Modeling and Optimization for Short-term Scheduling of Multipurpose Batch Plants

In the past two decades, short-term scheduling of multipurpose batch plants has received significant attention. Most scheduling problems are modeled using either state-task-network or resource-task-network (RTN) process representation. In this paper, an improved mixed integer linear programming model for short-term scheduling of multipurpose batch plants under maximization of profit is proposed based on RTN representation and unit-specific events. To solve the model, a hybrid algorithm based on line-up competition algorithm and linear programming is presented. The proposed model and hybrid algorithm are applied to two benchmark examples in literature. The simulation results show that the proposed model and hybrid algorithm are effective for short-term scheduling of multipurpose batch plants.