Petropars Launches Field Operations for Intelligent Pipeline Inspection Across Iran's Transmission Network
Following the completion of preparatory activities and the commencement of field operations for its inline pipeline inspection projects, Petropars Operation and Management Company (POMC), the operations arm of Petropars Group, has officially launched the field phase of its intelligent pipeline inspection program across the country's transmission network. The initiative forms part of Petropars Group's broader strategy to expand its technical and engineering services, enhance the safety of Iran's energy transmission infrastructure, and strengthen domestic capabilities in pipeline integrity management.
According to the Public Relations and International Affairs Department of Petropars Group, Dr. Hamidreza Saqafi, CEO of Petropars Group, emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring of energy transportation infrastructure, stating:
Oil, gas, petroleum products, and petrochemical pipelines constitute the backbone of the country's energy industry. Ensuring their safe and reliable operation requires the application of modern inspection technologies, continuous monitoring, and preventive maintenance. From this perspective, intelligent pipeline inspection is not merely a technical operation; it represents a key component of the oil industry's broader strategy to reduce operational risks, improve the reliability of the transmission network, and safeguard national assets."
Dr. Saqafi added:
In recent years, Inline Inspection (ILI) using intelligent inspection tools has become one of the principal methods for assessing pipeline integrity throughout the global energy industry. These smart tools travel through pipelines with the product flow, collecting highly accurate data on pipe wall conditions, pipeline geometry, and potential defects. The resulting information enables operators to make better-informed maintenance decisions, prioritize corrective actions, and improve overall operational safety."
The Petropars CEO noted that the Company's entry into the intelligent pipeline inspection sector is a natural extension of its strategy to diversify its portfolio of specialized technical services.
Over the past years, Petropars has gained valuable experience through the execution of major oil, gas, and petrochemical projects. Today, the Group is leveraging that experience to expand into advanced engineering services. The launch of the field phase demonstrates that this program has successfully progressed beyond the preparation and mobilization stage and has now entered full-scale implementation on the country's transmission pipelines."
Dr. Saqafi further emphasized that the development of strategic technologies and the localization of advanced engineering services remain among Petropars Group's key priorities.
Within this framework, our objective has been to ensure that intelligent pipeline inspection projects extend beyond equipment procurement. By relying on the expertise of Iranian specialists, fostering technological collaboration, and facilitating the transfer of operational knowledge, we are building sustainable national capabilities in pipeline inspection and integrity management."
Highlighting the contribution of these projects to the safety of Iran's energy infrastructure, Dr. Saqafi stated:
The more accurate the information available on pipeline conditions, the better operators can plan preventive maintenance and reduce unplanned shutdowns. Intelligent pipeline inspection enables the early identification of defects, prevents the escalation of damage, and supports more effective operational risk management."
Amir Naseri-Rad, CEO of Petropars Operation and Management Company (POMC), outlined the measures taken to initiate the field phase of the projects.
Following the arrival of specialized equipment and the finalization of the relevant contracts, field activities have commenced, including route surveying, high-precision DGPS mapping, identification of pig launcher and receiver stations, and preparation of o perational sections of the pipelines."
He added:
intelligent pipeline inspection is a structured engineering process. Before deploying the primary inspection tools, the condition of the pipeline, the route, station facilities, and operational readiness must be thoroughly evaluated. In subsequent phases, geometric inspection tools such as EGP will be used to detect deformation, while advanced technologies including Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) and Transverse Field Inspection (TFI) will assess pipe wall integrity, corrosion, and other potential defects."
Concluding his remarks, Naseri-Rad stated:
In addition to creating a new business area for Petropars Operation and Management Company, these projects will contribute to the expansion of the domestic inline inspection services market, enhance the safety of the national energy transmission network, and
strengthen the role of Iranian technical expertise in delivering advanced engineering services to the oil and gas industry."