The Mud Innovation Competition provided a platform for students to innovate in formulating optimal drilling mud for the oil and gas industry. Participants were given a case study and tasked with developing solutions while considering well conditions, mud properties, sustainability aspects, and project cost efficiency. The competition consisted of two stages, including a preliminary round requiring an essay submission and a final round involving a proposal and a presentation before a panel of judges on Saturday (22/2/2025).

The ‘King Ciheulang’ team innovatively utilized sawdust waste to achieve minimal filtrate loss and a thin mudcake. Additionally, their biomass waste-based mud program offered a sustainable solution, as it could be reused with quality adjustments or, if not, could be easily processed without posing environmental hazards.

Akhmat Fauzan shared that the team gained extensive knowledge beyond their academic curriculum, particularly about the oil and gas drilling process. They learned about drilling stages, the role of mud in well stability, cuttings transport, and the overall mud circulation system during operations. Guided by Haryo Pandu Winoto, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., the team acknowledged that they still have much to learn regarding case-solving materials.

"Always stay curious, always be willing to learn new things—even if it's tough at first. Build the best and most comfortable team, find a relevant mentor, give your best effort, seek your parents’ prayers, and always be grateful," said Fauzan Arkadani.

Reporter:  Luisa Carmel - Mahasiswa Teknik Kimia, 2021
Translator: Indira Akmalia Hendri