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An MILP approach for scheduling of tree-like pipelines with dual purpose terminals

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Abstract

Pipelines represent the most reliable and economical mode of fluid transportation in the petroleum supply chain. They are often multi-product systems and are extensively used to carry different types of petroleum derivatives from refineries to distribution depots. This paper addresses the optimal scheduling of a treelike pipeline that connects several refineries to multiple depots and that meets the customer demands over a multi-period planning horizon. A continuous time scheduling formulation based on a mixed integer linear programing framework is presented which allows intermediate nodes to act as dual purpose stations. The problem goal is to satisfy local market requirements on time while keeping the inventory levels at depot tanks within feasible ranges. Solutions to three case studies show remarkable reductions in the CPU time with regards to previous contributions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Industrial Engineering, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran

    Mehrnoosh Taherkhani

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  1. Mehrnoosh Taherkhani
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Correspondence to Mehrnoosh Taherkhani.

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Taherkhani, M. An MILP approach for scheduling of tree-like pipelines with dual purpose terminals. Oper Res Int J 20, 2133–2161 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12351-018-0400-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12351-018-0400-7

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