Factory Downtime Minimization through Tracking of Maintenance Information System of Metahara Sugar Factory, Ethiopia
Journal Title: STAR Journal - Year 2014, Vol 3, Issue 3
Abstract
Analysis of factory downtime records of Metahara Sugar Factory for the past twelve consecutive years show that the total number of stops and stop hours of one of the stations (front factory) was more than 300% higher than other stations. The front factory comprises two tandems: tandem A and B. The total downtime records for the first six months of 2013/14 sugar production season for tandem A show that the downtime was mainly due to mechanical failures, lack of canes, preventive maintenance activities, cleanings due to blockages, and electrical failures, which account 64.1, 13.7, 6.8, 5.9 and 3.1 % of the total stop hours respectively. Similarly, the records for tandem B show that 64.2, 11.3, 8.7, 8.4 and 6.2 % of the total downtime were mainly due to mechanical failures, cleanings due to blockages, electrical failures, lack of canes and preventive maintenance activities respectively. Therefore, measures should be taken at the front factory to reduce mechanical failures and blockages in order to sustain the achievements of the factory. The factory sets to maintain factory downtime below 9% and total downtime below 12% but actual figures were higher. Factory downtime record for the first six months of 2013/14 sugar season showed reduction of 75.7%. But the overall achievements were still higher than the set values. In this paper, based on downtime records, it is believed that measures should be taken at the front factory in order to reduce mechanical failures and blockages. Only by considering lost production capability, an increase in annual sugar production capability of 78,705 quintals will be achieve (additional revenue of more than 4 millions USD annually).
Authors and Affiliations
Minale Getachew| Research and Training, Sugar Technology Research Directorate, Ethiopian Sugar Corporation, Post Box No: 15, Ethiopia
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP9697
- DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/star.v3i3.24
- Views 314
- Downloads 17
Effect of Growth Media, Starter N and P Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Tomato under Rainfed Condition in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia
No Abstract
On-farm Phenotypic Characterization of Indigenous Chicken and their Production System in Bench Maji Zone, South Western Ethiopia
Knowledge and understanding of the chicken production system, unique characteristics, opportunities and constraints are important in the design and implementation of indigenous chicken based development programs. The ind...
Fertility Desire and Contraceptive Utilization among People Living With HIV/AIDS on ART in Hosanna Town, Southern Ethiopia
HIV positive individuals may or may not have intention to have children. They could also have different degrees of utilization and demand for contraception. The desire of HIV infected persons to have children in the fu...
Antimicrobial Activity of Selected Corticolous Macrolichens
No Abstract
Knowledge, Perception and Practice of Mothers/Caretakers and Family’s regarding Child Nutrition (under 5 years of age) in Nekemte Town, Ethiopia
The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, perception and practices of mothers/caretakers, families and community regarding child nutrition. A community based descriptive cross-sectional study was employed...