Publications

This paper highlights the significant impact of flocs, emulsions, and slurry in Produced Water Treatment facility at Pertamina Hulu Kalimantan Timur's Lawe-Lawe Terminal. A comprehensive analysis of the complex interactions among produced water, flocs, and emulsions reveals their detrimental effects on water treatment and oil recovery efficiency. The findings underscore the urgent need for innovative solutions to mitigate these challenges and ensure safe oil recovery operations, thereby contributing to the advancement of sustainable offshore oil processing.

To address these issues, we introduce the PROFESOR (Processing Flocs, Emulsion, and Slurry for Oil Recovery) method—a novel approach that synergistically integrates six innovations to optimize oil recovery. This method combines a flocculant–coagulant mix, a floating oil skimmer, an oil collector, repurposed tanks, chemical–thermal–mechanical processes, and upgraded heating equipment, yielding significant improvements in oil recovery efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. The method offers a scalable solution for mature facilities, enhancing both sustainability and production efficiency.

Our analysis demonstrates that the PROFESOR method can increase oil recovery by an average of 223 barrels oil per day. This innovative approach not only enhances efficiency and reduces costs but also promotes environmental sustainability, offering a valuable framework for optimizing oil recovery operations in the oil and gas industry.