REFINERY PRODUCTION PLANNING & SCHEDULING
From Economic Planning to Practical Operating Schedules
Effective refinery planning requires a clear connection between economic objectives and operational reality.
DSCS provides production planning and scheduling solutions that help refineries evaluate operating strategies, optimize resource utilization and translate high-level plans into practical operating schedules.
Production Planning
Refinery planning evaluates the economically optimal way to operate the refinery over a defined planning horizon.
Our planning solutions can consider:
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Crude selection and crude blending
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Refinery throughput
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Process-unit utilization
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Product yields
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Product blending
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Product specifications
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Feedstock availability
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Product demand
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Inventory requirements
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Market prices
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Operating constraints
The objective is to identify an operating strategy that maximizes economic value while respecting the physical limitations of the refinery.
Production Scheduling
While the LP model provides the strategic planning direction, scheduling translates this plan into a more detailed operating sequence.
Scheduling can address:
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Unit operating sequences
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Tank availability
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Inventory movements
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Material transfers
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Product movements
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Operational constraints
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Timing and duration of activities
This creates a practical connection between refinery planning and day-to-day operations.
LP Planning and Scheduling — Working Together
Linear Programming
Economic optimization of the refinery operating strategy.
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Production Plan
Definition of the preferred operating targets and product slate.
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Scheduling
Translation of the plan into detailed operational activities.
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Execution
Implementation and monitoring of the operating schedule.
Benefits
A well-integrated planning and scheduling process can help refineries:
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Improve operating margins
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Optimize crude and feedstock selection
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Increase utilization of available capacity
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Improve inventory management
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Reduce logistical constraints
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Respond faster to changing market conditions
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Improve coordination between planning and operations