Exclusive Interview: Fauzan Rofiq of PT igus Indonesia in Conversation with Zakaria Abidin, Top Drive Superintendent at PT Pertamina Drilling Services
Pertamina, officially known as PT Pertamina (Persero), is an Indonesian state-owned oil and natural gas corporation headquartered in Jakarta. The company was established in August 1968 through the merger of two earlier entities, Pertamina (founded in 1961) and Permina (founded in 1957). Pertamina is crucial in Indonesia’s energy sector, managing activities from upstream exploration and production to downstream refining and distribution. The company is structured into several sub-holdings, each focusing on different aspects of the energy industry, including upstream operations, gas, refinery and petrochemicals, power and new renewable energy, commercial trading, and integrated marine logistics. Pertamina’s history is deeply intertwined with Indonesia’s national development. Initially, it was created to manage oil fields in Sumatra, but later, it expanded its operations nationwide. Over the decades, Pertamina has been instrumental in ensuring energy availability across Indonesia and has contributed significantly to the country’s infrastructure and economic growth.
1. Can you describe your initial challenges before implementing igus® chainflex® cables and energy chains® in your operations?
Before implementing of chainflex® cables and energy chains®, the primary challenge faced was the frequent short circuit issues within the service loop on the top drive at Pertamina. This not only led to operational downtimes but also incurred significant expenses due to the extensive replacement process and the high cost of the replacements themselves. The adoption of igus® solutions aimed to address these critical reliability and cost efficiency concerns in the operations.
2. How has the integration of igus® chainflex® cables and energy chains improved the efficiency of your drilling services?
The integration of igus® e-loop has significantly enhanced the efficiency of our drilling services. The streamlined installation process is a major benefit, as it reduces setup time and minimizes potential errors. Additionally, the incorporation of the e-loop into our service loop has resulted in a tidier arrangement, which not only improves the appearance but also contributes to better organization and reduces the risk of damage during operation.
This orderly setup ensures that our equipment operates more reliably, leading to fewer interruptions and a more efficient drilling process overall.
3. In terms of durability and reliability, how do igus® products compare to previous solutions you have used?
When discussing the durability and reliability of igus® products, it’s noteworthy to mention the e-loop system. This particular product stands out in comparison to previous solutions due to its unique design that incorporates a single-core cable within the e-loop ring. This design choice contributes significantly to the overall reliability of the system, offering a robust solution that enhances performance and longevity.
The e-loop’s innovative approach to cable management ensures a secure and stable connection, which is essential in dynamic applications where consistent operation is critical. This advancement represents igus® commitment to developing products that not only meet
but exceed expectations in terms of durability and reliability.
4. Can you provide specific instances where igus® chainflex® cables and energy chains significantly benefited a drilling project?
For instance, the E-loop system has been a game-changer, particularly for the installation of rigs on the top drive. Its innovative design not only streamlines the setup process but also accelerates the overall rigging work. This results in a significant reduction in downtime and increases the productivity of drilling operations.
The E-loop’s ability to manage cables and hoses effectively ensures that they are protected during the rigorous movements of drilling, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the equipment and the safety of the operations.
5. How has the customer support from igus® impacted the implementation and maintenance of their products?
The customer support provided by igus® has been instrumental in both the implementation and the maintenance phases of their product lifecycle. They have established a responsive and efficient system for addressing any issues that arise. This includes handling complaints and non-conformities related to the e-loop, ensuring that any concerns are not only heard but
also acted upon promptly. This level of support has significantly enhanced the overall customer experience with igus® solutions.
6. Have you noticed a reduction in maintenance costs or downtime since switching to igus® chainflex® cables and energy chains?
Indeed, the adoption of igus® e-loop has led to a noticeable reduction in cable replacement costs. This is primarily because it eliminates the need for a cable clamp, which in turn minimizes the damage typically associated with service loops, resulting in lower overall maintenance costs compared to previous solutions.
7. Could you share details on the longevity and performance of the chainflex® cables and energy chains in the demanding environments of drilling services?
Certainly! igus e-loop stands out. It’s designed to endure the stresses of such environments, and its durability is evidenced by its performance at Pertamina, where the e-loop has been operational for over a year without any significant wear and tear. This indicates that the e-loop not only meets but potentially exceeds the lifespan of previous service loop top drives, maintaining its condition and suitability for continued use in demanding settings.
8. What feedback have your technicians and engineers provided about working with igus® solutions?
In regions like Indonesia, where high humidity levels can lead to equipment corrosion, it’s crucial to select materials that can withstand such conditions. Technicians and engineers have found that working with igus® products allows for a proactive approach to this challenge.
By collaborating with the igus® team, they’ve been able to replace vulnerable parts, particularly in the bolt and nut areas, with materials that offer better resistance to corrosion. This not only enhances the longevity of the equipment but also ensures its reliability and performance in demanding environments.
9. Are there any particular features of the chainflex® cables and energy chains that stand out in supporting your daily operations?
The collaborative effort between igus® and Pertamina, ensures a tailored fit to our specific requirements. This partnership approach to installation has allowed for seamless integration of the chainflex® cables and energy chains into our operations, without any particular feature overshadowing another in terms of importance.
10. How do igus® products align with the safety and environmental regulations at PT PERTAMINA?
igus® solutions are designed to meet stringent safety and environmental regulations. The innovative e-loop system simplifies installations at height by reducing the need for technicians to work at elevated positions for extended periods. Traditionally, service loops required the installation of clamp cables, which was a time-consuming process. With the e-loop system, a simple shackle installation is sufficient, enhancing safety and efficiency on-site.
11. Can you provide any data or metrics that highlight the benefits of using igus® products in your drilling operations?
For instance, the compact design of the cable top drive significantly minimizes the risk of entanglement or obstruction within the tower. This not only enhances the safety of the operations but also streamlines the process. Moreover, the efficiency of igus® products is evident during the installation phase of the rig up top drive, where the setup time is reduced by 3 to 4 hours.
This reduction in time leads to a more efficient operation, allowing for quicker transitions and less downtime. Such metrics underscore the tangible benefits that igus® products bring to drilling operations, optimizing both time and safety.
12. Looking forward, how do you see igus® products continuing to play a role in the growth and development of PT PERTAMINA Drilling Services?
In the context of PT PERTAMINA Drilling Services’ ongoing growth and development, igus® envisions a significant role for its products. The company recognizes the challenges posed by the aging cables at Pertamina, which are likely to cause issues due to wear and reduced service life. Igus® Indonesia is confident that it can offer solutions through its range of durable and reliable products, designed to address, and prevent such problems, ensuring smoother operations and potentially reducing maintenance costs and downtime in the long run.