TopTank
Dynamic simulationDynamic simulation
A generic model of a terminal has been built with open source software Python using the Salabim module. Salabim is used to model and simulate all kinds of discrete processes. As the objects defined within the model interact dynamically, the simulation reflects reality very well. Entities arrive in queues and waiting times are recorded.
Within the generic model for terminals vessels (barges, trains and trucks) arrive according to a predefined schedule or stochastic arrival process. These vessels occupy equipment (tanks, jetties, jettylines, connection lines, headers and pumps) that are necessary to fulfil their objective: loading or discharging a certain amount of product to a certain tank of a certain customer. When occupied, this equipment can not be used by other vessels, thus creating queues and waiting times. Occupancy rates of equipment are recorded.
Objectives
The objectives of using a simulation model for terminals are:
Terminal infrastructure
With the aid of tables the complete terminal infrastructure is recorded in the model: tanks, berths, jetty lines, pumping platforms, pumps, pumpheaders, headers and connection lines. The model contains a navigation system that determines all possible routes between tanks and berths and puts them in a table. When a vessel arrives the most optimal available route for pumping the product is chosen from this table. All equipment that is part of this route is occupied when the pumping starts. When putting together the route table the navigation system takes into account constraints like a maximum number of pieces of equipment, use only equipment of the same product group and use a suction and a pressure connection. The simulation model reads this route table before a run is started.
Input
A model of a terminal is constructed by filling the generic input tables on the website or uploading .csv files. The TopTank simulator has been built in Python and consists of the infrastructure of the terminal, the generation of Modes of Transport (MOT can be ships, trains, trucks and pipelines) and a planning module.
Settings
Infrastructure
From input tables the simulator will construct all possible line-ups on the terminal. The input consists of the following tables:
MOT generation
MOT can be generated by using historical data, by random generation and by a combination of both. The input consists of the following tables:
If interested in using the model,
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Results
The model output consists of logfiles with timestamps generated per single MOT and equipment. From these logfiles all possible management information can be created. The usual KPI’s in the dashboard are:
Especially the waiting time for infrastructure should be paid attention to as this time can mostly be reduced by simple and inexpensive measures. In most times investment in an extra jetty can be postponed.