1 research outputs found
A mathematical model for planning oil products distribution via pipeline
Compared to other transportation modes, road, railroad and vessel,
multiproduct pipelines are the safest and most economical way of conveying
petroleum products over long distances day and night. During the last two
decades, the operational multiproduct pipeline scheduling has gained increasing
attention, where most of the contributions are based on continuous time
representation. In this paper, we present a new discrete-time mixed integer
linear programming model for the shortterm scheduling of multiproduct pipelines
featuring multiple refineries and distribution centers. The model optimally
determines the sequence and planning of product injections at input nodes, the
sequence of product deliveries to output nodes, and traces the size and the
products location along the pipeline at any time. The proposed model also
allows to execute simultaneous injections at the input nodes and to tackle
simultaneous injections and deliveries at an intermediate node that can act as
both the input and output node. Solutions to two benchmark example problems
illustrate that the proposed model presents significant reductions in the
pipeline operational cost.Comment: 13 page