Refinery Planning and Scheduling Available to Purchase
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Published:2013
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Chapter 21 provides an overview of the mathematical methods used to solve the optimization problem for various design and operation issues in an oil refinery, including planning, scheduling, and process design and operation. Short-term scheduling is discussed from the viewpoints of complexity, integration with planning, operational applications, available software technologies, and the human factor. The economic incentives for more advanced short-term scheduling are discussed, along with the main differences with planning activities using a qualitative definition of scheduling tasks. A specific section illustrates the inherent complexity of large combinatorial scheduling problems that need to be solved in oil refineries. Available mathematical tools and required systems architecture are reviewed. Two examples are described: optimal crude scheduling and gasoline/gas oil blending. The human factor to support complex scheduling systems is discussed. Commercial software technologies are also reviewed.