the pipelines are inspected on a regular basis so that they would be preserved for optimal operating conditions. This is how we have preserved a pipeline which is 60 years old. This pipeline stretches from Ahvaz to Tehran. Its functioning shows that our activities have been proper.
Q: How often are periodical overhauls done in pipelines?
A: Periodical repairs differ for different equipment. At present we plan to carry out preventive maintenance or repair.
Q: What do you mean by preventive repair?
A: In the past, the focus was on periodical repairs. It means that we used to repair or rebuild equipment annually based on a specific calendar. But in the new systems, repair and renovation are done based on the detection of the working condition. In other words, every functioning device is regularly controlled and monitored. In fact, by monitoring the operation conditions, the timeframe for repair and renovation could be determined. By applying this method, the costs are reduced and the interval between repairs would be different. Furthermore, when this method is used, before an equipment fully stops working to bring about the closure of activities it would be repaired and put back in operation. Therefore, costs will be saved significantly. On the other hand, it is estimated that each machine would need to undergo overhaul after 20,000 hours of work. But intelligent monitoring may indicate that this machine would need an overhaul after 40,000 hours of running. That would also save costs.
Q: What is the name of this project and where is it being operated?
A: This new issue which was launched two years ago and it has covered various areas, is known as IPCmms. All activities related to maintenance are done in this way.
Q: How has been the feedback of this project?
A: Naturally, the activities become more regular as this project is implemented and officials will be able to make plans more comfortably. This project has become operational in collaboration with Imam Hussein University and is being pursued at the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company (NIORDC). Different advanced countries have been using similar projects for their maintenance planning.
Q: How many kilometers of pipeline are replaced in Iran every year?
A: Maintenance may require replacement of some segments of the pipelines. Every year, around 200 kilometers of pipeline are replaced. Last year, we replaced around 104 kilometers of pipeline stretching from Sabz Ab to Tangeh Fanni. Of course the issue of overhaul and replacement is regularly under discussion and planning in our company. This year we plan to replace around 65 kilometers of Maroun-Isfahan pipeline. Reconstruction and renovation, as well as rehabilitation of pipelines is among our activities. Changing the coating of pipelines is some sort of rehabilitation project. Pipelines are coated in order to be protected against corrosion. That is the vulnerable point of pipelines.
Q: Now that liquid fuel consumption has fallen while gas consumption has risen, the surplus of these products need to be exported. What has been done to that effect?
A: Under the present circumstances, the refineries have around 45 million liters of fuel oil and 25 million liters of gas oil in excess that must be exported. Instead of delivering products to destinations, we have to return it to export spots. In this regard, a plan which is under review is to reverse the route of delivery of products. So far, the direction of Ahvaz-Shazand pipeline has been reversed. In the next step, the direction of the pipeline as far away as Abadan and Mahshahr will be also reversed. For that purpose, we will have to make some changes in the pipelines and of course the pumping facilities. We have planned to change the direction of flow towards Ahvaz, Abadan and Mahshahr.
Q: What measures have been undertaken with regard to the protection of the environment and the safety of pipelines?
A: We use new automatic leakage detection systems. This new technology would be applied to Tabriz-Miyandoab pipeline on a trial basis. In case of success, it will apply to all other places. Leakage detection systems will help explore possible problems sooner. Therefore, the danger of environment pollution will be averted, while the safety of pipelines will be boosted. Of course, this is not the only environment protection project. Over recent years, we have tried to control industrial wastes in oil delivery centers. Of course, we used to control wastewater in order to spare the environment any harm. We recently built certain evaporation pools where surplus water flows in. The bed of these pools is fully covered in order to avoid absorption of any pollutant. Then, the water in the pools evaporates and no pollution will flow into running water. Furthermore, absorbent pads are used in order to prevent contaminated water. Arrangements have been also made for preventing the contamination of soil. For instance, we envisaged certain places where special substances are added to wastes. These substances might be bacteria that would help remove contamination from soil. These projects have won the approval of the Department of the Environment.