Long term turnaround planning for an oil refinery using a MILP model

Abstract

This study presents a discrete-time mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model to optimize long-term maintenance turnaround scheduling in an oil refinery focused on fuel production. Refineries are complex networks of integrated process units, and maintenance turnarounds, involving temporary shutdowns for inspection and repair, can significantly disrupt production and reduce revenues. The MILP model aims to minimize these disruptions by optimizing turnaround schedules while maintaining product supply and maximizing economic performance. The model incorporates flow, labor, resource, and planning constraints, allowing for different unit groupings and scenario simulations. Key outputs include the maintenance schedule, unit utilization rates, intermediate stock levels, production, manpower, and maintenance costs. The model serves as a decision-support tool for refining managers, enabling them to plan maintenance interventions that maximize operating profit while adhering to operational constraints.