The maximum time limit is the maximum amount of time a single algorithm is allowed to execute. The time limit is expressed in seconds. Currently, the time limit is only used to terminate the two and three exchange algorithms if they have exceeded the time limit after one complete iteration, i.e. after all possible two or three exchanges have been tested. So it is possible that the execution time of the improvement algorithm is actually larger than the time limit specified. The time limit is also used to terminate combination algorithms such as All Graph, All Layout, and All Combo Algorithms if the combination algorithm has exceeded the time limit after a component algorithm.