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Block S, located in the Central Sumatra Basin, includes the B field, known for its heavy oil from the Duri and Bekasap formations. The oil has a pour point of 90°F and an API gravity of 15-18. The wells are shallow, with low bottom-hole temperatures of 80-110°F and pressure of 80-100 psi. These conditions lead to high oil viscosity and low well productivity.

To address this, huff and puff (cyclic steam injection) is commonly used to improve production. In 2024, during the transition of operatorship to our company, production in the 90 wells B field declined due to halted well stimulation. To restore performance, our team quickly reactivated the huff and puff program, customizing treatments based on well performance, production patterns, and surveillance data. Wells were grouped into clusters to identify those needing more frequent or intensive steam injection, allowing for a tailored approach.

This customization helped improve production efficiency, optimize resource use, and refine models for predicting huff and puff effectiveness in the B field. Economic evaluations were also conducted to balance recovery gains with investment costs, ensuring a sustainable approach to heavy oil recovery.

These field experiences highlight strategies for overcoming challenges in heavy oil operations, offering valuable insights for other operators managing similar fields.