Multi-source pipeline systems

To tackle more realistic planning problems of real-world pipeline systems, models for multi-source pipeline systems have been developed recently. This extension of one-to-many systems considerably increases complexity. Hence, first approaches provide a heuris-tical decomposition that decomposes a problem into three blocks  

Allocation decision determine which locations are potential candidates for injecting and receiving batches. 

Batch sizing determine sizes of the batches to inject and receive. 

Batch scheduling determine the exact starting and receiving dates for each batch. 

Naturally, the quality of these decomposition approaches is considerably affected by the neglected interdependency of the decomposed decisions. Therefore, monolithic, time and volume-continuous MILP formulations are proposed recently to integrate these decisions. These models are straight-forward adaptations of one-to-many approaches. The basic setting is adapted from the one-to-many case (see the previous paragraph), i.e. a serially operated main pipeline is assumed with a refinery at its head and depots along this pipeline. One key alteration is that depots now can receive and inject batches in the pipeline. Most other assumptions are inherited from the one-to-many systems. In particular, the product flow is stiU unidirectional and only one location at a time can inject a batch in the pipeline.  

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