existing or developing new chemical products through living ‘devices';and 3) Chemical engineering processes and equipment that are designed and constructed through mimicking(does not have to reproduce one hundred percent) the biological systems including their physical–chemical and mechanical structures to deliver uniquely beneficial performances. This may also include the bio-inspired sensors for process monitoring. In this paper, the above aspects are defined and discussed which establishes the scope of BioChE.展开更多
A short presentation of chemical engineering evolution,as guided by its paradigms,is exposed.The first paradigm–unit operations–has emerged as a necessity of systematization due to the explosion of chemical industri...A short presentation of chemical engineering evolution,as guided by its paradigms,is exposed.The first paradigm–unit operations–has emerged as a necessity of systematization due to the explosion of chemical industrial applications at the end of 19th century.The birth in the late 1950s of the second paradigm–transport phenomena–was the consequence of the need for a deep,scienti fic knowledge of the phenomena that explain what happens inside of unit operations.In the second part of 20th century,the importance of chemical product properties and qualities has become essentially in the market fights.Accordingly,it was required with additional and even new fundamental approaches,and product engineering was recognized as the third paradigm.Nowadays chemical industry,as a huge materials and energy consumer,and with a strong ecological impact,couldn't remain outside of sustainability requirements.The basics of the fourth paradigm–sustainable chemical engineering–are now formulated.展开更多
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文摘In a manufacturing industry, mixed model assembly line(MMAL) is preferred in order to meet the variety in product demand. MMAL balancing helps in assembling products with similar characteristics in a random fashion. The objective of this work aims in reducing the number of workstations, work load index between stations and within each station. As manual contribution of workers in final assembly line is more, ergonomics is taken as an additional objective function. Ergonomic risk level of a workstation is evaluated using a parameter called accumulated risk posture(ARP), which is calculated using rapid upper limb assessment(RULA) check sheet. This work is based on the case study of an MMAL problem in Rane(Madras) Ltd.(India), in which a problem based genetic algorithm(GA) has been proposed to minimize the mentioned objectives. The working of the genetic operators such as selection, crossover and mutation has been modified with respect to the addressed MMAL problem. The results show that there is a significant impact over productivity and the process time of the final assembled product, i.e., the rate of production is increased by 39.5% and the assembly time for one particular model is reduced to 13 min from existing 18 min. Also, the space required using the proposed assembly line is only 200 m2 against existing 350 m2. Further, the algorithm helps in reducing workers fatigue(i.e., ergonomic friendly).
文摘Biology is a rich source of great ideas that can inspire us to find successful ways to solve the challenging problems in engineering practices including those in the chemical industry. Bio-inspired chemical engineering(Bio Ch E)may be recognized as a significant branch of chemical engineering. It may consist of, but not limited to, the following three aspects: 1) Chemical engineering principles and unit operations in biological systems; 2) Process engineering principles for producing existing or developing new chemical products through living ‘devices';and 3) Chemical engineering processes and equipment that are designed and constructed through mimicking(does not have to reproduce one hundred percent) the biological systems including their physical–chemical and mechanical structures to deliver uniquely beneficial performances. This may also include the bio-inspired sensors for process monitoring. In this paper, the above aspects are defined and discussed which establishes the scope of BioChE.
文摘A short presentation of chemical engineering evolution,as guided by its paradigms,is exposed.The first paradigm–unit operations–has emerged as a necessity of systematization due to the explosion of chemical industrial applications at the end of 19th century.The birth in the late 1950s of the second paradigm–transport phenomena–was the consequence of the need for a deep,scienti fic knowledge of the phenomena that explain what happens inside of unit operations.In the second part of 20th century,the importance of chemical product properties and qualities has become essentially in the market fights.Accordingly,it was required with additional and even new fundamental approaches,and product engineering was recognized as the third paradigm.Nowadays chemical industry,as a huge materials and energy consumer,and with a strong ecological impact,couldn't remain outside of sustainability requirements.The basics of the fourth paradigm–sustainable chemical engineering–are now formulated.