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.