Numerical analysis of reliability and availability of the serial processes in butter‐oil processing plant

Purpose – Proposes a method to compute reliability and long‐run availability of the main parts of the butter‐oil (melted butter) manufacturing plant. This manufacturing plant consists of eight sub‐systems working in a series. Two sub‐systems, namely pump and chiller, are supported by stand‐by units with perfect switch‐over devices and the remaining six sub‐systems are prone to failure. Design/methodology/approach – Mathematical formulation of the model is carried out using mnemonic rule for these six sub‐systems. Reliability, availability and MTBF of the serial process in the butter‐oil processing plant have been computed for various choices of failure and repair rates of sub‐systems of this plant. Findings – Analysis of reliability, long‐run availability and mean time before failure of the butter‐oil manufacturing plant can help in increasing the production and quality of the butter‐oil. Originality/value – Industrial implications of the results have also been briefly discussed.