Iran’s oil sector relies on a number of large and medium-sized oil fields, mostly located in the oil belt in western and southwestern Iran. Each field plays a key role in energy supply, oil exports, and regional development. The Aban field is one of the most important fields in Ilam Province; its development has attracted considerable attention in recent years and has significantly contributed to the increase in oil production in western Iran
The Aban oil field is of paramount importance to the Iranian oil industry due to its favorable geological conditions, high-quality crude oil, strategic location, and proximity to other major oil fields such as Paydar-e Gharb , Defloran , and Cheshmosh. With the participation of numerous Iranian companies, Iran has implemented a large-scale development plan to increase the field’s production, thereby establishing a solid foundation for its future development.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Aban oil field, including reservoir characteristics, production methods, production capacity, challenges, economic importance, and future development trends.
1. Introduction and geographical location of the Aban oil field
The Aban oil field is located in the Ilam province of southeastern Iran, near the city of Dehloran. This region is considered one of the most productive oil areas in western Iran and contains several active oil fields.
Especially Aban Square:
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Near the Bidar West and Cheshmosh Square areas
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Near the border between Iran and Iraq
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Furthermore, it is located near important facilities and pipelines in the west of the country.
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This geographical location helps to reduce the costs of oil production and transport, and also facilitates the implementation of oil production projects.
2. History of the discovery and development of the Aban oil field.
Exploration of the Aban oil field began several years ago with the expansion of seismic and geological surveys in the western and southwestern regions of the country. Initial seismic survey results indicated that the area contained structures suitable for the accumulation of oil and gas.
Subsequently, exploratory drilling confirmed the presence of economically viable oil reserves, and the field entered the development phase. In the following years:
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New production wells were drilled.
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The construction of the power transmission line is complete .
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The establishment of the operational department is complete.
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The necessary facilities for oil extraction and processing were also installed.
Development in this sector has accelerated over the last decade as part of a plan to increase oil production in the west of the country. This plan is being implemented in cooperation with Iranian companies to increase production rates and capacity.
3. Geological features and properties of sedimentary rocks
The Aban oil field, like other oil fields in the Zagros region, is characterized by a compact geological structure and rich oil deposits. Among the most important of these deposits are:
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Asmari
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BTS
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Sarok
These oil fields are among the most productive in Iran and are characterized by the following key features:
3.1. Sufficient porosity and permeability
These properties ensure the natural flow of oil into the reservoir and enable economical extraction.
3.2. Oil with the corresponding API value.
The oil extracted from the Aban field is typically of light to medium quality and is therefore ideally suited as a raw material for local refineries, especially in the west and south of the country.
3.3 Acceptable normal blood pressure
During the first years of operation, the pressure in the reservoir was high, so the oil was extracted naturally.
3.4. Integrated and scalable warehouse structure
This measure will enable the Abanskoye oil field to increase its production capacity in the future.
4. Production capacity of the Aban oil field
The Aban oil field is one of the most important oil fields in Ilam province and contributes significantly to oil production in western Iran. Its production volume depends on the number of wells, maintenance programs, reservoir pressure, and the equipment used.
The importance of apanthen production can be summarized in the following points:
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Oil deliveries to refineries in the west and south.
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This center complements the locations of the De Gea and Baydargalp centers.
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Development of the export potential of the country’s western region.
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Support for the development of the oil industry in the province of Ilam.
Due to the implementation of new development projects, an increase in production is expected at the Abanskoye oil field in the coming years.
5. Extraction methods and technologies
In the Abanskoye oil field, modern and traditional oil production methods are combined, with the specific methods being determined based on the characteristics of each well and field.
5.1 Natural Production
In the initial phase, the natural pressure in the tank is sufficient, so no auxiliary equipment is needed during the production process
5.2. Use of the ESP pump
Due to the decreasing natural pressure in the reservoir, submersible pumps (SEPs) are frequently used in oil wells.
5.3. Gas or water injection
Some oil wells require water injection to maintain pressure and prevent production declines. Extensive research has been conducted in this area to improve oil extraction methods.
5.4 Modification of the ground equipment
In recent years, production facilities, pipelines and processing plants have been modernized to improve the productivity of the oil field.
6. Problems faced by companies in the Aban oil field.
Like any active oil field, Aban faces challenges that must be overcome to ensure sustainable production.
6.1 Pressure loss in the tank
As production increases, the natural pressure of the oil reservoir decreases, therefore measures are needed to maintain this pressure.
6.2. Bituminous deposits and salt mine deposits
These deposits can cause mechanical damage to oil wells, leading to reduced production.
6.3 Equipment Corrosion
Due to the properties of the accompanying gases, some equipment is susceptible to corrosion and requires constant maintenance
6.4 Adverse Weather Conditions
High temperatures, strong winds, and drought make mining difficult
6.5 Environmental regulations
Due to the proximity of natural and residential areas, requirements regarding waste management, exhaust emissions and pollution prevention have been introduced
7. Economic importance of the Aban oil field
Aban Square is of great importance both nationally and regionally . This importance is evident in the following aspects:
7.1. It has extremely high value for the oil industry.
The oil extracted in this field is of excellent quality and the processing costs in the refinery are low.
7.2 Reasonable Production Costs
Due to the characteristics of the field, the Abanskoye oil field is characterized by relatively low production costs and is economically viable
7.3. His special role in the development of the province of Ilam.
This sector has contributed to the creation of numerous direct and indirect jobs and has increased the economic prosperity of the region.
7.4 Ensuring energy security
Distributing oil production facilities across the country can reduce economic and security risks.
8. The impact of the Aban oil field on regional development
The development of Aban Square in the De Heloland area has led to significant progress, including:
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Construction of roads and footpaths
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Industrial activity has increased.
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Local Business Development
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Creation of direct jobs in the oil industry
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Development of electrical energy infrastructure , rationalization of water consumption, communication and social security.
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Increasing the economic value of the region
This sector is considered one of the key factors for the growth and development of Elam County and the city of Di-Heloland.
Basic knowledge in the field of boiler design and installation.
9. Further development of the Aban oil field
Technical assessments and studies indicate that the Aban oil field has significant development potential . Future plans include the following:
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Drilling new production wells
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Increasing the productivity of oil well equipment
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Implementing projects to increase production
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Modification of processing and transmission units
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Reduction of the associated gas flaring and improvement of the environmental balance.
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Increase in the production capacity of the Asmari and Panjristan oil fields.
These measures will make production at the oil field more sustainable and strengthen its role in the country’s energy supply.
In conclusion
The Aban oil field is one of the most important oil fields in western Iran and a key component of the Iranian oil industry’s production potential. Favorable geological conditions, high-quality oil, strategic location, and its significant role in regional development make it one of Iran’s most valuable energy resources
Despite the challenges facing the Aban oil field – such as low pressure, reservoir silting, and the need for modernization of the facilities – the implementation of development projects and the use of modern technologies promise a bright future.
This oil field not only contributes to the national economy but also plays a crucial role in the development and prosperity of Ilam province and the city of Deh Loran.