An Efficient Approach to the Operational Scheduling of a Real-World Pipeline Network

This paper addresses the problem of developing an optimisation structure to aid the operational decision-making of scheduling activities in a real-world pipeline network. During the scheduling horizon, many batches are pumped from (or passing through) different areas. Pipes are a disputed resource. Scheduling details must be given, including pumping sequence in each area, batches' volume, tankage constraints, timing issues, while respecting a series of operational constraints. In addition, the electric energy presents on-peak demand hours, typically, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and this feature also influences operational decisions. The balance between demand requirements and production campaigns, while satisfying inventory management issues and pipeline pumping procedures, is a difficult task. The proposed approach has been successfully applied to industrial-size scenarios. Many insights have been derived from the obtained solutions.