Batch Scheduling Using Matrix Approach Under Supply Change

Batch processing is the predominant mode of production operations for the low volume manufacturing of chemical, polymers and food products. Batch processing can be classified as single product batch process or multiple product batch process. Single product batch process in which single product is produce as compared to multiple product batch process where more than one product is produced using the same batch facility in successive campaigns. More recent works have considered the more complicated cases of processes in which each of the products has its own production sequence and make use of processing units in different combinations. In batch processmg, the profitability in economics lies heavily on the scheduling of the production sequence. Scheduling optimization normally aimed at minimizing the makespan (i.e. completion time of the batch process.), leading to overall optimization of the production cost. The complication in scheduling is amplified when the feed change is taken into account. Disruption of feed typically requires a large amount of time to generate an optimal schedule. The proposed approach to address these issues in order to optimize batch production uses matrix to represent the batch recipes which is then solved optimal makespan based on a selected sequence. The arrangement of the matrix rows is according to the best sequence based on the availability or the disruption of supply. The user is then provided with production sequence options based on process requirement and supply