On Modeling the Tactical Planning of Oil Pipeline Networks

This paper aims at incorporating tactical aspects of oil pipeline networks to the supply chain planning model. The strategic design of supply chains is covered in literature by well understood and recurring patterns such as multicommodity networks, dynamic parameters over time, capacity on facilities, transportation capacity or facilities with demand, production and inventory. We consider the following characteristics: capacity for in-transit inventory, transit time and flow reversal. Our objective is a better estimate for resources required by the network and therewith allow a more precise optimization of their use. All aspects are modeled to be efficiently solved by linear programming algorithms.