Publications

The Bekapai field is an offshore field discovered in 1972 and lies 15 km from the mouth of the Mahakam River delta in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Despite being a mature field with its associated limitations, Bekapai is still producing at 85 MMSCFD and 9500 BOPD (as at 26 November 2016). Bekapai gas production is planned to be further increased to 100 MMSCFD. Prior to execution of this planning, the Field Operations team shall ensure that the gas and oil will be produced and transported safely along the pipeline network and through process equipment. A review of existing facilities capacity was performed to challenge the design limit without jeopardizing safety (mini-debottlenecking) and proper inspection and maintenance planning was performed to ensure the integrity of the existing installation. The “mini-debottlenecking” effort includes: 1. Re-visiting and upgrading the design capacity of the HP Separator which was initially designed for 60 MMSCFD with intensive review of separator nozzle limitation (as it limits the maximum flowrate of 60 MMSCFD at certain pressure) and routine UT monitoring at inlet of this HP separator. 2. Maximizing HP gas production through the 12” BA-SWPK pipeline (main route to deliver HP gas to Senipah). Initially, the 12” BA-SWPK pipeline was designed for 60 MMSCFD gas. Currently, this line has been operated at 65 MMSCFD gas without any significant thinning on pipeline departure and arrival side. 3. Optimize production through the 12” BP1-SNP pipeline, i.e. to deliver around 35 MMSCFD and 9300 BOPD liquid without slugging issue at arrival (strictly-monitored step by step ramp-up). 4. Maximize LP production through 8” BA-BP1 LP piping (where whole Bekapai liquid and LP gas is flown) with close monitoring of the pipe vibration. 5. Maximize LP compressor feed from 10-11 MMSCFD to 15 MMSCFD with close supervision from maintenance mechanics (subject to engine power limitation). 6. Upgrade capacity of each platform – which was initially limited to 50 MMSCFD by cold vent capacity – to 60 MMSCFD based on radiation and dispersion criteria with good vent tip integrity through visual inspection result. This”mini-debottlenecking” effort is strengthened by the excellent inspection and maintenance team, resulting in the Bekapai field being able to maximize its gas and oil production.