Optimization of pressure relief header networks: a linear programming formulation

Abstract The problem of optimal design of a pressure relief header network is addressed using an alternative set of decision variables represented by the lengths of pipe segments having different standard diameters. Although these variables have been largely employed for water distribution network design, until the present moment, they have not been applied to the design of pressure relief networks. The proposed formulation results in a linear programming problem easily solved by standard procedures. This optimization scheme is applied to the design of a network example from the literature. The solution found has a lower cost when compared to previous results.