Key performance indexes

This chapter considers the practical problem of feed optimization of the FCC process in a local refinery. A thorough study of the FCC process and the formulation of the feed optimization problem will be presented. Accounting for the coirflicting nature between the various objectives, the FCC feed optimization is solved by a multi-objective evolutionary toolbox developed by the authors (Tan et al, 2001a). Finally, for the actual implementation of the FCC process, three major key performance indexes are adopted to rate the various solutions evolved, so as to facilitate the decision-making process. 

To better illustrate the effect of the optimization process, Table 9.10 summarizes the various key performance indexes considered in terms of dollars. The best solution is point C optimized by MOEA, where the total consumption of fuel and steam is the lowest while the energy gain is the highest. However it has the highest steam consumption. 

Operational Excellence (OE) Operational Excellence (OE) is an element of organizational leadership that stresses the apphcation of a variety of principles, systems, and tools toward the sustainable improvement of key performance indexes. The process involves focusing on customer needs, keeping employees positive and empowered, and continuous improvement of activities in the workplace... 

Battery aging is a complex phenomenon with numerous inputs and outputs. However, there are essentially only two key performance indexes— capacity and power. Our method aims to predict the two key performance indexes. 

Our firm and supply chain partners co-develop systems to evaluate and publicize each other s performance (e.g. key performance index, scorecard, product/ service deliverables, and the resulting incentive)... 

The results mostly show that the optimiser has been able to adjust the reflux and reboil ratios and the distillation time in such a way as to increase the total amount collected (i.e., the objective function), the capacity factor (productivity). Greaves et al. (2003) included another performance index (%Recovery of key component) in addition to CAP and the conclusions remained the same. 

The performance indexes, which define an optimal catalyst distribution, include effectiveness, selectivity, yield and deactivation rate. The key parameters, affecting the choice of the optimal catalyst profile, are the reaction kinetics, the transport resistances, and the production cost of the catalyst. An extensive review of the theoretical and experimental developments in this area is available [20]. Two typical examples to demonstrate the importance of an appropriate distribution of the active components are now described. 

Often performance measurement is something new to the maintenance operation, but it is highly recommend that a performance-measurement system be put in place. Justification for investments in maintenance best practices must be validated. One approach used by Tompkins Associates has been to help clients create a maintenance excellence index (MEl) that includes 10-15 key performance indicators. These metrics, with agreed-upon weighted values, are developed into a composite total performance value (Peters 1998). The metrics that are selected should cover areas such as ... 

In order to perform an initial classification of the processes, we can plot a performance index on the basis of constant characteristics of the processes, such as the relative cost index of the product, the production rate and the batch size. Bottle production requires very high capacity and very fast production tools in order to obtain a reduced relative cost index per unit. In addition, the relation between the production capacity and the cost of the product per unit is universal [KEY 98], This being the case, the performance index for the process can be written thus ... 

The assessment and analysis of the inherent safety performance in the hydrogen system requires sound and appropriate metrics. Several valuable proposals for inherent safety metrics (Cozzani et al. 2007, Tugnoli et al. 2007) as well as the main issues needed for such assessment are well summarized in the literature (Roller ef a/. 2001, Khan eta/. 2003). Recently, a novel consequence-based approach for inherent safety key performance indicators (KPI) assessment was proposed (Tugnoli et al. 2007). The approach bases the calculation of safety indicators on the evaluation of the expected outcomes of the hazard present in the system, by runs of specific physical consequence models. The KPI method was preferred in the current assessment framework, since, unlike other approaches, it allows easily fitting the peculiarities of the analysed systems and does not require subjective judgment. Furthermore, the KPI method was newly reviewed to describe some particular features of the hydrogen chain. In particular the assessment of transport units was added and new index aggregation rules were defined. 

A set of four Viscosity Modifier (VM) or Viscosity Index Improvers (VII) and their blends in American Petroleum Institute (API) group I to group IV base oils have been studied for key performance properties that is thickening tendencies, viscosity index improvement, shear stability, and shear stability indices. All the four base oils have been characterized by Infra Red spectroscopy for their chemical compositioa Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) has been used for characterizing the molecular weight distribution of VMs. 

Model equations for correlating the performance of VMs with high correlation coefficients (0.978 - 0.896) for estimation of key performance parameters of VMs that is viscosity index increase, shear stability and shear stability index have been obtained. 

Another important step is getting familiar with the status quo within the organization itself. The analysis could make use of labour force profile analysis, the Work Ability Index (WAI) as elaborated by Prof. Ilmarinen and successfully used in Europe and other countries, key performance indicators (KPIs) focusing on an older labour force, and a Working Conditions and Control Questionnaire (WOCCQ) designed to assess employee stress levels. 

An organized document filing system must be maintained. This could be a paper file, an electronic document file, or a mixture of both. The equipment inventory system contains key information on the components of each system, their performance criteria and maintenance and calibration status. All documents including installation and performance documentation, as with other documents necessary to demonstrate the quality of the data, include SOPs for the qualification procedures, calibration, maintenance, personnel training, etc. If the manufacturer s operating, service, or maintenance manuals are used or cited in the operating procedures, copies of these manuals should be maintained. To facilitate retrieval, documentation should be stored in a central location and be indexed for easy retrieval. 

The aim here is to show the application of the simple theory of reactivity index along with some useful derivation of the theory in terms of resolving key issues. Some examples are provided to have an understanding of the applicability of this to industrial issues. Finally, a newest example of the application of reactivity index will performed to show the use of single-wall nanotube (SWNT) for gas sensing, and a... 

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