Redesign of Washing Process of Cartridge Case Using a Combination of Acids, Detergents and Anti-Tarnish Compounds

Abstract

The current study establishes the conversion from a washing process of cartridge case performed by batch to a continuous process. The materials used during the wash process were a combination of substances such as acids, detergents and anti-tarnishes. Methodologies like Retrofit Design Approach and Hierarchical Decision Procedure by Douglas were combined for: 1) determining input Information, 2) developing diagnosis and identifying improvement proposals, 3) establishing input – output structure of the flowsheet, 4) defining critical variables of the process (CVsP), and 5) designing new units that support the change from batch process to continuous process. The objective of that combination of methodologies was to solve the complex interactions between unknown variables values. The process critical variables identification was made using a method based on analysis of wicked problems. The result of that, determines that pH and temperature were critical for the process and the detergency efficiency and foam density were critical for the quality. A new continuous process was proposed and represented in a Process Diagram Flow. The redesign reduced problems like poor quality generated by lack of standardization, energy losses and ergonomic and safety risks. The results showed the combination of methodologies and the utilization of a method based on analysis of wicked problems instead of using an optimization method for identifying CVPs was effective to provide consistent and viable solution and support for decision-making at implementation phase.