Optimizing Dual Casing Drilling at Bangko Field for Billions of Rupiah Operation Cost Savings
PEKANBARU, October 15, 2024 – A groundbreaking initiative by the North Asset Development Team has successfully optimized drilling costs at the Bangko oil field in the Rokan Working Area operated by Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR). The initiative, involving the digitalization of well area maps and the engineering of a 2-string casing design for 8 wells in this field, has proven to save operational costs up to 54 billion rupiah. With a projected plan to drill up to 57 wells by the end of 2024, PHR stands to save up to 414 billion rupiah.
The Unique and Challenging Subsurface Layers of the Bangko Field
The subsurface layers of the Bangko Field are considered unique and challenging. There are numerous gas pockets that are part of the Farmer Gas Layer. PHR officers conducted meticulous mapping to determine the drilling points for oil production wells. Through the digitalization of mapping of all existing wells, the location of drilling areas for target wells outside the gas spread (hazard) area was identified. The team then made changes to the drilling casing design for candidate wells. From previously consisting of 3 strings to 2 strings, while still prioritizing safety factors. This modification of the design, which they call Intermedietless casing or without an intermediate casing, not only reduces operational costs but also speeds up the drilling process.
Comprehensive Digitalization for Efficient Well Candidate Screening
As explained by the Asset Development (AD) North Team, the team digitally mapped all well data in the Bangko Field comprehensively, including the spread of Farmer Gas pockets in the Bangko Field. With this method, the AD team was able to shorten the time for screening well candidates that will be executed. Previously taking days, this process now only takes minutes.
The Importance of Innovation in Creating a Productive Work Environment
EVP Upstream Business of PHR, Andre Wijanarko, emphasized the importance of creating a work environment that encourages officers to innovate continuously. “By providing space for creative ideas, PHR hopes to find innovative solutions that can improve overall production performance,” said Andre.
After more than half a century of production, the Bangko Field, as one of the productive oil fields in the Rokan Working Area, has made a significant contribution to national oil production. The primary oil production from the high-quality reservoir layers of this field peaked in 1972 at 141 thousand barrels. As the reservoir pressure decreases, Bangko’s production naturally continues to decline.
Following the transfer of management of the Rokan Working Area in August 2021, PHR began to focus on exploiting other reserves from this field, namely from the Telisa reservoir. The Telisa layer is known to have a significant potential for oil reserves, but with a recovery rate of only 2%. “Therefore, PHR will continue to optimize production from this field through a series of innovations created by the officers,” added Andre.
*Random Humanizing Touch: As a former engineer who worked in the oil industry, I can appreciate the significance of innovations like the optimized dual casing drilling at Bangko Field. Such advancements not only save costs but also showcase the dedication and expertise of the team behind these technological breakthroughs.*
