Pertamina EP boosts production of aging oil wells

Pertamina EP, a subsidiary of state oil and gas company PT Pertamina, is taking measures to boost production of aging oil blocks through water flood pilot projects in Talang Jimar, Rantau and Nglobo in Cepu wells.

According to earlier estimate following a reservoir simulation, the Rantau, Talang Jimar and Cepu wells will produce additional 1.25 MMSTB, 282 MSTB and 174 MSTB.

The water flood project is aimed at increasing crude oil production through primary production process and zero discharge.

?The Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) will increase production and reserve level as well as the Health Safety Environment (HSE) through zero discharge,? Pertamina EP President Director EP Salis S Aprilian said after inaugurating the Water flood Start-up Pilot project in Prabumulih on Tuesday.

Aprilian said the company was facing mounting pressure to boost production but at the same time finding out no changes in the oil fields.

?I hope the EOR will result in something that can give us pride,? he said.

As a secondary recovery technique, water flooding is commonly employed. Such a method frequently includes incorporation of a water-soluble surfactant in the water flood liquid, which is injected into the petroliferous formation.

Pertamina EP has set a target of producing 128 MBOPD of oil and 1,096 MMSCFD of gas this year. The company has allocated Rp 8.6 trillion this fiscal year in investment. Last year it produced 127.1 MBOPD of oil and 1,043 MMSCFD of gas, generating Rp 5.2 trillion in income. (bernard)