BPMIGAS involves IPB in surfactant EOR

By Godang Sitompul

Upstream Authority BPMIGAS chose Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) to involve in the pilot project of enhance oil recovery (EOR) in Tanjung field of Rantau Block owned by PT Pertamina EP in South Sumatra. The EOR pilot project will use surfactant, which is developed by IPB from the crude palm oil (CPO).

?After seeing the results that they have achieved in laboratories, we decided to involve IPB in the project,? BPMIGAS Assesment and Development Division Head Ira Miriawati told Petromindo.com in Jakarta over the weekend.

According to BPMIGAS Deputy Chairman Hardiono, such EOR trial project will be conducted in three fields, namely Minas owned by Chevron, Kaji owned by Medco, and Tanjung owned by PT Pertamina EP.

"Until now, the chemical-based EOR technology had been only conducted in laboratories. Only this year that it will be conducted in the oil fields,? said Hardiono.

Pertamina EP stated last week that as part of its enhanced oil recovery (EOR) program this year, it is preparing a field trial of the use of chemical in Tanjung field in South Sumatra in August.

It said it was in cooperation with a number of universities including Bandung Institute of Technology, Bogor Institute of Agriculture, Gajah Mada University, and UPN Jogyakarta, to evaluate results of the company?s EOR program.

The EOR programs will be prioritized in the following fields, namely Rantau (surfactant chemical injection), Tempino (water flooding), Kenali Asam (water flooding), Bajubang (surfactant chemical injection), Limau (Alkaline surfactant polymer), Talang Jimar (water flooding), Jabibarang (CO2 flooding), Nglobo (water flooding), Kawengan (water flooding), Bunyu (water flooding), and Tapian Timur (water flooding).

Editing by Benget Besalicto Tnb.