In line with efforts to expand the scope of its activity in offshore and onshore oilfields, the National Iranian Drilling Company will start operating its third domestically-manufactured drilling rig soon, the company’s managing director said.
“Fath 73 is the third hi-tech system made by the Tehran-based Academic Center for Education and will soon become operational in oilfields,” Hamidreza Golpayegani was also quoted as saying by IRNA.
The NIDC chief said the use of domestic firms’ knowhow, goods and services are high priorities for promoting knowledge-based firms.
Referring to the rig’s technical features, Golpayegani added that the system, built at a cost of $20 million, can dig up to 20,000 feet (6,000 meters).
With a height of 46 meters and a static load-carrying capacity of 500,000 kilograms, it is equipped with three pumps and a 500-ton top drive, a mechanical device that provides clockwise torque for drilling a borehole.
“Fath 72, completed in 2020, was the second rig manufactured by ACECR. The first [Fath 71] was delivered to NIDC in 2018 and the third (Fath 73) will be launched soon,” he said.
Golpayegani noted that collaborations with local firms have helped NIDC, a subsidiary of the National Iranian Oil Company, indigenize more than 20,000 pieces and parts over the last four decades.
The indigenized equipment, accounting for almost 80% of the industry's needs, include drilling mud pumps, blowout preventers, traction motors, draw-works, drilling fluid recycling systems, mission centrifugal pumps, top drives and drilling rig pressure systems, he said.
The state-run company is willing to expand its win-win cooperation with local manufacturers, as it not only helps NIDC meet its technical needs, but also obliges domestic firms to keep themselves updated and share their expertise.
Stronger Presence
According to Golpayegani, NIDC can have a stronger presence in offshore and onshore oilfields.
“Our drilling fleet is growing and making advances in technology. We had six drilling rigs in 1981, which has now reached 72. We will undertake more projects in the oil-rich regions, especially in Khuzestan,” he added.
The official said his company holds 70% share of the domestic drilling market.
According to Shahram Shamipour, an NIDC official, the company has allocated $50 million for upgrading drilling devices and equipment.
“Over 220 devices will be upgraded, including fluid pumps, chart recorders and generators,” he said, adding that funds will help provide services to relevant companies and reduce technical malfunctions.
Thanks to the skills and technical knowhow of NIDC engineers and their peers from private firms, several drilling devices and equipment were retooled and upgraded last year.
In the past, engineers and technicians had to be sent overseas for training.
NIDC plans to help boost production at 28 oil and gas reservoirs, including Balaroud, Bangestan Lali, Ramin, Sepehr, Siahamkan, Naftshahr, Gachsaran, Ahvaz and Maroun.
The global oilfield equipment market is forecast to reach $144.4 billion by 2027, according to a new report by Reports and Data.
Demand for oilfield equipment has been relatively high over the past decade because of increasing oil and gas extraction and oilfield activities globally.
Rising gas consumption is a significant factor driving demand for shale gas. Technological advancement in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing have enabled economic viability of shale gas production and accessibility to better and deeper shale gas deposits.
Founded in 1979, NIDC is conducting drilling operations for the National Iranian South Oil Company, Petroleum Engineering and Development Company, Iranian Offshore Oil Company and Iranian Central Oil Fields Company.
Besides drilling, it provides 30% of technical services to the oil industry, namely well logging, cementing and acidizing, drill stem test, well testing, training, development and general services.
NIDC has undertaken drilling work in Yaran, Yadavaran and Darkhoein oilfields in Khuzestan, and the Azar Oilfield in Ilam Province.
ACECR is a public non-governmental higher education institution established in 1980. It is involved in innovative research and development projects in scientific and tech areas plus real-world applications.
