Determining the Availability of Continuous Systems at Open Pits Applying Fuzzy Logic

Abstract

This work presents a model for determining the availability of continuous systems at open pits by applying fuzzy logic and fuzzy inference systems. The applied model was formed by the synthesis of independent partial indicators of availability. The model is based on an expert system for assessing the availability of continuous mining systems. The availability of the system, as a complex state parameter, is decomposed into the partial indicators, reliability, and convenience of maintenance, and the fuzzy compositions, used for integration the partial indicators, are the max–min and min–max compositions. The advantage of this model in comparison to the conventional models is that it takes into account the effect of practical indicators of availability, does not require long-term monitoring, and records necessary to determine the time picture of the system state. This model for determining the availability has a role to help responsible persons at open pits in the planning and control of exploitation, and the adoption of an appropriate maintenance strategy, all with the aim of stable production and cost reduction. The presented model can be used as a tool for the quick assessment of system availability, based on expert judgments and assessments.