By using cutting-edge technologies of startups, it is possible to enhance oil and gas output capacity from hydrocarbon reserves in abandoned wells, the head of the Oil Industry Technology and Innovation Park said.
“As soon as we get the approval of the Economic Council, several contracts will be concluded with the National Iranian Oil Company to both revive abandoned wells and increase production level from wells whose output have decreased,” Mohammad Esmaeil Kefayati was also quoted as saying by IRNA.
More than 500 knowledge-based firms are active in oil, gas and petrochemical sectors and taking advantage of their prowess can help reduce costs in the key industry, he added.
Kefayati said plans are underway to link startups with local oil and gas firms so that they can help minimize the risk of c ventures like applying modern enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and improved oil recovery (IOR) techniques that are crucial for increasing production.
Oilfield exploitation process can be divided into four stages, the last of which is characterized by a rather slow, gradual decline of oil production.
There are more than 5,500 oil and gas wells in 400 oil and gas fields of the country, some of which are under the late stage of development. This stage is associated with a number of challenges during the production and operation of reservoir fluids. The fluctuation in temperature and pressure and assessment of oil production rates are typical at this stage.
The official pointed out that drawing on the capabilities of knowledge-based companies, NIOC will be able to increase the annual production capacity to more than 80 million barrels of oil.
“The government is planning to offer tax and customs exemptions to high-tech firms, ease the cumbersome process of issuing commercial licenses, cut social security insurance costs, reduce the obligatory military service duration [for tech enthusiasts] and help empower innovative businesses,” he said.
According to Iran’s Research Institute of Petroleum Industry, affiliated with the Oil Ministry, two knowledge-based companies have recently signed contracts with RIPI to inject new technologies in the petrochemical sector.
The institute is planning to work with Azma Sanj Pishro Company (ASP) in Tehran to transfer the knowledge of water- and oil-based nanofluid production.
Technical Consultation
RIPI, in return, has committed to provide technical consultation and support, commercialize ASP’s petrochemical products, make research and development investments and expand the tech firm’s market.
The second contract was signed with Toftech company operating in Isfahan, the institute said.
Toftech’s major mission is the manufacture of advanced scientific devices used in laboratories, including mass and ion-mobility spectrometers.
Another knowledge-based company, based in Fars Province, has produced a special composite wrap to repair old oil, water and gas pipelines without taking them out of service.
Ali Elhamian, a member of the board of directors at Faratec Novin Parseh knowledge-based firm, a subsidiary of Farassan Manufacturing and Industrial Company, said the new, fiber-reinforced polymer composite is a permanent, cost-effective pipeline repair technology, suitable for defects such as pits, dents, gouges and external corrosion.
“The FRP composite can extend the lifespan of pipelines to 50 years,” he added.
This technique is rapid and less costly than other repair options and permanently restores the pressure-containing capability of the pipe when properly installed.
Elhamian noted that the composite wrap can serve as an alternative to the traditional pipeline repair practices such as pipeline replacement, or the installation of full-encirclement steel split sleeves.
Composite wrap systems allow pipeline repair without shutting down gas, oil or water flow, purging the pipeline, or cutting into the pipe.
Semi-Processed Products
According to Mohsen Khojastehmehr, the head of NIOC, about 50% of exports are unprocessed or semi-processed products, which is not acceptable for the country, so the use of knowledge-based companies in this field, in addition to generating value added, can create employment and earn revenues for the country.
Iran is striving to increase the export of oil and byproducts, despite sanctions imposed by the United States on Tehran's crude sales.
The US sanctions have made it impossible for international companies to cooperate with Iran. As a result, local firms and startups have been emerging to help address the oil industry challenges.
Knowledge-based companies and startups are expected to propose creative ideas for reducing production costs and boosting productivity in the key industry. The ministry’s Research and Technology Department is tasked with facilitating their activity.
“Startups have already indigenized key catalysts and essential equipment and parts for the petrochemical and drilling sectors,” he said.
According to Mohammad Sadeq Khayyatian, an official with Iran National Innovation Fund, due to its overdependence on oil revenues, Iranian governments did not pay attention to the revenue-generating potential of knowledge-based firms.
Khayyatian said that has now changed and Iran is increasingly counting on the technology ecosystem for creating wealth and the government is also increasing its financial support to knowledge-based companies.
