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This document is about how to reduce set-up time using Single-Minute Exchange of Die (SMED) on an actual production process of interconnection axles, starting with a production and indicators analysis, followed by time studies, and then the rolling-out of all the SMED stages. The first activity carried out was observation, second assessment, and followed by implementation leading to standardization and the generation of standard manufacturing documents. At this point, training was carried out thereby enabling the validation and assessment of the versatility matrix. Finally, the productivity of the manufacturing cell was evaluated by looking at the new Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) indicator to demonstrate the effectiveness of SMED in reducing start-up times and the fine-tuning of machinery.

The results of a quantitative study about the potential environmental impact of ozone layer depletion due to the manufacture of plastic bags in a plant located in northern Colombia are presented in this article. The identification of the emitted gases is essential to determine their contribution to the depletion of the ozone layer and is measured in Kg. Eq. CFC-11 with LCA software, SimaPro. The criterion used in this evaluation are based on a life cycle analysis methodology and the objectives, scope and limitations of the productive system were defined based on this. From this information an inventory was made, taking as the main element the quantitative measurement of matter and energy flows for all inputs and outputs of the production process. The information about the process enabled the identification, characterization and assessment of the environmental impact of global warming related to the production of plastic bags, leading to the conclusion that the most polluting process is that of extrusion followed by the printing of plastic bags.

A review of the different mathematical methodologies for calculating energy efficiency in boilers was carried out in this work, considering both the methods included in standards and the proposals and applications published in research works. The classification was delimited in analytical methods, mechanistic modeling, and empirical modeling; moreover, the main equations for each of the methodologies are presented, which allows building a compilation that is expected to be useful for a first approach to the subject. It is displayed that those mechanistic models are used to evaluate subsystems or specific cases that require a high level of detail, while analytical models are used to make a first approximation to the systems described, and empirical models stand out in terms of their use at the industrial level if there is access to a starting database to adjust them.

Microorganisms have evolved to inhabit virtually all environments on the planet, from oceanic hot-seeps to pipelines transporting crude and refined hydrocarbons. Often microbial colonization of man-made structures results in the reduction of their service life requiring preemptive or corrective human intervention. Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is caused by a set of intricate bioelectrochemical interactions between a diverse group of microorganisms and metallic surfaces. The complexity of MIC microbiomes and their mechanisms as well as the logistics constraints of industrial facilities are factors to consider when choosing suitable analytical methods for MIC monitoring. These generally reflect only a partial view of the phenomenon and in consequence, might lead to ineffective mitigation measures. This paper acknowledges the discrepancies between the fieldwork for MIC monitoring and the currently available technological advancements. It also highlights the most pressing issues that operators have in the field in light of the diversity of the microbial key players present in corrosive microbiomes. Finally, it compiles and outlines a strategy for the integration of novel molecular approaches aiming for a practical and accurate assessment of the microbial threat.