Tag: Petroleum Engineering

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Ivan Kurnia, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D.: Strengthening Chemical EOR Research and Energy Transition at OGRINDO ITB

Ivan Kurnia, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., peneliti senior OGRINDO ITB dengan pengalaman lebih dari 15 tahun di bidang teknik perminyakan, riset Chemical EOR, dan kolaborasi energi berkelanjutan.

With more than 15 years of experience in petroleum engineering, Ivan Kurnia, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D. is a Senior Researcher at OGRINDO ITB with a strong track record in Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) research, matureoil field revitalization, and Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS). He has produced numerous scientific publications in reputable international journals and has been actively involved in research projects and industry collaborations at both national and international levels.

Figure 1. Ivan Kurnia, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D. as Senior Researcher at OGRINDO ITB.

Educational Background

Dr. Ivan Kurnia pursued formal education in Petroleum Engineering through a strong and well-structured academic pathway. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering (S.T.) degree from Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), and subsequently completed his Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, United States—an institution well known for its excellence in reservoir research and enhanced oil recovery.

As recognition of his professional competence, Dr. Ivan has also completed the Professional Engineer Program in Petroleum Engineering at ITB, further strengthening his role as both an academic and a practitioner.

Research Expertise and Scientific Contributions

Currently, Dr. Ivan is actively engaged as a lecturer and researcher at Institut Teknologi Bandung, while also serving in a strategic role as Senior Researcher at OGRINDO ITB. His areas of expertise include:

  • Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), including surfactant formulation, interfacial tension (IFT) measurement, phase behavioranalysis, and coreflood
  • Revitalization of oil field mature
  • Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)
  • Reservoir modeling and simulation

Dr. Ivan’s research contributions have been published in various reputable international journals and global scientific forums, covering topics such as surfactant–nanoparticle synergy for EOR, salinity design in alkali-surfactant-polymer (ASP) flooding, and insights from surfactant–polymer and alkali–surfactant–polymer coreflood experiments. These publications serve as an important scientific foundation for the development of data-driven and practical EOR technologies.

Project Experience and Industry Collaboration

In addition to his academic activities, Dr. Ivan has extensive experience in applied projects and industrial services. He has been involved in various studies related to chemical EOR, CCUS, gas injection, and reservoir modeling, and has worked within multidisciplinary teams involving academics, oil and gas operators, and other stakeholders.

Figure 2. Dr. Ivan with the team during research discussions and coordination of industrial projects.

He also serves as the person in charge and manager of strategic laboratory equipment, such as gasflood systems and slim tube apparatus, which support experimental research activities and feasibility studies of EOR technologies at OGRINDO ITB. Through an approach that integrates fundamental research with field requirements, Dr. Ivan contributes to delivering innovative yet realistic technical recommendations that can be implemented by the industry.

Beyond his role in research and industry collaboration, Dr. Ivan Kurnia is also entrusted with an organizational role as Deputy Coordinator for Internal Audit. In this capacity, he contributes to strengthening governance, transparency, and accountability in the implementation of research activities and professional services, thereby supporting institutional sustainability and credibility.

Figure 3. Dr. Ivan conducting an internal audit at the Department of Petroleum Engineering.

Leadership Role and Global Contribution

Dr. Ivan’s commitment to the development of the energy community is reflected not only in his research activities but also in his leadership at the international level. In September 2025, he was appointed as the Chair of the Organizing Committee of the International Conference on Green Energy and Resources Engineering (ICGERE).

The conference serves as a strategic platform that brings together academics, industry practitioners, and policymakers from various countries to discuss technological innovation, resource management, and the future of sustainable energy. This role underscores Dr. Ivan’s capacity as a bridge between research, industry, and global energy policy.

Figure 4. Dr. Ivan during the International Conference on Green Energy and Resources Engineering (ICGERE) 2025, serving as Chair of the Organizing Committee.

Figure 5. Dr. Ivan serving as a moderator in a scientific forum, facilitating discussions and the exchange of ideas between academics and industry practitioners.

Strengthening OGRINDO ITB’s Role in Research and Energy Transition

With a combination of international education, more than 15 years of experience, reputable scientific publications, active involvement in industrial projects, and professional leadership, Ivan Kurnia, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D. stands as one of the key pillars in strengthening OGRINDO ITB’s research capacity and professional services.

Through a collaborative and science-based approach, OGRINDO ITB is ready to serve as a strategic partner for industry, government, and academic institutions in the development of EOR technologies, mature reservoir management, and energy transition initiatives. mature, serta inisiatif transisi energi.

đŸ“© Interested in collaborating with OGRINDO ITB?

Please contact us via email at info@ogrindoitb.com or visit www.ogrindoitb.com for more information.

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Training Surfactant Screening for EOR: Transforming Research Outcomes into Practical EOR Strategies

Kegiatan Training Surfactant Screening for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) yang membahas penerapan riset laboratorium Chemical EOR menjadi strategi EOR yang aplikatif bagi lapangan migas Indonesia.

Efforts to increase national oil and gas production amid the decline of existing field production require the application of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) technology that is increasingly mature, measurable, and research-based. In response to this challenge, the Training Surfactant Screening for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) was conducted on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, at Best Western Premier The Hive, Cawang, DKI Jakarta.

This training featured Ir. Mahruri, S.T., M.Sc., Project Manager of the EOR Laboratory ITB as well as a Researcher at OGRINDO ITB, as the main speaker. The activity was organized by KOPUM IATMI (Koperasi Jasa Usaha Mandiri Ikatan Ahli Teknik Perminyakan Indonesia) and was attended by professionals from Pertamina RTI.

This training served as a strategic momentum to enhance technical capacity and strengthen the competencies of petroleum professionals, particularly in supporting the development and optimization of EOR technology implementation across various oil and gas working areas in Indonesia.

Figure 1. Ir. Mahruri, S.T., M.Sc. delivering fundamental concepts of Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (C-EOR).

Urgency of EOR Implementation in Indonesian Oil and Gas Fields

In the opening session, Ir. Mahruri presented a comprehensive overview of the stages of oil production—ranging from primary recovery, secondary recovery, to Enhanced Oil Recovery. It was conveyed that although waterflood and gas flood methods have been widely implemented, a significant portion of oil remains trapped in the reservoir due to limitations of conventional displacement mechanisms.

In this context, EOR emerges as a strategic solution to:

  • Drain residual oil that is microscopically trapped,
  • Increase recovery factor,
  • Extend the productive life of existing oil and gas fields.

Globally, the contribution of EOR to world oil production continues to increase, particularly in countries with maturefields. Indonesia has significant potential to optimize EOR, especially Chemical EOR, in both sandstone and carbonate reservoirs.

Chemical EOR and the Strategic Role of Surfactants

The main focus of this training was Chemical EOR, with an emphasis on surfactant flooding. Fundamentally, Chemical EOR aims to modify the physicochemical properties of reservoir fluids and rocks through the injection of chemical agents such as alkali, surfactants, and polymers.

Ir. Mahruri explained that surfactants play a crucial role in:

  • Reducing the interfacial tension (IFT) between oil and water to achieve ultra-low IFT conditions,
  • Forming microemulsions capable of mobilizing residual oil,
  • Altering rock wettability (wettability alteration),
  • Improving displacement efficiency and imbibition processes.

The success of surfactant flooding is highly dependent on a comprehensive screening and laboratory evaluation process to ensure that the applied surfactants are truly compatible with reservoir characteristics.

Figure 2. The atmosphere of the Training Surfactant Screening for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) attended by oil and gas professionals from Pertamina RTI in Jakarta.

Surfactant Screening: From Concept to Laboratory Evaluation

One of the main strengths of this training was the in-depth discussion of the laboratory-based surfactant screening workflow, covering fluid–fluid and rock–fluidinteractions, as well as chemical performance in porous media.
Several key tests discussed included:

  1. CMC–IFT Test
    Determines the optimum surfactant concentration to achieve the lowest IFT value. An effective surfactant is expected to reach ultra-low IFT (<10⁻ÂČ mN/m) at an economically feasible concentration.
  2. Aqueous Stability Test
    Evaluates surfactant stability and compatibility in injection brine and native brine reservoir to avoid the risk of precipitation and plugging.
  3. Phase Behavior Test
    Assesses microemulsion formation (Winsor Type III) as the main indicator of surfactant effectiveness in mobilizing residual oil.
  4. Thermal Stability & Filtration Test
    Ensures surfactant stability at reservoir temperature and minimizes potential injectivity issues during the injection process.
  5. Wettability, Adsorption, and Imbibition Test
    Evaluates the ability of surfactants to alter rock wettability and minimize surfactant loss due to adsorption.
  6. Coreflooding and Micromodel
    Advanced stages to dynamically simulate surfactant performance in porous media while visualizing displacement mechanisms in two dimensions. displacement secara dua dimensi.

This series of tests emphasizes that Chemical EOR is not merely a chemical injection process, but an integrated scientific approach that must be supported by strong and representative laboratory data.

Bridging Research and Field Implementation

Through this training, participants gained not only conceptual understanding but also practical insights into how research outcomes and laboratory test results can be translated into EOR strategies ready for field implementation.

The discussion also addressed common challenges in Chemical EOR implementation, including:

  • Polymer adsorption and degradation,
  • Surfactant sensitivity to salinity and temperature,
  • Risks of plugging, scaling, and corrosion,
  • Economic considerations and surface facility readiness.

Various case studies and lesson learned from EOR implementations both domestically and internationally enriched participants’ perspectives on the complexity as well as the opportunities of this technology.

Figure 3. Group photo of the speaker and participants of the Training Surfactant Screening for EOR organized by KOPUM IATMI.

Opening Opportunities for Strategic Collaboration

Through this activity, OGRINDO ITB and the EOR Laboratory ITB reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the development of EOR technology based on research, laboratory testing, and close collaboration with industry.

Opportunities for collaboration are open for:

  • Research and development of Chemical EOR,
  • Surfactant screening and laboratory evaluation,
  • EOR feasibility studies,
  • Technical training and consultancy,
  • Industry–academia collaborative projects.
Figure 4. Certificate handover to participants of the Training Surfactant Screening for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) as a form of technical competency strengthening.

đŸ“© Collaboration contacts:

OGRINDO ITB: info@ogrindoitb.com
EOR Laboratory ITB: labifteoritb@gmail.com

This training serves as a tangible example of how synergy between research, laboratories, and industry can accelerate the adoption of practical, effective, and sustainable EOR technologies to support national energy security.

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Optimization of Enhanced Oil Recovery Using Low Salinity Water and TiO₂ Nanofluid in Sandstone Reservoirs

Microscopic background image of TiO₂ nanoparticles with an overlay title: ‘Investigation of crude oil–brine–rock interaction using low salinity water and TiO₂ nanoparticles,’ highlighting research implications on surface charge and interfacial properties. Includes the OGRINDO ITB logo and a call-to-action button that reads ‘Explore the research findings.

The application of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) technology continues to be a strategic focus in efforts to increase national oil production, especially in reservoirs that have entered the late stage of their productive life. One EOR method that is currently gaining attention is the use of Low Salinity Water (LSW) as an injection fluid. Several studies have shown that low-salinity brine is able to mobilize residual oil more effectively compared to brine with high salinity.

Recent research indicates that the effectiveness of LSW can be further enhanced through the addition of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles. This study becomes important because experimental data regarding the compatibility and synergistic mechanisms of both in the crude oil–brine–rock (COBR) system are still limited.

Figure 1. Illustration of crude oil–brine–rock (COBR) interaction in the LSW–TiO₂ study.

Why Does Low Salinity Water Become More Effective with TiO₂ Nanoparticle?

Recent laboratory studies investigated crude oil–brine–rock (COBR) interactions within a salinity range of 500–32,000 ppm and TiO₂ concentrations of 0–100 ppm using sample from Berea sandstone. The results show that the addition of TiO₂ into LSW induces significant physicochemical changes, particularly in pH, zeta potential, and contact angle parameters, which directly influence the mechanism of oil detachment from the rock surface.

This combination produces an effective LSW–TiO₂ nanofluid capable of altering the rock wettability toward a more water-wet (wettability alteration). In water-wetconditions, the rock surface is more easily wetted by water, allowing oil that was previously strongly attached to the pore surfaces to move and be produced more efficiently.

Figure 2. Changes in zeta potential (ZP) values at various TiO₂ concentrations and salinity levels.

Implications for EOR

Findings from this study show that the combination of LSW and TiO₂ nanoparticles has significant potential for optimizing the EOR process in sandstonereservoirs. Modifications of interfacial properties—particularly through changes in wettability—emerge as the main mechanism supporting enhanced oil mobilization.

This study also demonstrates that the tested TiO₂ concentrations provide consistent physicochemical responses, opening opportunities for designing more optimal injection fluids to maximize oil recovery.

In addition to offering a fundamental understanding of fluid–rock interactions under low-salinity conditions, the results of this research provide new direction for developing more effective LSW–TiO₂ nanofluid formulations for field applications. Further studies, such as coreflooding,, are planned as the next step to validate the implications of these findings on direct oil recovery improvement.

🔗 Access to the Published Paper

Interested in understanding the mechanisms, experimental data, and complete analysis in greater detail?
The paper can be accessed here.

đŸ€ Research and Industry Collaboration

OGRINDO ITB welcomes collaboration opportunities for further research and industrial partnerships in the fields of EOR, nanotechnology, and reservoir chemistry.
Contact us at: đŸ“© info@ogrindoitb.com

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Hands-on Laboratory Training on Chemical EOR at Lab EOR ITB: Bridging Knowledge, Industry, and Innovation

Hands-on Laboratory Training Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (CEOR) di Lab EOR ITB, kolaborasi dengan OGRINDO ITB menghadirkan pelatihan praktis bagi profesional industri migas.

On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Enhanced Oil Recovery Laboratory of Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), in collaboration with Oil and Gas Recovery for Indonesia (OGRINDO) ITB, successfully conducted the Hands-on Laboratory Training Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (CEOR). This event served as an important platform for industry professionals and academics to gain a deeper understanding of Chemical EOR metode through direct laboratory practice.

The main activities in this Hands-on Laboratory Training Chemical EOR were Screening Polymer and Surfactant Formulation, carried out intensively at the EOR Laboratory ITB. Participants not only learned the theoretical foundations but also conducted a series of comprehensive laboratory tests to evaluate the performance of chemical EOR under various reservoir conditions.

Figure 1. Training participants listening to the instructor’s explanation of Chemical EOR at Lab EOR ITB

Training Details

  1. Screening Polymer

In this session, participants conducted several key tests to assess polymer performance, including:

  • Fluid–Fluid Compatibility Test: viscosity measurement, polymer–water compatibility, filtration ratio, screen factor, and thermal stability test
  • Rock–Fluid Compatibility Test: static adsorption test, dynamic adsorption test and IPV, as well as injectivity test (RF and RRF)
  • Coreflood Test: the test of tertiary oil recovery to evaluate the potential improvement of oil recovery
Figure 2. Surfactant testing session: participants engaged in an interactive discussion with the instructor on laboratory testing methods

2. Surfactant Formulation Lab Test

This session focused on surfactant formulation under various laboratory conditions, including:

  • Fluid–Fluid Compatibility Test: uji kompatibilitas surfaktan dengan air, IFT test, phase behavior test, IFT thermal stability test, and filtration test
  • Rock–Fluid Compatibility Test: wettability test, static adsorption test, dynamic adsorption testoil field revitalization, and capillary desaturation curves (CDC) test
  • Coreflood Test: the test of tertiary oil recovery test to evaluate the effectiveness of surfactants in mobilizing residual oil.
Figure 3. Laboratory practice session: participants conducting direct fluid–rock compatibility testing

Through this series of tests, participants gained hands-on experience in CEOR laboratory evaluations using methods applied globally in the oil and gas industry. This further strengthens the position of Lab EOR ITB as a research and training center equipped with facilities and expertise capable of addressing the real needs of Indonesia’s petroleum industry.

Training Participants

This training was attended by professionals from various national oil and gas companies, namely:

  • Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE) – including PHE OSES, PHE ONWJ, and PHE SHU SDRE
  • Pertamina EP (PEP) – including PEP Zone 7
  • Pertamina Hulu Mahakam (PHM)
  • Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR)
  • Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI)
Figure 4. Group photo of Hands-on Laboratory Training Chemical EOR participants at Lab EOR ITB.
Figure 5. Chemical EOR training participants at the Faculty of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, ITB.

Impact and Benefits

Through this hands-on experience, participants not only enhanced their technical skills, but also gained strategic insights to support increased recovery factor and the sustainability of Indonesia’s energy sector.

With complete laboratory facilities and the support of experienced experts, Lab EOR ITB together with OGRINDO are ready to become strategic partners for the oil and gas industry in developing and implementing Enhanced Oil Recovery in Indonesia.

This training is a tangible form of collaboration between OGRINDO ITB and Lab EOR ITB in strengthening human resource capacity in the oil and gas sector. It provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of Chemical EORimplementation, from laboratory scale to field applications.

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Four Trapping Mechanisms: How CO₂ Stays Safely Locked Underground

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) in Indonesia explained with trapping mechanisms, global case studies, storage potential, and OGRINDO ITB services to support Net Zero Emission

Climate change caused by the increasing CO₂ emissions is a major challenge we face today. To prevent its impact, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) emerges as a proven safe solution to store CO₂ deep underground. CCS not only prevents emissions from reaching the atmosphere, but also becomes an essential foundation of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)—a pathway that allows CO₂ emissions to be transformed into valuable opportunities.

Figure 1. General scheme of a CCS project: starting from capturing CO₂ emissions, transportation, to permanent storage beneath the earth’s surface (Ali et al, 2022)

Four CO₂ Trapping Mechanisms
The long-term security of CO₂ storage is ensured by four natural mechanisms that complement each other over time:

  1. Structural Trapping
    CO₂ that moves upward due to density differences will be stopped by the caprock. Since gas density tends to be smaller than oil and water, CO₂ gas will gradually move in a vertical direction. To ensure CO₂ remains trapped within the formation, caprock yang cukup reliable, with extremely low permeability and wettability that favors strong water wet conditions.
  2. Residual Trapping
    A portion of CO₂ is trapped within the rock pores as small immobile bubbles. This mechanism provides long-term storage stability.
  3. Dissolution Trapping
    CO₂ dissolves into formation water and forms a carbonate solution with a density heavier than the other fluids present in the formation, thus tending to sink downward and reducing the risk of CO₂ leakage.
  4. Mineral Trapping
    Dissolved CO₂ reacts with rock minerals (Ca, Mg, Fe) and forms solid carbonate minerals such as calcite or magnesite. This is the most permanent form of storage because CO₂ transforms into new stable rock over thousands of years.

These mechanisms work in layers: structural and residual provide immediate protection, while dissolution and mineral ensure long-term security. Together, they create a multi-layered line of defense that guarantees CO₂ remains safely stored for centuries.

Figure 2. Layered contribution of CO₂ trapping mechanisms that complement each other over time, ensuring storage security across generations.

CCS as the Foundation of CCUS
Understanding these four mechanisms helps us see that CCS is a crucial first step in the journey toward CCUS. Without secure storage, it is difficult to develop large-scale CO₂ utilization. Through CCS, CO₂ is not only safely stored underground, but also opens opportunities for reuse—for example in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) as part of the CCUS solution.

đŸŒ± This Is Just the First Step
In the next episode, we will discuss how CCUS transforms CO₂ from a burden into a valuable resource, driving industrial innovation and accelerating the transition to cleaner energy.
✹ Keep following our article series, and be part of the journey toward a low-carbon future.
đŸ“© Contact us: info@ogrindoitb.com
🌐 Learn more: www.ogrindoitb.com

Reference:
IPCC, 2005: IPCC Special Report on Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage. Prepared by Working Group III of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Metz, B., Davidson, O., de Coninck, H.C., Loos, M., and Meyer, L.A. (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA, 442 pp.

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PVT 300/700 FV EDU: An Educational and Reliable Solution for Industrial-Standard Reservoir Fluid Property Analysis

PVT 300/700 FV EDU – educational reservoir fluid analysis tool with full visibility cell, 300 ml capacity, and 700 bar pressure, used for PVT experiments in academic and research laboratories

In the petroleum industry, understanding reservoir fluid characteristics is a crucial step in designing efficient production strategies. To meet this need, PVT 300/700 FV EDU is presented as an educational tool with industrial standards, capable of performing various essential experiments on crude oil, volatile oil, and gas condensate.

Figure 1. PVT 300/700 FV EDU apparatus with a capacity of 300 ml and pressure up to 700 bar

🔎Why Choose PVT 300/700 FV EDU?

PVT 300/700 FV EDU is specifically designed for educational purposes, but it retains analytical capabilities equivalent to our flagship product, PVT FV. The difference lies in the reduced pressure/volume ratio and lower automation level (automatic rotating mechanism, automated pneumatic valves).

đŸ”č Full Visibility Cell: All analysis processes can be directly observed through a full-capacity visual cell, providing an interactive and in-depth learning experience.

đŸ”č Multifunctional and Highly Precise: This tool can be used for various essential types of experiments, such as:

  • Constant Compositional Expansion (CCE)
  • Constant Compositional Depletion (CCD)
  • Separator Test
  • Differential Vaporization
  • Fluid Envelop Phase
  • Constant Volume Depletion (CVD)

🎯Measurement Accuracy

PVT 300/700 FV EDU is designed to deliver precise and reliable data, with the following measurement specifications:

  • Pressure: 0,1 bar
  • Temperature: ±0,1°C
  • Liquid deposit: 0,005 ml
  • Bubble/dew point repeatability: ±0,35 bar
  • Resisting corrosive abilities CO₂ and H₂S

⚙Key Technical Specifications

  • Maximum Pressure: 700 bar
  • Maximum operating temperature: up to 180°C
  • PVT cell volume: 300 ml
  • Visual Volume: 300ml

PVT 300/700 FV EDU is equipped with a digital data acquisition and processing system, calibrated pressure and temperature sensors, as well as automatic valves and a control panel. These features make it ideal for use in academic laboratories, petroleum research centers, and technical training institutions.

đŸ§Ș OGRINDO Personnel Are Trained in Operating PVT 300/700 FV EDU

As part of OGRINDO’s commitment to ensuring internal technical competence, our personnel have participated in intensive training for operating the PVT 300/700 FV EDU facilitated by Petroleum Engineering Study Program, Bandung Institute of Technology. This training provided hands-on experience in operating the tool and understanding its application in practical reservoir fluid analysis.

👉 For complete training information here.

Figure 2. Training session on the PVT 300/700 FV EDU with researchers and representatives from Sanchez Technologies

🌟 Innovation in PVT Learning

With PVT 300/700 FV EDU, OGRINDO presents a practical learning tool that bridges theory and real-world application in the oil and gas industry. Gain hands-on experience in observing fluid phases, analyzing PVT properties, and understanding reservoir dynamics comprehensively.

Contact us for a tool demonstration or educational collaboration offer!
📧 Email: info@ogrindoitb.com

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A research consortium under Petroleum Engineering ITB focused on advancing oil and gas recovery technologies and supporting the energy transition in Indonesia

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