Determination of optimal campaign for batch chemical plants by a minimax algebra model

A minimax algebra model of batch plants is presented which extends previous results with respect to parallel processing, material stability and storage policies. The deterministic model permits the explicit evaluation of the timings of all interacting, asynchronous and concurrent events and of a variety of production performance measures. Using these models, an optimal campaign (number and type of batches, their sequence, equipment allocations and times of all tasks in a periodic operation) is determined so as to maximise an economic performance measure. Results, calculated by simulated annealing, show that the more efficient production lines and those which can be operated simultaneously are selected in the optimal campaign.