Authors: Sunand Kumar, Sanjeev Kumar, Puran Chandra Tewari
This paper introduces a decision support system for urea synthesis system of a fertilizer plant. It consists of five subsystems arranged in hybrid configurations. Decision support system for urea synthesis system has been designed with the help mathematical formulation using probabilistic approach. For this purpose, differential equations have been developed. Then steady state probabilities have determined. Besides, a pay off matrix is also developed which provides the various availability levels (Aii) for the different combinations of failure and repair rates for each subsystem. The optimum values of failure and repair rates for each subsystem are also determined. This decision model could be useful in a comparative evaluation of alternative maintenance strategies. So, the results of this paper would be highly useful in determining the optimal maintenance strategy, which will ensure the maximum availability of urea synthesis system in a fertilizer plant.