Selecting optimal preventive maintenance periods for one-shot devices: a new fuzzy decision approach

A one-shot device is defined as a unit that can be used only once, and hence the device cannot be used for testing more than once. This paper proposes a new simulation method conducive toward choosing optimum preventive maintenance periods (PMPs) with the assumption that, to data, there is no data available in the meantime to failure of one-shot devices.

Design/methodology/approach: 

In this study, an expert team is selected to determine optimum PMPs for the one-shot devices using ARENA simulation as well as fuzzy TOPSIS. Also, to comparatively evaluate the performance of the proposed approach, composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) for storing oxygen under high pressure are used as real case studies.

The results particularly underscore the point that the proposed integrated model works most effectively for one-shot devices. This approach can therefore be used by considering fuzzy mean time to failure as well as making and selecting scenarios. Also, for COPVs, the best PMPs are obtained annually.Research limitations/implications: It is worth mentioning that, results are referred to the current case study. Also, results are limited to indices identified and evaluations related to the ARENA simulation approach for the considered time interval.

Practical implications:

 One of the most important management challenges in industrial organizations is the selection of the best PMPs with minimum costs. PMP Analysis in maintenance engineering is a strategy that helps managers for selecting, support, and manage a set of devices.

Originality/value: 

Although numerous studies have been carried out, to the best of our knowledge, no attempt has been made in taking into account fuzzy discrete-event simulation to evaluate PMPs, especially, for one-shot devices. So, this paper can be regarded as the first attempt in this direction.