Title: Application of fuzzy methodology to build process reliability: a practical case

Authors: Rajiv Kumar Sharma, Dinesh Kumar, Pradeep Kumar

Addresses: Mechanical Engineering Department, National Institute of Technology (NIT), Hamirpur-177005, H.P., India. ' Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, Roorkee-247667, India. ' Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, Roorkee-247667, India

Abstract: This paper aims to present an integrated framework based on fuzzy methodology to build and improve reliability aspects in the system. In the quantitative framework, various reliability parameters helpful in managerial decision-making such as repair time, failure rate, mean time between failures, availability and expected number of failures were computed to quantify the system behaviour in objective terms. In the qualitative framework, a risk ranking approach based on a fuzzy decision-making system is discussed which not only addresses the limitations associated with the traditional procedure of conducting failure mode and effect analysis but also integrates uncertain, imprecise and subjective information obtained from reliability databases and subjective assessments of experts in a more consistent and logical manner. A case from the process industry is undertaken to discuss the proposed methodologies.

Keywords: fuzzy sets; failure; system behaviour; risk ranking; process reliability; process industry; repair time; failure rate; mean time between failures; MTBF; fuzzy decision making.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPD.2008.016374

International Journal of Product Development, 2008 Vol.5 No.1/2, pp.125 - 152

Published online: 22 Dec 2007 *

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