A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology

Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1979

Materials handling are problems faced in almost all production systems. In this study, the raw materials handling system in a kraft paper factory was studied via simulation technique. Materials handled in this system are wastepaper, long fiber pulp and bagasse which are the three main raw materials in the production of kraft paper. Such materials arrive at the factory in trucks and trains. They are unloaded and are stored in the storing yard. They are then moved to the production units when required. Equipment used in the handling operations are fork lift trucks, wheel loader, bulldozers, and dump trucks. A systems model was developed to simulate all handling operations, using past data. Results from the model include :- working time, downtime, and idle time of each type of equipment used and quantities handling in each operation in a one year span. From the results, the performance of the system in terms of operating cost per hour of each type of equipment is evaluated. The handling cost per ton for each handling operation can also be determined. Some discussions and recommendations were made to serve as guidelines towards the possible improvement of the system in the future.