The South Pars Gas Refinery Complex is recognized as the largest gas complex in the country, comprising 14 gas refineries. This complex was established with the aim of utilizing the development phases of the South Pars Gas Field and plays a vital role in meeting the country’s gas needs. However, in this article, we intend to introduce the largest independent gas refinery in Iran, which is the Bidboland Persian Gulf Gas Refinery. With its high capacity and advanced technology, this refinery is considered one of the most important gas facilities in the country.
Introduction to Bidboland Persian Gulf Gas Refinery
The Bidboland Gas Refinery, recognized as the largest gas refinery in Iran, is located in Khuzestan Province, 18 kilometers north of Aghajari, 32 kilometers west of Behbahan, and 35 kilometers east of Miyankuh. The construction of this refinery commenced in 1968, with three foreign companies utilizing the advanced technologies of the time.
The Bidboland Refinery officially began operations with a processing capacity of 30 million cubic meters of gas per day. In its early years of operation, the refinery was the primary supplier of gas to the Isfahan Steel Plant and Shiraz Petrochemical Complex. In addition to meeting domestic demands, part of the gas produced by the refinery was exported to the former Soviet Union through the First National Gas Pipeline.
Objectives of Establishing the Refinery
The Bidboland Gas Refinery was initially designed with the goal of refining associated gas from the Aghajari oil field and exporting it abroad. This project, as one of the strategic initiatives in Iran’s gas industry, played a key role in utilizing the region’s vast gas resources. The initial structure of the refinery consisted of five refining units, which were commissioned in 1970.
Over time, and with the decline in gas pressure in the Aghajari field, the need for alternative sources to supply the refinery’s feedstock arose. In 2010, to compensate for the pressure drop in the Aghajari field, gas extracted from phases 6, 7, and 8 of the South Pars field (4th refinery) was transferred to the Bidboland refinery via the Fifth National Gas Pipeline.
Developments During the Iran-Iraq War
During the Iran-Iraq war, the Bidboland Gas Refinery was bombed multiple times by Iraqi fighter jets, suffering significant damage on four occasions. On November 27, 1985, six aircraft of the Ba’athist Iraqi regime bombed the refinery. In this attack, several workers were injured, and three were martyred. The damage from the bombing was quickly assessed, and the necessary items for the refinery’s reconstruction were listed.
After the first bombing, the frequency and intensity of airstrikes on the Bidboland refinery increased. During this period, the refinery was repeatedly targeted. However, with the experience gained from previous attacks and the application of active and passive defense principles, the damage from subsequent bombings was significantly reduced.
Products of the Bidboland Persian Gulf Gas Refinery
The Bidboland Persian Gulf Gas Refinery, as one of the largest facilities for processing and gathering associated petroleum gas in Iran, plays a vital role in meeting the needs of various industries and both domestic and international markets. The products of the largest gas refinery in Iran are as follows:
- Methane: Methane, the lightest component of natural gas, is the main product of this refinery. The majority of the produced methane is transferred to the national gas grid.
- Ethane: This product, as one of the lighter components of natural gas, is separated and refined at the refinery. Ethane is the primary feedstock for petrochemical industries, especially for ethylene production.
- LPG Gas: This product is mainly composed of butane and propane. LPG gas is used as a domestic and industrial fuel in factories.
- Gas Condensates: Gas condensates include heavier hydrocarbons extracted from natural gas reservoirs, which are used in the production of gasoline, naphtha, and other liquid fuels.
- Pentane Plus: This product, composed of pentane and heavier hydrocarbons, is used to enhance the octane number of gasoline, as feedstock for petrochemicals, and as a solvent in drilling industries.
Benefits of the Bidboland Persian Gulf Gas Refinery Products
- Providing Feedstock for Petrochemicals: The production of ethane, propane, and pentane plus plays a key role in the development of petrochemical industries and the hydrocarbon value chain.
- Exports and Revenue Generation: LPG and gas condensates are strategic export products that generate significant income for the country.
- Environmental Protection: By collecting and processing associated petroleum gas, the refinery helps prevent resource wastage and environmental pollution.
- Economic Development and Job Creation: As the largest gas refinery in Iran, the refinery has a significant impact on job creation and strengthening the local economy.