Feasibility study of the materials handling and development of a sustainable conveying system in plastics recycling and manufacture
- Chinguwa, Simon, Nyemba, Wilson R., Boora, Kudzai, Mbohwa, Charles
- Authors: Chinguwa, Simon , Nyemba, Wilson R. , Boora, Kudzai , Mbohwa, Charles
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Conveyor , Materials handling , Plastic manufacturing
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/295162 , uj:32133 , Citation: Chinguwa, S. et al. 2019. Feasibility study of the materials handling and development of a sustainable conveying system in plastics recycling and manufacture.
- Description: Abstract: The appropriate handling of materials in manufacturing is essential for the realization of reductions in direct and indirect costs. This research was carried out at a plastic manufacturing company in Zimbabwe where polymer pellets are used to produce plastic packaging. An in-depth work study was carried out at the plant followed by the feasibility, review and analysis of available and affordable conveying systems. A semi-automated pneumatic conveyor system comprising of a prime mover, feeder, and mixer was designed to replace the manual handling of materials. The analysis and eventual development of the optimal conveying system assisted the company in not only freeing up space for the uninterrupted movement of materials, but also improvements in safety and reduction in transportation and operational costs for the sustainable recycling and manufacture of plastic packaging. The research also contributed to the company’s product quality and variability.
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- Authors: Chinguwa, Simon , Nyemba, Wilson R. , Boora, Kudzai , Mbohwa, Charles
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Conveyor , Materials handling , Plastic manufacturing
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/295162 , uj:32133 , Citation: Chinguwa, S. et al. 2019. Feasibility study of the materials handling and development of a sustainable conveying system in plastics recycling and manufacture.
- Description: Abstract: The appropriate handling of materials in manufacturing is essential for the realization of reductions in direct and indirect costs. This research was carried out at a plastic manufacturing company in Zimbabwe where polymer pellets are used to produce plastic packaging. An in-depth work study was carried out at the plant followed by the feasibility, review and analysis of available and affordable conveying systems. A semi-automated pneumatic conveyor system comprising of a prime mover, feeder, and mixer was designed to replace the manual handling of materials. The analysis and eventual development of the optimal conveying system assisted the company in not only freeing up space for the uninterrupted movement of materials, but also improvements in safety and reduction in transportation and operational costs for the sustainable recycling and manufacture of plastic packaging. The research also contributed to the company’s product quality and variability.
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Process mapping, modelling and optimization of plant layouts and materials handling in manufacturing
- Nyemba, Wilson R., Mbohwa, Charles, Nyemba, L. E. N.
- Authors: Nyemba, Wilson R. , Mbohwa, Charles , Nyemba, L. E. N.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Manufacturing , Materials handling , Modelling
- Language: English
- Type: Book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/270495 , uj:28752 , Citation: Nyemba, W.R., Mbohwa, C. & Nyemba, L.E.N. 2018. Process mapping, modelling and optimization of plant layouts and materials handling in manufacturing. In Book: Transactions on Engineering Sciences.
- Description: Abstract: Documenting process flows in a manufacturing environment provides a guide to understanding how processes are interconnected and how materials are handled, thus forming the basis for modelling and optimization in order to simplify the otherwise complex systems particularly in multi-product manufacturing. Research was carried out at a furniture manufacturing company specializing in the production of a wide range of furniture from hardwood. Owing to the multiplicity of processes and the movement of materials in manufacturing environments, the factors affecting such setups increasingly become complex, equally requiring complex techniques to analyze and optimize them. A work study carried out at the company established inherent problems that affected production and were used as the basis for modelling and optimizing the processes, focusing on grouping of workstations depending on functions, predicting performance using simulation and machine distance matrices for a reorganized plant layout. Results obtained after modelling and optimizing the plant layout were useful for production planning and control as well as enhancing the company’s productivity and efficiency.
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Process mapping, modelling and optimization of plant layouts and materials handling in manufacturing
- Authors: Nyemba, Wilson R. , Mbohwa, Charles , Nyemba, L. E. N.
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Manufacturing , Materials handling , Modelling
- Language: English
- Type: Book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/270495 , uj:28752 , Citation: Nyemba, W.R., Mbohwa, C. & Nyemba, L.E.N. 2018. Process mapping, modelling and optimization of plant layouts and materials handling in manufacturing. In Book: Transactions on Engineering Sciences.
- Description: Abstract: Documenting process flows in a manufacturing environment provides a guide to understanding how processes are interconnected and how materials are handled, thus forming the basis for modelling and optimization in order to simplify the otherwise complex systems particularly in multi-product manufacturing. Research was carried out at a furniture manufacturing company specializing in the production of a wide range of furniture from hardwood. Owing to the multiplicity of processes and the movement of materials in manufacturing environments, the factors affecting such setups increasingly become complex, equally requiring complex techniques to analyze and optimize them. A work study carried out at the company established inherent problems that affected production and were used as the basis for modelling and optimizing the processes, focusing on grouping of workstations depending on functions, predicting performance using simulation and machine distance matrices for a reorganized plant layout. Results obtained after modelling and optimizing the plant layout were useful for production planning and control as well as enhancing the company’s productivity and efficiency.
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Optimization of a plant layout and materials handling system for a furniture manufacturing company
- Nyemba, Wilson R., Mbohwa, Charles, Nyemba, Lloyd E.N.
- Authors: Nyemba, Wilson R. , Mbohwa, Charles , Nyemba, Lloyd E.N.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Materials handling , Plant layout , Process mapping
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/92044 , uj:20179 , Citation: Nyemba, W.R. Mbohwa, C. & Nyemba, L.E.N. 2016. Optimization of a plant layout and materials handling system for a furniture manufacturing company
- Description: Abstract: The proper layout and efficient utilization of resources; human, machinery and space can have a positive bearing on the productivity of manufacturing companies. A case study was carried out at a furniture manufacturing plant in Harare, Zimbabwe and this paper presents the findings and proposals for an optimized plant layout and materials handling system. Inherent problems within the manufacturing setup were identified through the use of questionnaires and the company’s available documentation. These ranged from crisscrossing process flows, undocumented production plans and inadequately planned materials processing and handling. Following a detailed work study, production planning and control techniques for materials handling, processing and assembly were introduced to improve production throughput times. Three alternative models were conceptualized and the best model was selected using the payback period method while optimization of the plant was achieved through a novel approach of process mapping of the layout, available space and materials handling machinery. Results obtained from the assessment of the selected model revealed that transportation distances can be reduced significantly while production throughput time decreases.
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- Authors: Nyemba, Wilson R. , Mbohwa, Charles , Nyemba, Lloyd E.N.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Materials handling , Plant layout , Process mapping
- Language: English
- Type: Conference proceedings
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/92044 , uj:20179 , Citation: Nyemba, W.R. Mbohwa, C. & Nyemba, L.E.N. 2016. Optimization of a plant layout and materials handling system for a furniture manufacturing company
- Description: Abstract: The proper layout and efficient utilization of resources; human, machinery and space can have a positive bearing on the productivity of manufacturing companies. A case study was carried out at a furniture manufacturing plant in Harare, Zimbabwe and this paper presents the findings and proposals for an optimized plant layout and materials handling system. Inherent problems within the manufacturing setup were identified through the use of questionnaires and the company’s available documentation. These ranged from crisscrossing process flows, undocumented production plans and inadequately planned materials processing and handling. Following a detailed work study, production planning and control techniques for materials handling, processing and assembly were introduced to improve production throughput times. Three alternative models were conceptualized and the best model was selected using the payback period method while optimization of the plant was achieved through a novel approach of process mapping of the layout, available space and materials handling machinery. Results obtained from the assessment of the selected model revealed that transportation distances can be reduced significantly while production throughput time decreases.
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Liquid bulk wax handling and storage : a systems approach to resolve a material handling problem
- Authors: Schaufelbuhl, M. R.
- Date: 2014-07-23
- Subjects: Materials handling , Warehouses - Management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:11808 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11530
- Description: M.Tech. (Industrial Engineering) , Material handling is never value-adding, but always increases the production costs. The objective of any new handling system should therefore be to reduce handling and then to find cost-effective solutions for those operations that cannot be eliminated. The systems approach can be used to analyse and solve material handling problems, ensuring that all alternatives are considered. This increases the likelihood of a successful project. The feasibility study should be used at the outset of a project to ensure that a shortlist of the best solutions can be made. This is done before major capital expense is incurred. Thereafter, a systematic procedure guides the project from a concept design, to a few selected option, then to the simulation of the proposed system and finally to the installation plan and construction. The systems approach is often preferred by management, because the financial and technical issues are quantified and therefore reduce the risk of a bad investment. Ultimately, a new material handling system, if required at all, should minimise production costs and therefore be an asset instead of a liability to the company.
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- Authors: Schaufelbuhl, M. R.
- Date: 2014-07-23
- Subjects: Materials handling , Warehouses - Management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:11808 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11530
- Description: M.Tech. (Industrial Engineering) , Material handling is never value-adding, but always increases the production costs. The objective of any new handling system should therefore be to reduce handling and then to find cost-effective solutions for those operations that cannot be eliminated. The systems approach can be used to analyse and solve material handling problems, ensuring that all alternatives are considered. This increases the likelihood of a successful project. The feasibility study should be used at the outset of a project to ensure that a shortlist of the best solutions can be made. This is done before major capital expense is incurred. Thereafter, a systematic procedure guides the project from a concept design, to a few selected option, then to the simulation of the proposed system and finally to the installation plan and construction. The systems approach is often preferred by management, because the financial and technical issues are quantified and therefore reduce the risk of a bad investment. Ultimately, a new material handling system, if required at all, should minimise production costs and therefore be an asset instead of a liability to the company.
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Aspects of materials handling systems in the steel fabrication environment
- Authors: Roux, Ronelle
- Date: 2012-08-14
- Subjects: Materials handling , Materials management , Plant layout , Steel industry and trade
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:9141 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5596
- Description: M.Ing. , This dissertation covers a literature survey of materials handling and plant layout in the steel fabrication environment. It covers some of the elements and principles of materials handling and how they interact with and influence the effective flow of materials in an operation. Some of the current materials handling methods and systems of a specific South African steel fabrication operation are then investigated. By using the information from the literature study, an evaluation is done on some of these handling methods and systems. The implementation of materials handling elements and principles is investigated in the form of a case study, by using methods proposed in the literature survey. This investigation identifies current materials handling problems in the steel fabrication environment. Recommendations are made that may aid the improvement of materials flow and production output in this particular steel fabrication operation.
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- Authors: Roux, Ronelle
- Date: 2012-08-14
- Subjects: Materials handling , Materials management , Plant layout , Steel industry and trade
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:9141 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5596
- Description: M.Ing. , This dissertation covers a literature survey of materials handling and plant layout in the steel fabrication environment. It covers some of the elements and principles of materials handling and how they interact with and influence the effective flow of materials in an operation. Some of the current materials handling methods and systems of a specific South African steel fabrication operation are then investigated. By using the information from the literature study, an evaluation is done on some of these handling methods and systems. The implementation of materials handling elements and principles is investigated in the form of a case study, by using methods proposed in the literature survey. This investigation identifies current materials handling problems in the steel fabrication environment. Recommendations are made that may aid the improvement of materials flow and production output in this particular steel fabrication operation.
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Facilities integration in a potentially reconfigurable manufacturing environment
- Authors: Rose, Enver Ernest
- Date: 2009-01-20T07:05:27Z
- Subjects: Production engineering , Manufacturing processes , Production planning , Materials handling
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14807 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1932
- Description: M.Ing. , Potential variation in tasks and relative location of manufacturing equipment (machine tools, robot, automated guided vehicles etc.) resulting from the need to restructure the production environment, require efficient and effective communication for optimal performance. The work presented makes use of information and data flow within a system to achieve an integrated and dynamic environment. Models are presented to describe the integration of processing and auxiliary equipment and to select auxiliary equipment for a specific environment. An analytical approach is included for the integration. Specific examples are included. The work presented attempts to contribute to the flexibility of modern manufacturing environments by integrating all facilities in the environment.
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- Authors: Rose, Enver Ernest
- Date: 2009-01-20T07:05:27Z
- Subjects: Production engineering , Manufacturing processes , Production planning , Materials handling
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14807 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1932
- Description: M.Ing. , Potential variation in tasks and relative location of manufacturing equipment (machine tools, robot, automated guided vehicles etc.) resulting from the need to restructure the production environment, require efficient and effective communication for optimal performance. The work presented makes use of information and data flow within a system to achieve an integrated and dynamic environment. Models are presented to describe the integration of processing and auxiliary equipment and to select auxiliary equipment for a specific environment. An analytical approach is included for the integration. Specific examples are included. The work presented attempts to contribute to the flexibility of modern manufacturing environments by integrating all facilities in the environment.
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