Optimization Approach for Multi-Period Fuel Replenishment

This paper proposes mathematical models and solution approaches for solving the multi-period fuel replenishment planning problem. The model aims to search for a set of routes, determining the quantity of several petroleum products to be loaded on individual vehicle compartments, and specifying the quantity to be discharged to customer tanks over a given planning horizon in which multiple constraints are satisfied. The objective function is to minimize the transportation unit cost, equal to the total transportation cost divided by the sum of replenished quantity. As the model size grows exponentially when the number of customers, vehicles, and time period increases, an exact algorithm is not feasible. Hence, in this study, we propose two heuristic approaches: two-phase method (2PM) and three-phase method (3PM). The 2PM is primarily designed for solving small problems whereas the 3PM adopts a similar approach but has the ability to solve larger problems. The proposed solutions were tested using a real-life scenario and randomly generated test instance. The results showed that our solution outperforms the solution constructed by experienced planners and also proved that considering multiple periods when devising the fuel replenishment plan, gives superior results in comparison to single periods

Optimising the periodic distribution of gas cylinders with customers priority

none3siTriki, Chefi; Akil, Jamila; Azri, Nasser AlTriki, Chefi; Akil, Jamila; Azri, Nasser A

Research of Oil Product Secondary Distribution Optimization Based on Collaborative Distribution

AbstractDuring peak seasons, the petrol company's oil supply capacity is insufficient, therefore, with limited trucks, adjusting the distribution quantity of petrol station and formulating an effective distribution route can minimize the total cost and maximize the vehicle utilization. In this paper we observe the extension of the multi-depot half open vehicle routing problem with time windows (MDHOVRPTW) in oil product secondary distribution. Based on the characteristics of secondary distribution and MDHOVRPTW problem, this paper formulates oil distribution model intra-area with distribution quantity and distribution routing as decision variables. A proposed algorithm is applied to solve this model and result compared with the traditional non-cooperative method to verify the effectiveness of collaborative distribution

A constructive heuristic for the multi-compartment vehicle routing problem: an approach for a fuel distribution company

In this paper, we suggest a Decision Support System (DSS) for route planning. This DSS was developed in a real context in a fuel distribution company. This company distributes three types of fuel through multi-compartment vehicles with limited capacity, and satisfying delivery time windows imposed by the customers. Two approaches for this problem were considered: The first one considers the route planning without replenishments while the second one considers the multi-trip case. The solution method is based on a Clarke and Wright savings algorithm incorporating all the constraints referred to above. Both approaches were tested using real instances. The savings for the company, in terms of the distribution process, were identified in the computational results. The DSS may provide an effective support to a complex decision problem.This work has been supported by COMPETE: POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007043 and FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia within the Project Scope: UID/CEC/00319/2013.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

SIMULATION METHODS APPLICATION FOR LPG DELIVERIES PLANNING AND SCHEDULING TO THE NETWORK OF STATIONS UNDER DEMAND UNCERTAINTY

In our paper we considered the problem of demand uncertainty and its influence on planning and scheduling of LPG deliveries. The experience of specialized transportation company in charge of LPG deliveries for the domestic supplier network under VMI approach was analyzed. High variability of distribution parameters and frequent orders modifications were observed while small stations tanks capacities comparing to high daily LPG sales volumes were considered. The combined use of simulation and optimization methods was proposed for the case of LPG distribution to the petrol stations network. The demand uncertainty at customers' stations was considered. Simulation models were assumed to be efficient for dynamic and robust delivery plans of LPG distribution. The results of computational experiments were presented for different values of coefficient of variation

Road-based goods transportation : a survey of real-world logistics applications from 2000 to 2015

The vehicle routing problem has been widely studied from a technical point of view for more than 50 years. Many of its variants are rooted in practical settings. This paper provides a survey of the main real-life applications of road-based goods transportation over the past 15 years. It reviews papers in the areas of oil, gas and fuel transportation, retail, waste collection and management, mail and package delivery and food distribution. Some perspectives on future research and applications are discussed