RoydadNaft –  Iran’s National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) has completed a hot-tap on a live sour-gas pipeline, creating the conditions for an early restart of the sixth South Pars gas refinery before the winter heating season, Managing Director Saeed Tavakoli said.

The work was carried out at the request of the South Pars Gas Complex to restore production at one of the refineries damaged during the recent war, Rooydad Naft reported. Specialized hot-tap crews from Gas Transmission Operation Districts 4 and 5 of the Iranian Gas Transmission Company were deployed to the site.

After technical and safety reviews, equipment and worksite preparation, and other precautions, crews executed the branch-off from the sour-gas lines on a compressed, round-the-clock schedule. The operation was completed on Aug. 17, 2026, despite high humidity, difficult site conditions and the extra safeguards required on a live sour-gas line.

Tavakoli said welding and fitting installation followed current international methods and standards. Key steps included low-hydrogen consumables, updated welding procedures and hydrogen-removal treatment before and after welding. Crews used a domestically manufactured hot-tap machine that allowed the work to proceed while the line remained in service and with only a minimal drop in operating pressure.

Hot tapping is among the more specialized and high-risk jobs in the oil and gas industry, he said, and safe execution depends on technical knowledge, field experience, dedicated equipment and strict adherence to procedures. Iranian Gas Transmission Company personnel have substantial capability in that work, he added.

The branch-off from a main sour-gas line carried particular risk because of high hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) levels. Those hazards required extra safety controls, which Tavakoli said were met through close observance of technical and safety standards.