A quantitative methodology for designing handling facilities for continuous production processes woth no in-process inventory.

A methodology which utilizes integer programming is developed as an aid to designers of production facilities. Specifically, the methodology can be used to determine optimal unloading configurations for mixed discrete products obtained from a production process which cannot be halted (due to physical constraints or economics) and which has no in-process storage. The methodology is practical; application to the design of unloading facilities for an existing float glass process is given. Tests of the design methodology reveal that it gives least cost answers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]