Production Scheduling of an Emulsion Polymerization Process

Abstract

This paper describes a production scheduling model that can be run for an emulsion polymerization (EP) production process. This scheduling model is used to maximize the total profit of the production process by calculating a production plan which optimizes costs and profits. These costs include production, reactor cleaning, component storage and purchasing of raw materials. It is further noted that the model is structured as a State-Task Network. To ensure feasibility we have introduced new constraints for the task assignment. All coding was done in AIMMS.The model is tested with 2 case studies that represent an EP production process (A smaller and a larger problem), in which we have varied the process topology, the number of raw materials and products. In addition a solver comparison was done from which we found that GUROBI can handle the problem most effectively.