Depok, August 16th 2023. The Student Team of the Department of Chemical Engineering (DTK), Faculty of Engineering (FT), Universitas Indonesia (UI), designed a drilling platform (rig) for oil and gas drilling in the East Natuna sea that is more efficient in cost, time, and space. The rig, which was initiated by FTUI students, uses equipment that is efficient and costs less than other rigs in general. In addition, it is designed with a technology system that can reduce carbon emissions.
“This rig is specifically designed to operate effectively in challenging terrain, in this case we took the East Natuna Sea location as an example. We carefully select high-performance equipment for rig structures, drilling and power systems to ensure optimal fit. The rig design that we made places great importance on safety. One of the issues with drilling in Natuna itself is the high levels of CO2 and H2S which can cause accidents. Therefore, we seriously pay attention to the importance of preventing possible accidents, including explosions that might occur, by using the latest and most advanced technology to overcome this possible danger,” said Azwir Al Kapi Dheazki Putra, one of the team members.
The rig design was named PADEEM, which is also the official name of the student design team. Together with Azwir, the PADEEM Team consists of DTK FTUI students class of 2020, which were Fikri Eli Rosady, Muhammad Fachry Arrifqi, Patrick Lim Batara Theofillus, and Porkhas Khasogi Kansond.
PADEEM is also designed to provide time, cost and space efficiencies. To achieve cost efficiency, MHWirth cranes with construction beam legs were used, which are not only cheaper but also better than other technologies.
The rig is equipped with the Unitong system, which is an all-in-one system that requires less human intervention, less equipment, and provides faster connections, resulting in reduced Non-Productive Time (NPT). This rig also requires less space, thereby further reducing costs. It also uses a crane with smaller dimensions compared to other high-efficiency cranes so that there is more space on the rig floor.
“The rig we designed is also equipped with a horizontal drilling system that can reach up to 2000 feet and is capable of producing optimal amounts of hydrocarbons. With the aim of adapting to environmental conditions in East Natuna, the rig is also designed to withstand sea waves by providing the best anti-corrosion treatment,” said Patrick.
In the PADEEM design, the height of the drill tower is lower than that of a normal tower, reducing disturbance from wind and waves. With sufficient storage of fuel, water and other necessities, this rig is designed to be built and used in remote areas, such as East Natuna.
Dean of FTUI, Prof. Dr. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU., said, “FTUI students’ innovation in designing an efficient oil and gas drilling tool is making UI really proud. Not only do they demonstrate an in-depth understanding of engineering, but they are also able to come up with creative solutions that save money, time and space in vital industries such as oil and gas. This kind of collaboration reflects FTUI’s commitment to producing graduates who make a real contribution to technological progress and societal development.”
Thanks to this PADEEM design, the five students won First Place at the 2023 Petroleum Integrated Days (Petrolida) Oil Rig Design Competition which was announced at the end of May. This competition was organized by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) ITS Student Chapter and Pertamina EP Cepu. In this competition, participants wree asked to design an oil and gas drilling platform that best suits the given case study in terms of Structure, Drilling, Power, and Economic Feasibility.
