Balikpapan Refinery SF-05 Production Increases by 23%

Balikpapan, March 10, 2023 - Pertamina through PT Refinery Pertamina Internasional (KPI) Balikpapan Unit continues to improve its capabilities. One of them is by increasing the high-value production, namely Smooth Fluid (SF)-05. In 2022, production reached 140 thousand barrels. This figure increased by 23% from the previous production, which reached 113.5 thousand barrels.

"The SF-05 product is one of Balikpapan refinery's superior products. Smooth Fluid is used in drilling activities with a hydrocarbon basis as a mud drilling component. Meanwhile, the number five refers to the refinery unit that produces it," said Area Manager Communication, Relations & CSR of PT KPI Unit Balikpapan, Ely Chandra Warinangin, Wednesday (08/03).

According to Chandra, this increase in production is also a sign that the SF-05 product has an increasing market share.

"The increase in production indicates that this product is increasingly accepted by consumers as a good quality product. This product is mainly used by the Pertamina Group, which is engaged in the upstream sector," said Chandra.

SF-05 has special characteristics, including non-corrosive and compatibility with drilling equipment, good stability and does not oxidize easily under various operating conditions, good safety on work equipment, good security in mud areas, and good stability for long-term storage.

"The SF-05 product is also proof of refinery competence in supporting the operation process in the upstream oil and gas sector. Moreover, we know that the drilling process is a high-risk job that requires high-quality materials," Chandra explained.

SF-05 has been produced at the Balikpapan Refinery since 2007. This product also has other advantages, including being environmentally friendly because of its low aromatic content, safe to use, saving other additives, compatibility with various drilling conditions, competitive price, and guarantees good supply.

As a local product, the use of the products will also increase the level of domestic product usage. "Besides the proven reliable in supporting the drilling process, the SF-05 use as a local product could increase the domestic product use, especially in the oil and gas industry," concluded Chandra.