Scheduling Operations in a Flow Network with Flexible Preventive Maintenance: A (max, +) Approach

The following work proposes a (max,+) optimization model for scheduling operations on an oil seaport considering flexible maintenance activities on valves. The work is based on previous results for the same case study, where fixed maintenance was studied in the framework of scheduling oil transfer operations through a pipeline network. The case study is a Venezuelan seaport for oil export and real operational constraints and goals are modeled. Results corroborate the drawbacks that arise when considering fixed maintenance in the system. Moreover, the adjustments made to obtain a model considering maintenance relaxation are straightforward and intuitive. Some linear representations of the problem are also explored through prioritization of certain tasks.