Data mining by total ranking methods: a case study on optimization of the 'pulp and bleaching' process in the paper industry

Total order ranking methods are multicriteria decision making techniques used for the ranking of various alternatives on the basis of more than one criterion. The criteria, which are the standards by which the elements of the system are judged are not always in agreement, they can be conflicting, motivating the need to find an overall optimum that can deviate from the optima of one or more of the single criteria. Total order ranking methods are based on an aggregation of the criteria in a scalar function, i.e. an order or ranking index, which allow to sort elements according to its numerical value. Several evaluation methods which define a ranking parameter generating a total order ranking have been proposed in the literature. Four total order ranking methods are here described: Desirability functions, Utility functions, Dominance functions and Absolute Reference method. These methods have been compared to each other by applying them to a decision making problem in the paper industry. Various bleaching processes have been analysed and compared on the basis of multiple criteria, the aim being to find out best bleaching process among the ones proposed in the last years as alternative to chlorine bleaching process which is of high environmental impact due to the potential for chlorinated dioxin production.