Progress Reaches 64.75%, Balongan RDMP Installs Preflash Column
Balongan, December 23, 2021 – Pertamina has proven its dedication in implementing the National Strategic Project related to the Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP) in Balongan through scoring vital project milestones. In mid-December 2021, PT Refinery Pertamina Internasional (PT KPI,) through the Balongan Project, installed the "Preflash Column," core equipment in the Balongan RDMP. It functions to separate light fractions (offgas and naphtha) from crude oil. The installation of the Preflash Column is an important milestone in the Balongan RDMP Phase 1, which will increase the processing capacity of the Balongan Refinery from 125 thousand barrels per day to 150 thousand barrels per day and support the country's energy security. Meanwhile, in Phase 2, the Balongan RDMP aims to improve product quality. Therefore, it is equivalent to Euro V, which is more environmentally friendly.
General Manager of the Balongan Project, Nugroho, said the installation of the Preflash Column contributed to the positive progress of the Balongan Phase 1 RDMP, which in December 2021 had reached 64.75%. "The installation of the Preflash Column is an important stage of upgrading the CDU (Crude Distillation Unit) in the refinery. Currently, the capacity of the CDU is 125 thousand barrels per day. Through the RDMP project, production capacity is targeted to increase to 150 thousand barrels per day," explained Nugroho.
According to Nugroho, the Preflash Column equipment installed was a domestic product made by state-owned PT Boma Bisma Indra as part of the RDMP Balongan's commitment to increasing the absorption of the Domestic Component Level (TKDN).
Considering the vital function of Preflash Column equipment in RDMP Balongan, the installation process is carried out with strict quality control from technical and safety aspects. Even though it is included in the Long Lead Item (LLI) equipment (equipment that generally requires very long delivery times for projects), domestically made Preflash Columns can be installed on time. The Preflash Column installation procedure is carried out with careful planning by experts. The Preflash Column is the main equipment in the Balongan RDMP project with dimensions of 33.56m long, 5.142m wide, and weighing 72 tons.
"Stage of installing Preflash Column with tag 11-C-106 on track, on target. After arriving at the end of November 2021, the Balongan RDMP team moved quickly to dress up and insulation until December 14, 2021. So, on December 15, 2021, the Preflash Column was successfully installed," said Nugroho.
Balongan RDMP Exceeds Project Target
As of December 2021, the realization of the Balongan Phase 1 RDMP has reached 64.75%. It exceeds the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) realization target set by the PT KPI Balongan project team. Nugroho explained that to accelerate the Balongan RDMP, PT KPI's Balongan project team carried out several strategies.
The first strategy is to accelerate engineering for equipment included in LLI. It includes core equipment in RDMP Balongan, such as Preflash Column and Preflash Condenser Drum. PT KPI's Balongan project team also conducts intensive negotiations with partners to ensure timely delivery. The second strategy is monitoring. The Balongan project team of PT KPI conducts intensive supervision for materials that have the potential to experience delays in the manufacturing process.
To support the on-stream target of RDMP Balongan Phase-1 in 2022, PT KPI's Balongan project team has compiled several milestones that will be completed. "After installing the Preflash Column, our team will move quickly to carry out TA Mechanical as well as Commissioning and Start-Up," said Nugroho. In addition, PT KPI's Balongan project team will increase focus in preparing CSU readiness to achieve a safe and smooth system completion.
PT KPI's Corporate Secretary, Ifki Sukarya, stated that the acceleration strategy carried out by PT KPI follows the Balongan RDMP Project objectives. "The Balongan RDMP project aims to increase the processing capacity of the Balongan refinery from 125,000 barrels per day to 150 thousand barrels per day and improve product quality to meet EURO V standards, which are more environmentally friendly," said Ifki Sukarya. Another goal is to increase the complexity of the refinery by adding more conversion units to produce high-value products. Lastly, the RDMP Project is expected to increase the flexibility of crude processing (crude oil) to process sourer crude. The products produced from RDMP Balongan include Solar, Premium, Pertalite, Pertamax, and Pertamax Turbo.
"Representing Pertamina, we ask for the support of all stakeholders. Therefore, PT KPI can continue the Balongan Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP) Project achievements. PT KPI's spirit in overseeing this project is not only profit-oriented but also to ensuring energy security in Indonesia and providing a significant socioeconomic impact through the absorption of TKDN," concluded Ifki Sukarya.**