The team consisted of Zahra Kania Larasati, Rasel Ahmad Madinal Ilmilah, and Naufal Calosa Putra Windhu. In this competition, the team participated in a fracturing fluid design competition sub-competition. The fracturing fluid design competition is a competition that requires participants to make the best fracture fluid design based on existing cases by considering environmental impact, efficiency, and the economy.

They proposed a fracturing fluid formulation suitable for the well in the case challenged. "We use a proppant in the form of PU-coated sand," said Kania. PU or polyurethane comes from palm oil that has been processed so that it can be used as a sand coating as a proppant that can keep cracks stay open until the fracturing process is complete.

The preparation for the competition itself started by the team during the university break. They held several online meetings while reading papers related to fracturing fluid.

The struggle in the midst of the distance limitation turned out to be fruitful. "We are grateful to be able to win second place at that time as a finalist. Finally, we focused on working on the essay in the final stage," said Naufal. However, the challenge that followed was not only distance, but also the need for a mentor. They finally got a mentor three days before the final essay submission.

The experience of competing in the final level gives a special impression for the team. "We have never won a fracturing fluid design competition such as this. Even though this is a new thing for us, we were able to become champions in this competition. This is a very memorable achievement," said Rasel.

Reporter: Raja Parmonang Manurung
Translator: Adisti Candraningtyas