Aban & West Paydar

1. Project Overview

The Aban and West Paydar oilfields, located near the Iran-Iraq border in western Iran, are vital assets in the region’s hydrocarbon reserves. These fields are being developed under an Integrated Petroleum Contract (IPC), signed on March 14, 2018, between the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), ZN Vostok Ltd, and Dana Energy. The primary goal is to boost oil production capacity while adopting international best practices in engineering, FEED preparation, and execution.

A key focus is delivering a reliable FEED (Front-End Engineering Design) package. This technical blueprint guides decisions in procurement, scheduling, and construction. Accurate FEED preparation at this stage ensures project feasibility and minimizes rework and delays during execution.

2. Project Objectives

• Prepare a comprehensive and technically sound FEED package
• Develop detailed engineering designs for earthworks, grading, and foundations
• Supervise design deliverables for compliance and quality assurance
• Provide real-time field supervision during the civil execution phase

Each objective is interconnected, contributing to the reliability and safety of the overall facilities. Effective FEED preparation supports smooth transitions to procurement and construction, helping to control costs and reduce schedule risks.

3. Detailed Scope of Work

• FEED Design: Develop a multi-discipline design package covering process flow diagrams, plot plans, mechanical layouts, and electrical and instrumentation systems. It also includes risk analysis, material selection, and early procurement planning.
• Detailed Design: Create structural and civil designs for site development, including roads, drainage, concrete foundations, and structural supports, ensuring cost-effectiveness and ease of construction.
• Design Supervision: Conduct both third-party and internal reviews of all engineering outputs to ensure readiness for execution.
• Field Supervision: Provide on-site support during construction, especially for earthworks and foundation activities. Tasks include quality documentation, contractor coordination, safety oversight, and handling unexpected site conditions.

4. Main Facilities and Units

The project involves the design and execution of essential units for crude oil production and handling:

• Wellhead Facilities: Allow for control and monitoring of oil flow at the source. Proper design is crucial for safe and reliable operations.
• Automated Group Metering Units (AGMU): Provide real-time data from multiple wells to support production monitoring and reservoir management.
• Free Water Knockout Units (FWKOU): Remove water from crude oil to enhance product quality before further processing.
• Crude Oil Transportation System: Transfers oil from wellheads to processing units, ensuring safe, continuous flow with minimal pressure loss.
• Central Processing Facility (CPF) at Cheshmeh-Khosh:
  • Bank D Separators
  • Test Line Separator
  • Custody Transfer Metering Units
  • Chemical and Analytical Laboratory
  • Residential and Operational Shift Camp

5. Strategic Importance

The Aban and West Paydar project plays a critical role in Iran’s national energy strategy. The FEED package forms the foundation of the entire operation. Every technical choice in this phase impacts cost, schedule, and final performance.

Emphasizing robust wellhead systems, automated metering, and efficient processing aligns the project with international oil and gas standards. The inclusion of real-time monitoring and analytics boosts both safety and efficiency. This project will significantly contribute to Iran’s oil production and support its energy exports and regional development.