|
|
Article: Buffer location and sizing to optimize cost and quality in semi-continuous manufacturing processes: methodology and application.(Technical report)
- Article from:
- IIE Transactions
- Article date:
- December 1, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2009 Institute of Industrial Engineers, Inc. (IIE). This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
1. Introduction
Many chemical processes are semi-continuous in nature, involving very significant costs related to batching and storage, as well as quality control and yield management. Examples can be found in the intermediate chemical, paper, textile, food processing, rubber and petrochemical industries. Since large capital investments are required to set-up these processes, it is crucial that they produce high volumes of output at the right quality. Firms operate at a lower margin because of competition in these industries and they have to meet tight product specifications because of regulation. In addition, there is significant variation in output at these ...