The specialized Pasargad Energy Flow Assurance Laboratory was inaugurated on Saturday, December 20, at the Institute of Petroleum Engineering, University of Tehran, with the aim of developing advanced technologies and enhancing the productivity of oil wells.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Ali Aghamohammadi, Head of the Economic Affairs Office of the Supreme Leader, Bijan Zanganeh, former Minister of Petroleum, Mohammad-Hossein Omid, President of the University of Tehran, Mehdi Ghasemieh, Head of the University of Tehran Technical Campus, Mojtaba Shariati Niasar, Head of the Institute of Petroleum Engineering, Alireza Sadeghabadi, CEO of Pasargad Energy Group, along with a number of experts and faculty members.
Rapid Launch of a Strategic Laboratory Praised
Ali Aghamohammadi praised the rapid establishment of the laboratory, stating that it was launched much faster than the usual timeline of executive and construction projects, describing this approach as commendable.
Referring to oil as the country’s most important resource, he noted that in the Vision 1430, currently under development, Iran aims to reach a daily oil production capacity of 7.4 million barrels and increase natural gas production capacity by 50 percent, capacities which already exist within the country.
He emphasized that Iran’s main challenge is not a lack of capital, but insufficient investment, adding that if policies are designed so that public investment in oil becomes more profitable than investment in gold, public savings would naturally flow into the oil sector.
Aghamohammadi also proposed the establishment of a Strategic Oil Think Tank at the University of Tehran, in collaboration with Pasargad Energy Group, to address national oil-related challenges through knowledge-based solutions.
Knowledge-Based Production Law Facilitates University Research Support
Mohammad-Hossein Omid, President of the University of Tehran, highlighted the opportunities created by the Knowledge-Based Production Leap Law, stating that despite initial tax-related concerns among companies, a memorandum of understanding signed between the Minister of Economic Affairs, the Vice President for Science and Technology, and the Ministers of Science and Health has facilitated the use of tax credits to support university research activities.
Simulating Real Oil Well Conditions
Mehdi Ghasemieh, Head of the Technical Campus, explained that the laboratory was established through an investment of 50 billion rials for building renovation and infrastructure upgrades, along with USD 31,000 worth of advanced equipment, and became operational within nine months.
He noted that most of the advanced equipment has been localized by domestic knowledge-based companies.
Highlighting the laboratory’s unique capabilities, Ghasemieh stated that unlike conventional laboratories that operate on short pipe lengths of 6 to 10 meters, this facility can simulate fluid flow in pipelines ranging from 50 to 100 meters, enabling highly realistic studies of ultrasonic waves, chemical inhibitors, and water cut phenomena. This allows for precise solutions to prevent asphaltene deposition and equipment corrosion.
Oil Production Sustainability Depends on This Laboratory’s Innovations
Ahmad Mohammadi, CEO of Pasargad Exploration, Development and Production Company, emphasized the laboratory’s critical role in addressing reservoir pressure depletion, noting that many Iranian oil reservoirs are currently experiencing pressure drops that lead to oil reaching the bubble point and forming asphaltene deposits.
He warned that this phenomenon threatens approximately 300,000 barrels per day of oil production, particularly in the strategic West Karun fields (Darkhovin, Azadegan, and Yadavaran). Given that drilling each well in these regions costs between USD 15 to 20 million, the value of the laboratory’s data in protecting national investments is substantial.
Mohammadi added that Pasargad plans to increase production in the Sepehr and Jofeir fields from 65,000 to 110,000 barrels per day, with 80 percent of this increase dependent on fields affected by asphaltene challenges. He stressed that production sustainability and development goals are directly tied to the scientific outcomes and technological solutions provided by this laboratory.
Advanced Asphaltene Deposition Study System Launched
In the first phase of the center, an advanced system for studying asphaltene deposition under real production conditions was designed, manufactured, and commissioned simultaneously with the laboratory’s inauguration.
By simulating tubing and reservoir rock conditions, the system enables precise analysis of the location and volume of asphaltene deposition under high pressure and temperature. It also allows accurate injection of live oil, chemical inhibitors, and water cut control, while adjusting outlet pressure to replicate real downhole conditions.
The data generated by this system will play a vital role in chemical design, flow behavior prediction, and operational risk reduction.