Asso. Drilling Engineer

Worked as an Asso. Drilling Engineer, I have been involved in developing aerated drilling fluid for Geothermal wells projects. Geothermal formation has different characteristic comparing oil and gas formation. Geothermal mainly has igneous rock while oil and gas mostly sedimentary rock. The Geothermal well drilling process is basically similar to the process of drilling the wells of oil or gas. Formation pressure found in geothermal drilling is smaller than the hydrostatic pressure of the mud used when drilling. Therefore, when drilling mud is applied, its pressure will exceed the formation pressure. Then drilling mud will be lost and enter to the formation itself.

For the drilling team, understanding pore and fracture pressure is the key to optimize the aerated drilling implementation. Aerated fluids is common remedy for lost circulation in geothermal drilling. The bottom hole pressure (BHP) or ECD is to be maintained such that it will ‘balance’ the pore pressure. The utilisation of aerated fluids allows for full circulation of drilling fluids and drilling cuttings back to the surface while drilling through permeable formations. During the planning phase, software and formulas spreadsheet were used to model the pressure profile.

I have an experience to work in drilling engineering area (office and site). I have got to spend several weeks working on a land drilling rig. On my first day, I was introduced to the whole team and got an insight of what it really means to put safety first. I also learnt about the nature of office and site work, which, I believe, will help me decide on my future plans. I was working with projects that take months to complete and use the most advanced technology in the industry.  This was the first time I had to actively think about the task at hand and use all my knowledge. I also noticed how software engineers work at a typical engineering job. It was an amazing experience and great to meet all the people who work at drilling rig in the different locations. I am very grateful that I was offered this incredible opportunity.

Pertamina Drilling Way

This morning, I read an article on the “Energia” which discusses about the Pertamina’s journey to create drilling standardization for all Pertamina’s subsidiaries. An oil and gas industry relies on the sophistication and success of drilling operations. In other words, there has never been an oil and gas natural resource obtained commercially without drilling. Drilling operations is a vital role to continue the plan of the subsurface team (Exploration), so that oil can be lifted to surface to be produced. Without these activities, the presence of petroleum and gas cannot be proven and produced to the surface. It also needs a high investment. To rent a rig only, for example, reaches 30 thousand dollars per day. In additions, the rig performance is depends on its maintenance. Therefore, an appropriate inspection must be done regularly.

So, what is “Pertamina Drilling Way”? Pertamina Drilling Way (PDW) as part of Priority Initiative made by Pertamina’s Upstream Directorate in order to improve drilling performance. The PDW is summarized in a guidebook as a guide to standardizing the upstream director’s subsidiary drilling activities. For example, most drilling designs are carried out according to the company custom. They might claim it as a best practices for their field case which is (sometimes) contrary to engineering aspects. The last two cases are the most valid examples. One overseas, namely, the incident in the Gulf of Mexico which makes BP almost bankrupted. One more from within the country, namely the Lapindo case, a heartbreaking tragedy that has hitherto have not ended yet.

PT Pertamina (Persero) needs a great miles to compile Pertamina Drilling Way (PDW). PDW does not automatically guarantee an increase in production. It only makes sure the drilling goes according to the plan and run safely. There is no case in the middle of the drilling operations, the rig was damaged which makes the activities had to be stopped due to the technical/non-technical issues. So far there are three companies that carry out these guidances, namely PHE, PGE, and PEP. From this fact, it is clear how important and central a drilling activity is to bring Pertamina into operational excellences.

Reference:
Energi Asia (Energia), Edisi Tahun I Volume 10
 

Welcoming 2020 without New Year’s Resolutions

It is a new year full of new challenges whether we want them or not. I don’t do New Year’s Resolutions because it only remains me to saying “I wish” instead of saying “I will”. Sometimes, I stubbornly do the opposite of what anyone tells me to do, even if that person is me. This is a reason why the new year’s resolutions are quickly forgotten for me. I believe in making goals and working towards them not just because of a New Year. It is like a something that you actually have to do (or it is your last day) in life. But, I am open to new challenges and new experiences. I challenge myself to learn at least one new skill, and the financial management is the biggest skill that I have to developed this time. I’m going to start putting more money (even if its Rp 10,000) into savings/investing and keep track of my purchases.

There are so much happening in 2020 and we’re still just 5 days in. First, 12 non-stop rain made Jabodetabek almost sink on the very first day of 2020. Australia fires that destroyed more than 1,300 homes. China claims over Natuna Sea and Soleimani assassination that breaking our hearts. This is probably not the best beginning ever. I hope every each of us will try to reflect more and… stay safe. God is always with you.

…but still Happy New Year…