The Iranian oil industry relies on a number of large and medium-sized oil fields, each playing a unique and central role in the country’s production, exports, and energy security. The Dehloran field is among the most important and well-known fields in western Iran and is a key field in the Zagros oil belt.
Thanks to its strategically advantageous location, abundant reserves, excellent oil quality, high productivity, and its importance to the economy of Ilam Province, the Dehloran field occupies a central position in the Iranian oil industry. It is not only a significant crude oil production region but also plays a crucial role in infrastructure development, job creation, and progress in western Iran.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of this deposit, including its geological features, production methods, challenges, economic importance, and future development trends.
1. Geographical location and regional importance of the Dehloran oil field.
The Dehloran oil field is located in the south of Ilam province , near the Iranian-Iraqi border. It is situated a few kilometers from the city of Dehloran in an area with well-developed oil infrastructure, including roads, pipelines, and production facilities.
This oil field is one of the largest and most important in the west of the country. It is located near the Bidar Gharb , Bidar Shargh , Jishmkhosh and Aban oil fields and forms a strategically important oil production region in Ilam province.
Besides its energy value, the De Heloran oil field plays a strategic role in the economic and industrial security of the region due to its proximity to the border, and its development has a direct impact on the social and economic life of the region’s inhabitants.
2. History of Discovery and Development
Exploration of the De Heloran oil field began several decades ago when increased seismic surveys in the west of the country led oil companies to discover significant oil and gas reserves in the region. 2D and 3D seismic data indicate significant oil production potential in the area.
Following exploratory drilling, it was confirmed that the field has significant oil reserves and economically viable production potential, allowing it to be developed. Brief description:
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Production and injection drilling was carried out.
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The construction of the power transmission lines is complete.
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Mining and processing facilities were built.
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The Dehiloran oil field has become one of the country’s most important oil sources.
In recent years, new plans have been implemented or reviewed to increase production capacity, modernize equipment, and boost production volumes in the region.
3. Geological features and sediments
The Dehloran oil field contains some of the largest oil reserves in western Iran. It is tectonically part of the Zagros Mountains, and its known deposits are located within several major Iranian oil fields.
The most important reservoir in the Deloland oil field
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BTS
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Black
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Sarok
These oil fields are characterized by important properties such as sufficient porosity, acceptable permeability, and oil with a suitable API density. The oil from the Dehilwan field is of light to medium grade and has high refining efficiency.
Key features of the DeLland tank
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Good normal pressure during the initial operating phase
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High-quality oil, suitable for refining
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Reservoir rocks with ideal porosity and permeability
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Even with standard equipment, there is potential for cost-efficient operation.
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Appropriate development of regular deposits and layers without widespread, destructive faulting.
These characteristics make the Dehiloran oil field one of the most important fields with the greatest development potential.
4. Production capacity of the De Heloran oil field and its role in the national energy sector.
The Dehloran oil field is among the most productive in Ilam province and even in western Iran . Its productivity depends on the number of wells drilled, field conditions, equipment, and the policies of the Ministry of Oil, but it has consistently made a significant contribution to the region’s oil production.
This area plays an important role in the following aspects:
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It also supplies some of the crude oil needed by refineries in the south and west of the country.
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Increasing export potential in the western region of the country
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Improvement of the production chain in neighboring oil fields (such as the Cheshmekhush and Baydargarp fields).
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Reducing dependence on production from southern oil fields
Due to its large reserves, the DeLoran oil field is considered a field with the potential to increase production in the coming years.
5. Methods and techniques of extraction
Various production and reservoir conservation methods were used in the De Heloland oil field. The choice of method depended on the specific conditions of each well and reservoir.
5.1 Natural Production
In the initial stages of production, the reservoir pressure is extremely high, allowing for natural extraction without the use of auxiliary equipment. This method is the most cost-effective and easiest to implement.
5.2. Application of borehole pumps (electric submersible pumps and pressure regulating pumps)
As pressure decreases, the use of electric submersible pumps (ESPs) and peristaltic pumps (PNs) increases. These pumps help to maintain oil delivery even when pressure drops.
5.3. Enhanced Oil Recovery Methods (EOR/EOR)
The methods investigated or applied include, among others, the following:
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Gas injection to maintain pressure
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Water was pumped into some areas .
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New methods for improving oil flow in reservoirs
Using these methods can improve yield and prevent significant production declines.
6. Problems that arise during the operation of the De Helvan oil field.
Like many older oil fields, the DeLoran field faces challenges, but many of these problems can be tackled with new technology and solid management.
6.1 Pressure loss in the tank
Low natural pressure is one of the main problems that necessitates gas injection or the use of a pressure booster pump.
6.2 Borehole fields
Bituminous deposits, salt deposits and fine sand seepage can cause mechanical problems and reduce the productivity of drilling operations.
6.3 Environmental regulations
Due to the proximity of the site to nature reserves and densely populated areas, compliance with environmental regulations is of utmost importance.
6.4 Need for equipment modernization
Some of the properties associated with DeLorand are outdated and in need of renovation.
6.5 Climatic conditions
High temperatures and bad weather conditions can make work difficult in some seasons.
7. Economic importance of the De Heloran oil field
The DeLoran oil field is of great economic importance, as the following aspects demonstrate:
7.1 High added value
The high-quality crude oil extracted from this field is in high demand at refineries and has significant economic value.
7.2 Reasonable production costs
Due to the favorable properties of the oil deposit, the cost of extracting a barrel of oil is relatively low.
7.3 Played an important role in regional development
This sector has a significant impact on the economy of Ilam province and has created thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
7.4 Pressure drop in the southern oil field
The western region of the country possesses these resources, which allows for a fairer distribution of national products.
8. The impact of the Dehiloran oil field on regional development
The presence of the oil industry in De Heloland has fundamentally changed the city’s infrastructure. Among the most significant consequences are:
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Construction of roads and bridges
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Creating direct employment opportunities in the oil industry
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Thriving local businesses and services
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Development of electrical energy infrastructure, water conservation, communication and other infrastructure
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Improvement of social security
As the largest industrial project in the province of Ilam, the oil field plays a crucial role in the region’s economic growth.
9. Future development and perspectives of Lorraine Square
The results of geological investigations and the enormous storage capacity point to a promising future for the field. Several development plans have been drawn up for the coming years:
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Drilling of new production wells
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Increasing the capacity of oil well equipment
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Implementation of a large-scale plan to increase production
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Complete renovation of the rooms on the first floor
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Improvement of oil refinery capacity
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Increased performance of pumps and systems downstream of the well
The implementation of these projects is likely to make the Dehloran oil field one of Iran’s most important oil-producing regions in the coming decades.
In conclusion
The Dehloran oil field is the backbone of oil production in western Iran and a key pillar of the Iranian oil industry.
Favorable geological conditions, high-quality oil, high productivity, strategic location, and its key role in regional development make it a resource of immense value and strategic importance.
Despite challenges such as low pressure, problems with the boreholes and necessary equipment upgrades, the future of the DeLoran oil field looks promising thanks to the use of modern technologies and the implementation of development plans.
This sector is not only crucial for the national economy, but also one of the main factors for the economic and social development of the province of Ilam, and its role in the balanced development of the country cannot be denied.