Hypothesis Setting and Problem Solving

With the plant interview information, verification of the data, and the completion of the simple calculations, an experienced troubleshooter will develop a set of hypotheses for the root cause of the defect. After the hypotheses are established, a series of experiments need to be developed that accept or reject the hypotheses. Once a hypothesis is accepted via experimentation, then the next step is to develop a technical solution to remove the defect. Often more than one technical solution Is possible. The best technical solution will depend on the cost and time to implement the solution, machine owner acceptance, and the risk associated with the modified process. An accepted hypothesis must drive the technical solution. If a hypothesis is not accepted prior to developing a technical solution, then the troubleshooter may be working on the wrong problem and the defect may not be eliminated from the process. 

Blockage at the entry of a barrier Low specific rates, high discharge 11.10.1 

Low compression rate and low compression ratio Splay and air entrapment 11.12.4 

Pigment agglomerates, stagnant Black streaks or specks 11.12.2 

Improper solids-conveying temperatures for the barrel Flow surging and low specific rates 12.7.4 

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