Application of Discrete Event Simulation in LPG Storage Operation and Optimization
In this paper, we present an application of discrete event simulation in Liquid Petroleum Gases (LPG) storage operation and optimization. The proposed solution consists of Witness simulation model supported by MS Excel for data loading and outputs upgrading. The solution upgraded into the form of LPG Storage Simulator (LPG SIM) adopts the principles of agent-based modeling and is suitable to support the decision making in LPG manufacturing, storing and distribution supply chain optimization. We apply our simulator to identify possible capacity constraints of LPG storage and expedition area owned by two operators (petrochemical company SYNTHOS Kralupy, a.s. and crude processing company ESK RAFINRSK, a.s. (CRC) connected with planned intensification of LPG manufacturing. With help of LPG SIM we test 4 different varieties differing in the total amounts of products flowing from the CRC Fluid Catalytic Cracking unit to LPG storage and expedition area equipped with the rail way tank cars (RTC) loading and road tank-trucks (RT) loading terminal. For each simulated variety we specify the requirements on storage and expedition capacities ensuring the smooth product flows through the LPG storage area, gasoline blending requirements and the requirements on products expedition in RTC and RT.
Keywords: Supply Chain Management, Agent-Based Modeling. Discrete Event Simulation, Logistics
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ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Jakub Dyntar
Jakub Dyntar received his Ph.D. in Chemical and Process Engineering, Economics and Management from Institute of Chemical Technology Prague (ICT) in June 2009. He is currently Assistant Professor at the Department of Economics and Management of ICT and the head of its logistics consulting team. In his work he focuses on the applications of discrete event simulation in supply chain modelling and on the forecasting and stock management of products with intermittent demand.
Ivan Soucek
Ivan Soucek received his Ph.D. in Chemical and Process Engineering, Economics and Management from Institute of Chemical Technology Prague (ICT). He is currently Assistant Professor at the Department of Economics and Management of ICT and in his work he focuses on supply chain modelling and financial and risk analysis.
Ivan Gros
Ivan Gros is currently the Professor at the Department of Economics and Management of ICT Prague. In his work he focuses on supply chain management and operational research. He is the founder of the Czech Logistic Association and the guarantee of many international scientific conferences.
Jakub Dyntar
Jakub Dyntar received his Ph.D. in Chemical and Process Engineering, Economics and Management from Institute of Chemical Technology Prague (ICT) in June 2009. He is currently Assistant Professor at the Department of Economics and Management of ICT and the head of its logistics consulting team. In his work he focuses on the applications of discrete event simulation in supply chain modelling and on the forecasting and stock management of products with intermittent demand.
Ivan Soucek
Ivan Soucek received his Ph.D. in Chemical and Process Engineering, Economics and Management from Institute of Chemical Technology Prague (ICT). He is currently Assistant Professor at the Department of Economics and Management of ICT and in his work he focuses on supply chain modelling and financial and risk analysis.
Ivan Gros
Ivan Gros is currently the Professor at the Department of Economics and Management of ICT Prague. In his work he focuses on supply chain management and operational research. He is the founder of the Czech Logistic Association and the guarantee of many international scientific conferences.
