An investigation into current production challenges facing the Libyan cement industry and the need for innovative Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) strategy

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate maintenance and production problems in the cement industry in Libya with particular emphasis on future implementation of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). Methodology/ Approach - The paper presents the use of case study approach of production data and history, field visits, a survey methodology using a detailed questionnaire with employees and interviews with top and middle managers in four cement factories. Findings - It has been found that the four factories under investigation have low productivity and production levels when compared with the design values. There is no clear TPM strategy and it has been also found that the lack of training and personal development is the main cause of this problem. In addition, employees are found not to be motivated as a result of the lack of poor management strategy and reward structure. Implications - Based on the findings, a new framework for TPM has been developed. This TPM strategy could be implemented in other Libyan factories as a result of the potential similarities in the cultural and environmental aspects. Practical implications - The current challenges have been identified and comparative analysis is developed into a model for the implementation of TPM. Originality/Value of pape r- The paper highlights limitation is the cement factories in Libya in relation to TPM and production strategies. The importance of adopting a realistic strategy and framework by managers is discussed. This work is developed as collaboration between Academia and Libyan Cement industry for solving productivity problems and develop a strategic framework of TPM for improving the Libyan industry

Analytical and comparative study of using a CNC machine spindle motor power and infrared technology for the design of a cutting tool condition monitoring system

This paper outlines a comparative study to compare between using the power of the spindle and the infrared images of the cutting tool to design a condition monitoring system. This paper compares the two technologies for the development of a tool condition monitoring for milling processes. Wavelet analysis is used to process the power signal. Image gradient and Wavelet analyses are used to process the infrared images. The results show that the image gradient and wavelet analysis are powerful image processing techniques in detecting tool wear. The power of the motor of the spindle has shown less sensitivity to tool conditions in this case when compared to infrared thermography

An investigation into international business collaboration in higher education organisations: a case study of international partnerships in four UK leading universities

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to develop a comparative analysis of the main objectives of international institutional partnerships in four UK leading universities. Based on the presented case studies, the paper outlines a model for objectives and implementation of international partnership. Design/methodology/approach - Using a multiple case study approach, the paper employs three sources of data: templates of international partnerships, actual agreements of international partnerships and interviews with senior and very senior managers concerned with internationalisation at the four universities. The analysis includes inter-university comparative analysis and templates-agreements-interviews comparative analysis for each of the four universities separately. Findings - It is found that, for the four universities, the objectives of international partnerships are related to both students and staff with relative importance given to the student dimension. While the student dimension refers to any overseas partnerships where the core topic of the partnership is the student whether it is related to student exchange, collaborative programs, student recruitment, etc.; the staff dimension refers to any overseas partnerships that are more related to the staff topic, such as joint research, collaborative teaching, staff exchange, etc

A comparative study of using spindle motor power and eddy current for the detection of tool conditions in milling processes

This paper investigates the use of the power of the driving motor of a CNC spindle in comparison to two perpendicular eddy current sensors for the detection of tool wear in milling processes. Monitoring the power through the current profile is a low cost system which has been utilised in this study as an attempt to detect the fluctuation in the motor load as a result of the conditions of the cutting tool. Eddy current sensors are dedicated sensors that are installed on the spindle to measure the vibration of the rotating spindle in two axes. Experimental work has been conducted using fresh and worn tools to investigate the effect of tool conditions on the two sensory systems. Time domain features are utilised to compare between the two sensors in relation to this application. The results indicate that Eddy current sensors are found to be more successful and sensitive, in general, than the power of the motor in detecting the changes of the cutting tools during the machining operation. However, the kurtosis value of the power of the spindle has been found to be successful in predicting the tool conditions with high sensitivity

Rapid design of tool-wear condition monitoring systems for turning processes using novelty detection

Condition monitoring systems of manufacturing processes have been recognised in recent years as one of the key technologies that provide the competitive advantage in many manufacturing environments. It is capable of providing an essential means to reduce cost, increase productivity, improve quality and prevent damage to the machine or workpiece. Turning operations are considered one of the most common manufacturing processes in industry. It is used to manufacture different round objects such as shafts, spindles and pins. Despite recent development and intensive engineering research, the development of tool wear monitoring systems in turning is still ongoing challenge. In this paper, force signals are used for monitoring tool-wear in a feature fusion model. A novel approach for the design of condition monitoring systems for turning operations using novelty detection algorithm is presented. The results found prove that the developed system can be used for rapid design of condition monitoring systems for turning operations to predict tool-wear

Detection of water leakage in buried pipes using infrared technology; a comparative study of using high and low resolution infrared cameras for evaluating distant remote detection

Water is one of the most precious commodities around the world. However, significant amount of water is lost daily in many countries through broken and leaking pipes. This paper investigates the use of low and high resolution infrared systems to detect water leakage in relatively dry countries. The overall aim is to develop a non-contact and high speed system that could be used to detect leakage in pipes remotely via the effect of the change in humidity on the temperature of the ground due to evaporation. A small scale experimental test rig has been constructed to simulate water leakage in The Great Man- Made River Project in Libya, taking into consideration the dryness level of the desert sand and the scaled dimensions of the system. The results show that the infrared technology is an effective technology in detecting water leakage in pipes. The low resolution system has been found as valuable as the high resolution system in detecting water leakage. The results indicate the possibility of distant remote detection of leakage in water systems using infrared technologies which could be mobilised using drones, helium balloons, aeroplanes or other similar technologies

Innovative Approach for Heating of Buildings Using Water from a Flooded Coal Mine Through an Open Loop Based Single Shaft GSHP System

Geothermal energy, deep and shallow, has always been identified as an important renewable energy resource. The stable temperature and relatively low enthalpy of mine water contained in the abandoned and flooded coal mines have the potential to form a geothermal resource to be used in conjunction with heat pumps to provide heating and cooling for buildings. The usage of heat pump for space heating and cooling can be classified as a low carbon technology and if heat pump is powered by solar or wind energy it can be classified as a truly renewable technology. This paper presents a novel application of Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) for space heating and cooling using a flooded coal mine through an open loop based single shaft system. In this novel application, a single shaft is used for both extraction and injection of mine water for the heating application. This research work will report on the performance of the system and its long term potential in comparison to standard gas boilers heating systems. The usage of a single shaft system has been found effective in developing an efficient heating system with reduced cost and neutral environmental impact