Production planning through Flow Network Optimisation and Mixed Integer Linear Programming models in a petroleum refinery

In the study on the operations of a lube oil section in a petroleum refinery, the current practices of production planning and prevailing constraints in the six plants of a lube oil section are considered. Based on the data collected from the plants, a Flow Network Optimisation model of the lube oil section and its associated Mixed Integer Linear Programming model have been developed. The experiments, conducted with the help of these models using LINDO software package, indicate optimal flow rates to be maintained through the flow network, and time of operation required for the lube oil plants to meet the demands for the six lube oil products. These results lead to the guidelines for preparing the production plan of the lube oil section.