Author(s)

Stanley M. Mburu^1*, James M. Wakiru^1,2, Peter N. Muchiri¹, Liliane Pintelon²

¹Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Nyeri, Kenya.
²Centre of Industrial Management/Traffic and Infrastructure, KU Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium.

This paper develops a simulation-based model to derive critical maintenance parameters towards optimizing a deep drilling rig availability and maintenance costs. Full factorial analysis is performed to derive the effects and interactions of the derived parameters, based on which ones with a significant effect on the availability and maintenance cost are selected. The case study based model incorporates maintenance, spares and workforce strategies for a geothermal drilling rig. The results offer essential maintenance decision support to both the management and maintenance team of the company and have the potential of further offering insights that eventually reduce the cost of drilling.

Maintenance Cost, Geothermal, Non-Productive Time, Rig Availability, Drilling

Mburu, S. , Wakiru, J. , Muchiri, P. and Pintelon, L. (2021) Maintenance Impact on Geothermal Drilling Operations. A Case Study Approach. American Journal of Industrial and Business Management, 11, 183-201. doi: 10.4236/ajibm.2021.112012.