Optimal Designofa Process-Inventory Network Under Infrequent Shutdowns

Abstract

Abstract:The purpose of this study is to find the analytic solution for determining the optimal capacity (lot-size) of a batch-storage network to meet the finished product demand under infrequent shutdowns. Batch processes are bound to experience random but infrequent operating time losses. Two common remedies for these failures are duplicating another process or increasing the process and storage capacity, both of which are very costly in modern manufacturing systems. An optimization model minimizing the total cost composed of setup and inventory holding costs as well as the capital costs of constructing processes and storage units is pursued with the framework of a batch-storage network of which flows are susceptible to infrequent shutdowns. The superstructure of the plant consists of a network of serially and/or parallel interlinked batch processes and storage units. The processes transform a set of feedstock materials into another set of products with constant conversion factors.A novel production and inventory analysis method, the PSW (Periodic Square Wave) model, is applied. The advantage of the PSW model stems from the fact it provides a set of simple analytic solutions in spite of a realistic description of the material flow between processes and storage units. The resulting simple analytic solution can greatly enhance a proper and quick investment decision at the early plant design stagewhen confronted with diverse economic situations.