The High-Price Oil Company owns a pipeline network that is used to convey oil from its source to several storage locations. A portion of the network is as follows:

Due to the varying pipe sizes, the flow capacities vary. By selectively opening and closing sections of the pipeline network, the firm can supply any of the storage locations.

Develop the maximal flow model for this pipeline system with every details including decision variables, objective function, and constraints? (35)

What is the maximal flow for this pipeline system? (35)

If the company has to dismiss either 3-5 or 3-6 pipeline, which one do you suggest to be dismissed to have the minimum loss with the maximal flow of the system? Why? (30)

Note 1: Parts 2 and 3 need Excel Solver.

Note 2: Type the model related to part 1 in the text-entry, then upload the screenshots of your excel sheets related to parts 2 and 3. Part 2 needs one screenshot and part 3 needs 2 screenshots each one related to each model (dismiss either 3-5 or 3-6 pipeline). Then type your answer to part 3 that which pipeline should be dismissed and why.

Note 3: Upload all 3 excel files into the drop box.