scholarly journals Impact of Energy Measurements in Machining Operations

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minna Lanz ◽  
Mahesh Mani ◽  
Swee Leong ◽  
Kevin Lyons ◽  
Ari Ranta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Sustainable Manufacturing ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Cnc Machining ◽  
Numerical Control ◽  
Main Question ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
The Impact

Over the past years, institutions in general are increasingly interested and involved in sustainability and social responsibility. In addition, social and political pressures have led to the creation of new regulations and policies that support new business opportunities around global sustainability. Considering sustainable manufacturing, a number of indicators have been proposed and currently being researched. The aim of this paper is to explore and discuss the impact of energy measurements as an indicator for sustainable manufacturing. The main question to be asked is, can energy measurement be used for optimization the machining level process. Based on energy monitoring during two Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining case studies, the significance of energy cost based on different CNC machining strategies and parameter settings is examined and discussed. The preliminary results from the energy measurements on the case studies indicate that potential cost savings in energy will be minimal in CNC operations. Based on the case studies, the potential energy savings in monetary value do not necessarily justify a company’s investment in implementing real time energy tracking technologies; however the results were limited in scope with regards measuring energy as an indicator for evaluating other performance outcomes.

scholarly journals Mixed methods evaluation of a hospital group model using an embedded research approach: study protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. e027086
Author(s):  
Cecilia Vindrola-Padros ◽  
Estela Capelas Barbosa ◽  
Angus I G Ramsay ◽  
Simon Turner ◽  
Stephen Morris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Study Protocol ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Ethics Committee ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Group Model ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Mixed Methods Evaluation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Hospital Group

IntroductionHospital group models represent an organisational form that aims to bring together multiple provider organisations with a central headquarters and unified leadership responsible for locally managed operating units, standardised systems and a value-set shared across the group. These models seek to improve outcomes by reducing unwarranted variations in care provision and reducing costs through economies of scale. There is limited evidence on the impact and processes of implementing these models, so this study aims to evaluate one case study of a hospital group model.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a formative, mixed-methods evaluation using an embedded research approach to analyse the implementation of the model and its impact on outcomes and costs. We will carry out a multisited ethnography to analyse the programme theory for model design and implementation, the barriers and facilitators in the implementation; and wider contextual issues that influence implementation using semi-structured interviews (n=80), non-participant observations (n=80 hours), ‘shadowing’ (n=20 hours) and documentary analysis. We will also carry out an economic evaluation composed of a cost-consequence analysis and a return on investment analysis to evaluate the costs of creating and running the model and balance these against the potential cost-savings.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol was reviewed by the local R&D Office and University College London Ethics Committee and classified as a service evaluation, not requiring approval by a research ethics committee. We will follow guidelines for informed consent, confidentiality and information governance, and address issues of critical distance prevalent in embedded research. Findings will be shared at regular time points to inform the implementation of the model. The evaluation will also generate: an evaluation framework to evaluate future changes; recommendations for meaningful baseline data and measuring improvement; identification of implementation costs and potential cost-savings; and lessons for the National Health Service on implementing these models.

Design and Analysis of Lattice Structures for Additive Manufacturing

2016 ◽  
Vol 138 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christiane Beyer ◽  
Dustin Figueroa
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Lattice Structure ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Unit Cell ◽  
Cnc Machining ◽  
Numerical Control ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Lattice Structures ◽  
Cell Structures ◽  
Bending Load

Additive manufacturing (AM) enables time and cost savings in the product development process. It has great potential in the manufacturing of lighter parts or tools by the embedding of cellular/lattice structures that consume less material while still distributing the necessary strength. Less weight and less material consumption can lead to enormous energy and cost savings. Although AM has come a long way over the past 25–30 years since the first technology was invented, the design of parts and tools that capitalize on the technology do not yet encompass its full potential. Designing for AM requires departing from traditional design guidelines and adopting new design considerations and thought structures. Where previous manufacturing techniques (computer numerical control (CNC) machining, casting, etc.) often necessitated solid parts, AM allows for complex parts with cellular and lattice structure implementation. The lattice structure geometry can be manipulated to deliver the level of performance required of the part. The development and research of different cell and lattice structures for lightweight design is of significant interest for realizing the full potential of AM technologies. The research not only includes analysis of existing software tools to design and optimize cell structures, but it also involves design consideration of different unit cell structures. This paper gives a solid foundation of an experimental analysis of additive manufactured parts with diverse unit cell structures in compression and flexural tests. Although the research also includes theoretical finite element analysis (FEA) of the models, the results are not considered here. As an introduction, the paper briefly explains the basics of stress and strain relationship and summarizes the test procedure and methods. The tests concentrate primarily on the analysis of 3D printed polymer parts manufactured using PolyJet technology. The results show the behavior of test specimens with different cell structures under compression and bending load. However, the research has been extended and is still ongoing with an analysis of selective laser melted test specimens in aluminum alloy AlSi10Mg.

Track damage comparison between conventional and articulated trains operating on a Great Britain railways ‘classic’ mainline route and a high-speed route

2018 ◽  
Vol 233 (7) ◽  
pp. 743-761 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy Rhodes ◽  
Geoff Hunt ◽  
Neil Harwood ◽  
Naim Kuka ◽  
Laurent Baron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Great Britain ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Strategic Model ◽  
Design Characteristics ◽  
Architecture And Design ◽  
The Impact

The impact of train architecture and design characteristics on track deterioration accounts for a significant proportion of the whole-life costs of operating a railway. Introducing new train fleets with an expected life in excess of 30 years means that it is important to optimise train design to minimise track deterioration, maximise track life and realise long-term cost savings. Furthermore, higher traffic tonnage (from more frequent services) and increased train acceleration and speeds will cause increasing track deterioration rates; therefore, this issue is central to managing a sustainable railway in future. The track ‘friendliness’ of a train is determined by several ‘vehicle/track interaction’ parameters: train mass, axle load, number of axles, bogie unsprung mass, traction power, suspension ride forces and speed. The Vehicle/Track Interaction Strategic Model (VTISM) can be used to analyse the effect of these parameters on track forces and the resultant track deterioration and maintenance and renewal costs. This paper describes a study undertaken using the VTISM to investigate the impact of axle loads and train architecture on vertical deterioration and costs of ballasted track on a Great Britain railways ‘classic’ mainline route (up to 125 mph) and, following VTISM upgrading and validation, a high-speed route (up to 360 km/h). It identifies where potential cost advantages may be obtained when comparing conventional trains with new, alternative train architectures.

scholarly journals The potential of real-time analytics to improve care for mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit: an early economic evaluation

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lytske Bakker ◽  
Katerina Vaporidi ◽  
Jos Aarts ◽  
William Redekop
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Lifetime Horizon ◽  
Scenario Analyses ◽  
Life Years ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Mechanical ventilation services are an important driver of the high costs of intensive care. An optimal interaction between a patient and a ventilator is therefore paramount. Suboptimal interaction is present when patients repeatedly demand, but do not receive, breathing support from a mechanical ventilator (> 30 times in 3 min), also known as an ineffective effort event (IEEV). IEEVs are associated with increased hospital mortality prolonged intensive care stay, and prolonged time on ventilation and thus development of real-time analytics that identify IEEVs is essential. To assist decision-making about further development we estimate the potential cost-effectiveness of real-time analytics that identify ineffective effort events. Methods We developed a cost-effectiveness model combining a decision tree and Markov model for long-term outcomes with data on current care from a Greek hospital and literature. A lifetime horizon and a healthcare payer perspective were used. Uncertainty about the results was assessed using sensitivity and scenario analyses to examine the impact of varying parameters like the intensive care costs per day and the effectiveness of treatment of IEEVs. Results Use of the analytics could lead to reduced mortality (3% absolute reduction), increased quality adjusted life years (0.21 per patient) and cost-savings (€264 per patient) compared to current care. Moreover, cost-savings for hospitals and health improvements can be incurred even if the treatment’s effectiveness is reduced from 30 to 10%. The estimated savings increase to €1,155 per patient in countries where costs of an intensive care day are high (e.g. the Netherlands). There is considerable headroom for development and the analytics generate savings when the price of the analytics per bed per year is below €7,307. Furthermore, even when the treatment’s effectiveness is 10%, the probability that the analytics are cost-effective exceeds 90%. Conclusions Implementing real-time analytics to identify ineffective effort events can lead to health and financial benefits. Therefore, it will be worthwhile to continue assessment of the effectiveness of the analytics in clinical practice and validate our findings. Eventually, their adoption in settings where costs of an intensive care day are high and ineffective efforts are frequent could yield a high return on investment.

scholarly journals Development of an Interprofessional Pharmacist-Nurse Navigation Pediatric Discharge Program

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 320-328
Author(s):  
Vy Nguyen ◽  
Danielle Altares Sarik ◽  
Michael C. Dejos ◽  
Elora Hilmas
Keyword(s):  
Patient Navigation ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Day Length ◽  
Phone Call ◽  
Care Process ◽  
Discharge Process ◽  
Financial Benefit ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
The Impact

OBJECTIVES Numerous challenges face clinically complex patients as they transition from hospital to home. The purpose of this project was to add pharmacy discharge services to an existing nurse-led discharge service (patient navigation program) to facilitate the transition of care process for clinically complex pediatric patients. METHODS For select patients referred to the service, a pharmacist resolved medication discrepancies, provided discharge counseling, and conducted follow-up telephone encounters on days 1, 7, and 14 post discharge. Patient demographics, admitting diagnosis, and number of discharge medications were recorded. The impact on patient outcomes was measured by the number and type of pharmacist interventions identified. Program utilization was measured by the number of referrals received, percentage of patients seen by a pharmacist, follow-up phone call completion rate, and pharmacist time required. Financial benefit gained from the program was estimated by translating each pharmaceutical intervention into potential cost savings. RESULTS There were 321 patient navigation referrals during the 5 months of pharmacist service. A pharmacist was able to provide discharge counseling for 56 discharges (17%). Patients who were provided pharmacy services had a median of 8 comorbidities, 10-day length of stay, and 4 discharge medications. Pharmacists identified 168 interventions, of which 93.5% were accepted or informational in nature. The most frequently identified interventions included clarification of drug order, assistance obtaining medication, and dose rounding. This program resulted in an estimated cost savings of $22,308 in the first 5 months. CONCLUSIONS A unique partnership between nurses and pharmacists facilitated the discharge process for clinically complex children.

scholarly journals Waste Heat Recovery Technologies Revisited with Emphasis on New Solutions, including Heat Pipes, and Case Studies

Energies ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 384
Author(s):  
Paul Christodoulides ◽  
Rafaela Agathokleous ◽  
Lazaros Aresti ◽  
Soteris A. Kalogirou ◽  
Savvas A. Tassou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Heat Recovery ◽  
Waste Heat Recovery ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Waste Heat ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Target Energy

Industrial processes are characterized by energy losses, such as heat streams rejected to the environment in the form of exhaust gases or effluents occurring at different temperature levels. Hence, waste heat recovery (WHR) has been a challenge for industries, as it can lead to energy savings, higher energy efficiency, and sustainability. As a consequence, WHR methods and technologies have been used extensively in the European Union (EU) (and worldwide for that matter). The current paper revisits and reviews conventional WHR technologies, their use in all types of industry, and their limitations. Special attention is given to alternative “new” technologies, which are discussed for parameters such as projected energy and cost savings. Finally, an extended review of case studies regarding applications of WHR technologies is presented. The information presented here can also be used to determine target energy performance, as well as capital and installation costs, for increasing the attractiveness of WHR technologies, leading to the widespread adoption by industry.

Exploring How Lean Product and Process Development Can Promote Industrial Sustainability

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel R. Cooper ◽  
Katrina Appell
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Process Development ◽  
Sustainable Manufacturing ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Value Stream Mapping ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Organizational System ◽  
Product And Process

Abstract Approximately one-third of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions from energy and processing are from making products and chemicals. These emissions can be lowered if they are deliberately considered during the design of products. How can lean product and process development (LPPD) be used to build environmental considerations into the product development system? We explore if LPPD is an effective system in delivering sustainable manufacturing. We conducted case studies in the automotive and oil & gas industries in which LPPD was used to deliver significant physical changes to the product and product manufacturing. We completed semi-structured interviews with stakeholders and focused on the motivation for the change, how LPPD was either a help or hindrance, and the delivered cost savings and environmental benefits. Findings from the case studies were used to structure a workshop on LPPD and sustainability held at a leading manufacturing (industry focused) conference. In this workshop, we focused on first identifying the main environmental impacts in each industry, the physical opportunities to reduce those impacts, and how LPPD might help or hinder delivering that change. This article structures the findings from the case studies and workshop. We present a guide (with examples) for how various LPPD methods (e.g., concept papers, value stream mapping, and design guides) might be used to meet sustainability challenges (e.g., reducing the generation of manufacturing scrap). While LPPD is itself agnostic to sustainability, we suggest that it is an effective method of creating an organizational system for promoting sustainable manufacturing particularly in complex environments.

Dropped Polyester Mooring Line Qualification for Reuse

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig R Gage ◽  
Pierre F Liagre ◽  
Caspar N Heyl ◽  
Cesar Del Vecchio
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Water Depth ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Mooring Line ◽  
Mooring System ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Mooring Lines ◽  
Minimal Damage ◽  
Recovery Effort ◽  
The Impact

The Perdido platform is a spar located in a water depth of 7,825 feet in the Alaminos Canyon Block 857in the Gulf of Mexico. The mooring system consists of nine mooring lines in three groups of three, spacedapproximately 120 degrees apart between each group. Each mooring line is composed of a platform chain,a multi-segment polyester rope including a 120 feet long test insert at the top, a ground chain, a pile chainand other associated connectors. The mooring lines are connected to suction piles. The Minimum BreakStrength for the Perdido polyester mooring line is 4,000 kips. Installation of the spar hull was completed inSeptember 2008 and the topsides was set in March 2009. The spar and its mooring system were originallydesigned for a twenty (20) year life. On May 4, 2019, mooring line # 6 (ML6) was contacted by a marine vessel down line and was severed.Contact occurred along the polyester test insert. A recovery effort was planned, and the mooring line wasreplaced in early June. The original ML6 was recovered from the seafloor on June 4, 2019 as a part of thatcampaign and submitted to an initial inspection. This paper is not intended to go into either the cause of the incident or the replacement of ML6 but willlook to the inspection of the recovered mooring line and explore its suitability for reuse. Initial inspection ofthe lines suggested minimal damage to the polyester rope segments and raised questions to the impacts of 10years of use. Testing was envisioned as a learning opportunity for the impact of service on polyester mooringand was reinforced by the potential cost savings that could be attained though reuse. A methodology wasdeveloped, supported by initial inspections and a suite of testing was performed. The results of these testsare presented in the following, along with a proposed process for assessing and considering reuse of a linefollowing a drop. Additionally, conclusions will be shared for the process, the results, and the potentialramifications for the industry.

scholarly journals Introduction of Cobas Liat Influenza A/B for rapid point-of-care diagnosis of influenza infection in an acute trust

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 297-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fran Brooke-Pearce ◽  
Elli Demertzi
Keyword(s):  
Influenza A ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Influenza Infection ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Bed Management ◽  
Point Of Care Test ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Acute Trust

Background: We aimed to evaluate the impact of a new molecular point-of-care test (POCT), the Cobas Liat Influenza A/B for rapid diagnosis of influenza within 20 min, on the operational workflow of the Trust, accurate diagnosis and potential cost savings during the winter of 2017–2018. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on all patients aged > 18 years tested for flu A/B by laboratory PCR in January 2017 and by POCT in January 2018. Results: From 21 December 2017 to 30 April 2018, a total of 1375 POCTs were performed with a total of 479 (35%) influenza-positive cases. Results demonstrated that 1046 (76%) suspected cases did not require isolation or were able to be discharged from Emergency Department (ED), once other risks had been ruled out. We particularly looked into the differences between the month of January 2017 (before POCT) and the month of January 2018. Discussion: Results demonstrate that influenza POCT had a positive impact on the Trust regarding prompt patient diagnosis and treatment, discharge decisions, improvement of patient bed management by avoiding unnecessary patient isolation and reducing bay closures, and significant reduction in length of stay in both positive and negative cases. Estimated cost savings were significant.

A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Reducing Surgical Site Infections

2018 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 254-261
Author(s):  
Alexander Rosemurgy ◽  
Jacqueline Whitaker ◽  
Kenneth Luberice ◽  
Christian Rodriguez ◽  
Darrell Downs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Surgical Site Infections ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Pancreatic Resections ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Abdominal Operations ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

Surgical Site Infections (SSI) represent an onerous burden on our health-care system. This study was undertaken to determine the impact of a protocol aimed at reducing SSIs on the frequency and cost of SSIs after abdominal surgery. Beginning in 2013, 811 patients undergoing gastrointestinal operations were prospectively followed. In 2014, we initiated a protocol to reduce SSIs. SSIs were monitored before and after protocol implementation, and differences in SSI incidence and associated costs were determined. Before protocol initiation, standardized operative preparation cost was $40.85 to $126.94 per patient depending on the results of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus screen; after protocol initiation, the cost was $43.85 per patient, saving up to $83.09 per patient. With the protocol in place, SSI rate was reduced from 4.9 to 3.4 per cent (13 of 379) representing a potential prevention of eight infections that would have cost payers $166,280 ($20,785 per infection). Notably, the SSI rate after pancreatectomy was reduced by 63 per cent ( P = 0.04). With preparation and diligence, SSI rate can be meaningfully reduced and potential cost savings can be achieved. In particular, SSI rate reduction for major abdominal operations and especially pancreatic resections can be achieved. A protocol to reduce SSI is a “win-win” for all stakeholders and should be encouraged with thoughtful and active participation from all hospital disciplines.

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