A two-stage method to the optimization of batch schedules of a products pipeline

In this paper, a two-stage method was developed to optimize the batch schedule of a single-source and multipledepots products pipeline. In the first stage, a feasible input schedule for the initial station is determined by means of the greedy algorithm. The optimization target of the input schedule is to minimize the sum of unfinished demanded volume of each product at each input/delivery station along the pipeline. In the second stage, the schedule of each offtake station is optimized using the Simulated Annealing algorithm according to the input schedule of the initial station prepared in the first stage. The optimization target of the offtake schedule is to minimize the sum of flow rate fluctuation amplitude of each pipeline section over the time in the scheduling period. Finally, the historical operation schedule of one products pipeline was taken as an example to verify the validity of the proposed two-stage method.Resultsshow that the two-stage method can provide the technical support for developing the optimization software of batch schedules of products pipelines.