Title: Multi-criteria assessment to automate water treatment plants using the analytical hierarchy process

Authors: Claudio J. Macuada; Astrid M. Oddershede; Rubén Alarcon

Addresses: Industrial Engineering Department, University of Santiago of Chile, Av. Ecuador 3769, Casilla 10233, Santiago, Chile ' Industrial Engineering Department, University of Santiago of Chile, Av. Ecuador 3769, Casilla 10233, Santiago, Chile ' Industrial Engineering Department, University of Santiago of Chile, Av. Ecuador 3769, Casilla 10233, Santiago, Chile

Abstract: This paper presents a framework to assist in the evaluation of water treatment (WT) plants and water waste treatment (WWT) plants for automation in a metropolitan region in Chile. The different plants offer different attributes, relating to production resources, feasibility and efficiency process. The aim is to determine the most suitable WT and WWT plants for incorporating an automated system during night shifts. The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) is used to develop a new multi-criteria decision model based on expert judgements for identifying high-priority requirements for automating each treatment plant and any corresponding significant implications. The study provides a basis for setting priorities and decision-making for incorporating an automated system to WT and WWT plants at any locality.

Keywords: AHP; analytical hierarchy process; plant automation; water treatment plants; wastewater treatment plants; Chile; night shifts; multicriteria decision making; MCDM.

DOI: 10.1504/JGBA.2015.069532

Journal for Global Business Advancement, 2015 Vol.8 No.2, pp.236 - 246

Published online: 21 May 2015 *

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