Qualitative Risk Criticality Matrix (QRCM) applied in a biodegradable packaging production line

Abstract

The criticality analysis techniques that consider the Risk factor are tools that, first, allow, to identify the importance of assets in an industrial facility, and second, enable the efficient allocation of resources: human, financial, and technological. In the following technical article, are explained, the basic theoretical aspects of a Qualitative Risk Analysis model used to determine the criticality of equipment. This process involves the evaluation of two key factors: reliability (failure frequency) and consequences (impact that failures have on safety, the environment, and production). Additionally, a case study is presented, which includes the development of a model based on a Qualitative Risk Criticality Matrix (QRCM), applied in a biodegradable packaging manufacturing plant in the agro-industrial sector of Panamá.

The following describes some of the most important keys to be developed in the article:

·        The correct application of Qualitative Criticality Analysis methods will help management and technical levels make decisions with a lower level of uncertainty in processes related to the operation and maintenance of industrial assets. Specifically, regarding maintenance management, the results of a Risk- based criticality analysis process will allow the development of maintenance strategies with a Cost-Risk- Benefit optimization approach.

·        It is important that the maintenance management understands that the criticality models to be designed must align with the business objectives and not make the mistake of developing criticality tools where only specific factors of the maintenance process are included. In this regard, using risk- based criticality models creates a favorable scenario for evaluating the impact of factors inherent to the maintenance process and also facilitates the process of adding factors such as production, quality, production loss costs, safety, environment, etc., which are related to a comprehensive asset management process.

Finally, the correct application and implementation of recommendations obtained from the analysis of the results of the QRCM (Qualitative Risk Criticality Matrix), will optimize the technical processes of maintenance management and improve the profitability of manufactured products at the Biodegradable Packaging Plant MOLPASA throughout its entire industrial life cycle.