Modeling critical failures maintenance: a case study for mining

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a case study where computer simulation is used to evaluate maintenance strategies targeted to cope with a critical failure of a repairable system.

Design/methodology/approach

The problem is characterized, modeled and simulated under different conditions and for finite time periods. The different states of the system and the possible transitions among these states are characterized. Transitions are conditioned by the failure dynamics and by the maintenance decision maker. The model is then formalized and the data requirements fulfilled.

Findings

The performance of several maintenance policies based on educated estimations about the equipment behavior, manufacturer recommendations, well‐known previous maintenance practices, etc. benchmarked against the results of certain modeling and optimization tools.

Practical implications

Practical implications of this work have to do with following the entire modeling process and maintenance policy assessment with an engineering team, exploring options and opportunities to support the maintenance managers.

Originality/value

Maintenance policy design exploration using semi‐Markovian process simulation modeling.

Citation

Crespo Marquez, A. (2005), "Modeling critical failures maintenance: a case study for mining", Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, Vol. 11 No. 4, pp. 301-317. https://doi.org/10.1108/13552510510626945