Hydraulic Fracturing Design Laboratory Establishment by Pasargad Energy Development Company at Amirkabir University of Technology

Pasargad Energy Group, in collaboration with Amirkabir University of Technology, has initiated plans to create a specialized laboratory focused on hydraulic fracturing design. This work aims to achieve advancements in modern fracturing technologies, enhance technical expertise in this field, and improve the efficiency of oil production wells. Additionally, it seeks to build stronger connections between industry and academia.

This collaboration, led by Pasargad E&P Company and supported by Technology and Innovation Management of the Pasargad Energy Group and the Faculty of Petroleum and Geoenergy Engineering at Amirkabir University, focuses on the deployment of modern well-stimulation techniques. It serves as a key point not only for the Sepehr and Jufair Field—where Pasargad Energy Group has invested in development and production—but also as a reference for the advancement of hydraulic fracturing processes across other oil fields in the country.

Acid/proppant fracturing is a technology for enhancing well productivity, particularly in low-permeability or tight reservoirs such as Ilam reservoir in Sepehr-Jufair Field. This technique involves applying significant pressure to induce controlled fractures within the rock formation, generating a network of high-permeability pathways that promote fluid flow toward the production well. One of the key benefits of this technology is its ability to increase production rates and optimize reservoir performance, while also reducing the reliance on drilling new wells.

Performing hydraulic fracturing operations at Sepehr-Jufair Field not only elevates the technical expertise in the field but also establishes a valuable data repository, providing essential insights for improving operations in other fields across the country.

Pasargad Energy's hydraulic fracturing laboratory is structured into three key sections, each focused on supporting the analysis and optimization of acid/proppant fracturing processes:

1. Fracture Properties and Formation Breakdown Measurement Equipment

The primary section of the laboratory is equipped with instruments for measuring key parameters in the fracturing process, including fracture conductivity, formation breakdown pressure, and acid/proppant properties. These measurements are crucial for determining optimal material combinations and pressure conditions to create stable and effective fractures. Detailed analysis of these parameters enhances fracture design, increasing formation permeability and facilitating fluid flow toward the well.

2. Fluid Evaluation Equipment

The second section is dedicated to evaluating fluids and additives used in fracturing processes, which play a critical role in the design of these processes.



The laboratory is also equipped for comprehensive evaluation of drilling fluids and cementing materials. Given the complex structure of Fahliyan reservoir and alternating high-pressure water and oil layers in this reservoir, maintaining and optimizing the quality of cement behind the casing is essential for the stability and safety of the well, as well as for preventing undesirable fluid migration between layers and mitigating the risk of water production. Consequently, quality control tests on cement and precise simulations conducted in this laboratory play a pivotal role in improving cementing operations, ensuring reliable outcomes across oil fields, and supporting hydraulic fracturing process designs.

3. AI-Based Modeling and Simulation Center

The third section focuses on the development of a center for modeling and simulation of fracturing processes based on artificial intelligence. By integrating empirical data with AI algorithms, the center enhances predictive capabilities for formation behavior and enables high-accuracy optimization of hydraulic fracturing processes. These simulations serve as powerful tools for process design and operational monitoring across different fields.



Conclusion and Future Outlook

The establishment of Pasargad Energy’s hydraulic fracturing laboratory at Amirkabir University marks a significant step forward in advancing technical capabilities and domestic expertise in hydraulic fracturing technologies. By providing a comprehensive platform for scientific research and industrial application, the lab strengthens industry-academia collaboration and supports the development of optimized fracturing solutions tailored to local reservoir conditions.