Optimal scheduling of large-scale transfer depot of products pipeline system

Transfer depot, as an important node of products pipeline system, affects the batch scheduling of the wholesystem. In order to ensure the coordination between depots and pipelines during the operation, it is necessary to take allfactors into consideration comprehensively while making a depot scheduling plan. To optimize the scheduling of transferdepot, a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model was established aiming at minimizing the sum of tank transfercost and loading/unloading evaporation loss. And the model is based on the loading/unloading plan and the transfer depotdata in the study period and it includes a series of operations, including download, transportation, transfer and repair ofoil tank. Finally, a case study was carried out on a real depot to prepare the detailed scheduling plans for its each tank.The calculation results verify the accuracy and practicability of the model, and provide the guidance for the preparation oftransfer depot scheduling plan.