A Decomposition Approach for the Operational Scheduling of a Multiproduct Pipeline

摘要

The present paper proposes an optimization structure to aid the operational decisionmakingrnof scheduling activities for a real-world multiproduct pipeline. The problemrninvolves a distribution system composed by a unidirectional pipeline that is used tornpump oil derivatives between a refinery and a distribution centre. The main goal is tornobtain a pipeline schedule that accounts for end-of-pipe operations in a reasonablernamount of time. A decomposition technique is developed where two MILP models, withrndifferent levels of detail at the pipeline scheduling problem, are considered (master andrnsub-problem). The MILP sequencing model (master) determines the volume of eachrnbatch and the sequence to be pumped. These results are then used in the MILP detailedrnmodel (sub-problem) in order to obtain the complete desired scheduling for thernmultiproduct pipeline. The decomposition approach is tested in typical operationalrnscenarios involving more than 40 batches for a 30-days scheduling horizon.