Case Study 3.1: WP Inc. Problem-Solving

1. Case Study 3.1:WP Inc.Problem-Solving Group 2: Danny Taylor, Jason Thigpen, Susan Leuquire MGMT 580 Quality Management & Statistical Analysis Instructor: Ms. Connie Fleming Southwestern College Professional Studies

2. Problem Statement • The spray nozzles of the automatic parts washer frequently clog with particles causing the parts washer to be shut down. This is unacceptable and delays every process in WP Inc. because every part manufactured goes through the parts washer.

3. List of Possible Particle Identities • Hard-water buildup • Calcium • Chips from the parts • Paint chips • Soap flakes • Result of a chemical reaction • Gravel or dirt • Corrosion or rust

4. List of Potential Causes • Heated water caused condensation and increased soap content • Written process calls for adding soap/water solution when there is a decrease in the fluid level of the tank • During cleaning, soap particles become free floating • Parts washer has not been at the appropriate level for the soap to dissolve properly • No filtering system exists between the tank and nozzles

5. Cause & Effect Diagram Written process to add soap Heated water causing condensation Free floating soap particles Nozzles clogged Temperature Level too low for soap to dissolve properly No filtering system between tank & nozzles

6. Cause & Effect Analysis • To help mitigate the causes, these steps can be taken: • Changing the percentage of soap solution to ensure soap solution dissolves completely • Use a different brand of soap solution which does not need to be as hot to dissolve completely • Install an inline filter to the line running between the pump motor and nozzles • Move the pump off of the bottom of the tank • Add a strainer to the suction line • Check the water heater capability for hot water

7. Force Field Analysis • Issue: Parts Washer Spray Heads are Constantly Clogging Driving Forces: 1. Water in the tank evaporates leaving too much of the soap solution behind; accumulation of the soap solution could be clogging the heads. 2. The temperature of the water in the tank has not been sufficient enough to properly dissolve the soap solution; accumulation of the soap solution could be clogging the heads. 3. The parts washer does not have filtration equipment installed between the tank, motor, and/or the spray heads. Restraining Forces 1.This is the only parts washer now approved by the EPA. 2.The parts washer is beginning to slow the overall process which could slow product time to customers. 3.Adding additional parts to the washer to resolve the issue could cost several hundred dollars and/or void the warranty.

8. Possible Actions to be taken • 1. Place an inline filter between the motor and the spray heads where it is accessible for cleaning and maintenance.  • 2. Place the pump on a brick inside the tank so it will not pull water/soap solution directly from the bottom of the tank and add a strainer to suction line; the tank bottom is where 95% of the particles will settle keeping the pump directly off the bottom of the tank and adding a strainer on the suction line will keep most particles out of the heads. • 3. Make repairs to water heaterto keep constant temperature for best possible mixture/dilution of the soap solution. • 4. Keep the lid of the parts washer closed during operation to lessen the evaporation caused by heating the water.  • 5. Look into different soap solution that will better mix with the water and not require such a high temperature to lessen the water lost to evaporation.  

9. Follow Up Actions • Monitor the number of days/hours between the last time the nozzles clogged before raising the pump and installing a strainer on the suction line and compare it to the next time it happens. If the times are far apart, then the fix is working and delays will be cut down if not totally eliminated. • Monitoring will also be necessary with the addition of the inline filter. The filter will need to be checked in accordance with manufacturers specifications in regards to the amount of water/soap concentrate being passed though it daily. When the filter is serviced, the contents can be monitored to see exactly what, and how much, is being filtered out of the washer. • Lastly, the water heater can be verified for accuracy by keeping an eye on a thermostat. Workers using the washer can check the temperature before each use and record it in a log book. The log book can be reviewed by maintenance personnel each shift. If there is a variance in the temperature, the maintenance personnel can make adjustments to the heater to correct the problem. All corrective measures will be watched each shift for a 30-day period; if all is going according to plan, the next review will take place at the 60-day mark. After 60-days, if the nozzles are no longer clogging a normal maintenance schedule will begin in accordance with manufacturers specifications. If after 60-days there are still issues with the nozzles clogging, a new soap solution will be researched and a new plan for repair implemented.

10. Summary • The purpose of this study is to address the issues WP Inc. is facing by clogged spray nozzles in their parts washer. This issue has slowed production in the company and corrections need to be done to reduce downtime in the parts washer, thereby increasing production. • 3 possible corrective actions have been taken and a plan of further action has been set for follow up: • Placing the pump at a higher level and install strainer • Installation of inline filter • Monitoring/repairing the water heater as needed • Results from lifting the pump and install the strainer will be tested as the first step. If insufficient improvement is shown, the filter will be installed and monitored at the beginning and ending of each wash process. Monitoring of the water heater will take place after the washer has been turned on with water and soap added, and before the parts are placed in the washer. • A time-line of 30 to 60 days has been set for this process.

11. References • Summers, D., 2010. Quality. (5th ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. • Filtrationsystems.com, 2003. Ultrafit Welded High Performance Liquid Filter Bags. Retrieved from http://www.filtrationsystems.com/filtermedia_ultrafit.htm