Reliability analysis and discrete event simulation as tools for mining equipment management

by Hall, Robert A.

This thesis introduces a new methodology for equipment management decision mahg by combining discrete event simulation and maintenance data analysis, in the form of Mure and repair disîriiutions. Specific case studies demonstrate the efficacy of the approach for design evaluation and cornparison, and for reliability growth. In addition to demonstrating the benefits derived ftom the new approach, the case studies represent severd novel contnions. nie nnt case study deals with design and redesign evaluation of a semi-automated diamond driii. The second case snidy deals with evaluation of a new Machine design. The third case study addresses comparative evaluationof ccmpeting Machine des*. Acknowiedgements The author is deeply indebted to both Inco and Syncrude Canada for their support for this work. nie experience gained by spending time at both sites and working with their personnel was instrumentai in the completion of this thesis. In particdar, the support £tom Greg Baiden, Tom Flynn and Eric Loney at Inco was fundamental to the accomplishment of the research at their company. From Syncrude, I would like to especially thank Ieremy Wong, Gabriel Gagné, Mike Lipsett and Gerry Lobb for their tireless efforts in assistingme with this research. Of course, rny thesis supe~sor Dr. Laeeque Daneshmend deserves more lauding than this page ain contain. His continuai guidance, trust in my abilities, and support enabled me to experience signifiant personal growth during my tirne here at Queen's. Finany, the author would iike to acknowledge the financial support received fiom the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Couacil of Canada during the course of this research in the form of a doctoral scholarsbip. 4.2.4. Other Maintenance Data Sources...................................................................... 62 4.3. Data Users.................................................................................................................. . 62 4.3.1. Long Range Planning....