A multiproduct batch plant design model incorporating production planning and scheduling decisions under a multiperiod scenario

• A novel MILP model involving different decisions levels in batch plants is proposed.
• Design, production planning, and scheduling are simultaneously solved.
• Seasonal or market fluctuations are taken into account in a multiperiod context.
• The plant operates using different production campaigns along each time period.
• Several trade-offs among the different involved decision levels can be assessed.

In this study, we propose a multiperiod mixed-integer linear programming model, which integrates several decisions related to multistage multiproduct batch plants. In general, plant designs are solved without considering operation decisions, whereas the proposed approach considers production planning as well as scheduling decisions. The time horizon comprises several periods where deterministic variations in prices, product demand limits, costs, and the availability raw materials are considered. The plant operates using different production campaigns throughout each time period. The proposed model allows the optimal plant structure (unit sizes and its duplication in parallel at each stage) to be obtained, as well as the detailed production plan for every time period. Thus, the proposed method allows assessments of the trade-offs between the different decision levels involved by considering fluctuations throughout the time horizon.