Pertamina EP Rantau Cuts Production Risks with USAT Technology

LANGKAT | INDATANEWS.COM – PT Pertamina Exploration & Production (EP) Rantau Field has successfully reduced production loss risks caused by sand intrusion by deploying the Ultimate Sand Trap (USAT) technology.

Sand Challenges in Aging Wells

According to Field Manager Tomi Wahyu Alimsyah, older oil wells often face sand contamination that rises with the production medium, damaging pumps and lowering crude oil output.

"USAT, developed in 2024, complements the 'We Are Fines' innovation introduced in 2023. Together, they significantly reduce sand-related issues," Tomi explained.

By September 2025, three wells in the Rantau Field were equipped with USAT, drastically lowering sand risks from 62 percent. In total, 29 wells using Electric Submersible Pumps (ESP) now benefit from this technology.

Industry Recognition for Innovation

The breakthrough earned the Pertamina EP Rantau team "PC Prove Alumni Pasir" the Platinum Award at the 2025 Upstream Improvement & Innovation Awards (UIIA) hosted by Pertamina's Upstream Subholding. The competition featured 108 top delegates from all units of the subholding.

Tomi emphasized that USAT demonstrates Pertamina EP Rantau's commitment to supporting national production goals.

"This achievement reflects the hard work of our Petroleum Engineering and Well Services teams, continuously driving innovation to maintain production."

Cost-Effective and Efficient

Developer Andi Surianto Sinurat highlighted USAT's affordability, costing around 3 million rupiah per unit with a one-year lifespan. The team can assemble the system using simple materials like drill heads, tubing, and wire in just three days.

"With minimal costs, we achieve significant results, including a 50 percent reduction in rig costs and 4 percent lower production losses," Andi added. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Darmailawati