PT Elnusa Tbk is strengthening its contribution to national energy security through oil and gas well cementing services, a crucial aspect in supporting Indonesia's target of producing 1 million barrels of oil per day (BPH) by 2030.
Andri Haribowo, Operations Director of Elnusa, a subsidiary of Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE), explained that cementing is a mandatory process in drilling new wells that will be put into production.
" Cementing is not just a supplement, but a fundamental job," he told the media crew who visited Elnusa's Integrated Supporting Base (ISB) facility in Mundu, Indramayu, on Thursday (30/10).
Without proper cementing, he said, the wellbore risks collapsing and fluids from different layers — such as water, gas and oil — can mix, thus preventing the oil from escaping from the productive zone.
"Let's say a $3 million drilling project is targeted to produce 500 barrels, then the quality of the cement must be precisely suited to the characteristics of the well. Otherwise, production could fail completely," Andri said.
ISB Elnusa in Mundu is equipped with cementing laboratory facilities and a warehouse which is used for maintenance, care and conditioning of equipment before it is sent to the well location.
With this facility, Andri said, Elnusa ensures that every piece of equipment has gone through a rigorous calibration process, displays accurate measurements, and has a strength that meets international calibration standards.
He added that cementing is crucial in the oil and gas industry because it serves to bond the casing to the rock formation, prevent fluid migration between layers, and maintain the integrity and stability of the well. Therefore, a specific cement formula is required to suit the geological conditions of the well, such as CO2 or gas content.
Previously, cement formulation and testing were handled by third parties. Now, Elnusa has its own cement laboratory capable of designing formulas, testing strength, and ensuring quality meets industry standards.
