The multi-product pipeline scheduling system

This paper presents an integer programming approach to oil derivative transportation scheduling. The system reported is composed of an oil refinery, one multi-branch multi-product pipeline connected to several depots and also local consumer markets which receive large amounts of refinery products. Batches of refined products and grades are pumped back-to-back in the pipeline, without any separation device between them. The sequence and lengths of such pumping runs should be carefully selected in order to meet market demands while satisfying many pipeline operational constraints such as minimum interfaces. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.