Simulação de operações de carregamento em um terminal de distribuição de combustíveis

Abstract

In this study, a computer simulation model is developed in order to replicate the fuel loading operations of a fuel distribution terminal, and the system’s behavior is studied under different scenarios, providing useful information to decision makers in projects that aim to increase operational efficiency or capacity to meet demand requirements. The whole loading process, starting at the instant that a driver arrives at the terminal until the truck is completely loaded and exits the terminal, is studied in detail and each stage of the process is statistically analyzed, which is then used to build the simulation model, using the FlexSim software. Among the tested alternatives, the flow rate increase is definitely the investment that can yield the best results if applied to gasoline and S-10 diesel. Adding a gasoline loading arm to one of the loading bays is also an advantageous option, although less impacting than the flow rate increase. It is also noted that using a heuristic method associated with a simple policy of allocation of trucks to loading bays can significantly increase the operational efficiency, even without involving larger investments such as the other proposed changes. The terminal’s capacity is analyzed and is shown to be suitable for current demand requirements, and experiments are made to estimate the maximum demand that can be met within regular hours and in another scenario where the terminal’s hours are extended.