Activity based scheduling simulator for product transport using pipeline networks

Oil companies often rely on scheduling algorithms to increase the throughput of oil derivatives and other products which are transported through pipeline networks. This work presents an architecture for a scheduling simulator for pipeline networks, and outlines the rules for a method that is used in that simulation. Its core was developed as part of a decision support system that assists its users to face a very difficult challenge: how to operate a large pipeline network in order to adequately transport products from refineries to local markets. We describe the problem that led to the development of that methodology, the model and architecture of the simulator, in addition to elaborating further on the methodology which is the simulator cornerstone. Finally, a simulation example is presented as well as the results of this research.