TEHRAN – The National 
Iranian Gas Co. has successfully completed a hot-tapping operation on a pipeline carrying sour gas, paving the way for early production at the Sixth Refinery of the South Pars gas complex before the start of the cold season.
Saeid Tavakoli, CEO of the National Iranian Gas Co., said the operation was carried out at the request of the South Pars Gas Complex to help restore one of the refineries damaged during the recent war. Specialized hot-tapping teams from gas transmission regions 4 and 5 were deployed to the site.
Following technical and safety assessments, equipment and the work site were prepared and necessary precautions were taken. The operation was conducted around the clock and completed successfully on Aug. 17 despite difficult environmental conditions, high humidity and the heightened risks associated with working on a sour-gas pipeline.
Tavakoli said welding and connection work was performed using modern techniques and in line with international standards. Key measures included the use of low-hydrogen welding materials, advanced welding methods and hydrogen-removal procedures before and after welding.
A domestically manufactured hot-tapping machine was also used, allowing the operation to be performed while the pipeline remained in service with minimal reduction in operating pressure.
Tavakoli described hot tapping as one of the most specialized and complex operations in the oil and gas industry, requiring technical expertise, operational experience, specialized equipment and strict compliance with safety procedures.
He said the operation was particularly sensitive because the main pipeline contained sour gas with high levels of hydrogen sulfide, or HS. The associated risks required special safety measures, which were successfully implemented through strict adherence to technical and safety standards.