| Title | The Oldest Geothermal Production Pipeline in Indonesia |
|---|---|
| Authors | Nurul Izzah Shalsyadilla Tasya |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | Design, Operational Pattern, Steam pH |
| Abstract | The Kamojang area is PGE’s oldest geothermal site, where Pertamina’s first exploration activities were carried out in 1974. It is located within the Kamojang-Darajat Geothermal Working Area (WKP) in West Java Province, where five geothermal power plant (PLTP) units have been operating commercially since 1983. Steam is supplied through production pipelines that have been owned and operated by Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) for over 40 years without any significant damage. The longevity of these geothermal production pipelines is primarily influenced by three key factors: the Kamojang steam pH level consistently being above 4.4, robust pipeline design, and effective maintenance management, including regular inspections. The pipeline was designed to operate reliably for at least 30 years, in accordance with the steam supply contract with the power plant operator. The material used is specifically selected to ensure durability and resistance to hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). For maintenance, PGE implements a periodic inspection system based on Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) methodology. The structural integrity of the pipeline has been validated through RBI studies. Wall thickness was measured using an Ultrasonic Thickness (UT) flow meter, and the resulting data were analyzed based on RBI principles to estimate the remaining service life. This estimation is a critical input for assessing the likelihood of failure, which, when combined with the potential consequences, produces a failure risk value. An RBI assessment conducted in 2024 on the PL-401 production pipeline indicated that it still has a substantial remaining service life, with the potential to operate reliably for another 30 years. |