Iranian Petchem Research & Technology Co. Focuses on Commercializing Technical Knowledge

The CEO of the Petrochemical Research and Technology Company (NPC-RT) emphasized the localization of technical knowledge for oil industry catalysts in collaboration with new technology-based firms (NTBFs) as the company’s most significant achievement.

Nasser Noahjah stated that NPC-RT’s focus this year is on commercializing existing technical expertise within industrial units.

Noahjah, highlighting NPC-RT’s role in providing industry-specific knowledge, noted that over the past 25 years, the company has made significant strides in acquiring technical know-how. Most recent research has been converted into technical knowledge, with 32 licenses worth approximately €40 million granted to the oil industry, particularly petrochemicals.

Noahjah identified the localization of catalyst technology in collaboration with knowledge-based firms as NPC-RT’s key initiative, adding that this year’s focus is on applying technical knowledge in industrial units. To this end, NPC-RT is partnering with domestic holdings to commercialize this expertise and establish production facilities.

Regarding polymer catalysts, Noahjah stated that NPC-RT is working with petrochemical companies to develop domestically produced catalysts for the first time in the country.

Acquisition of 38 technical know-hows

Noahjah said NPC-RT has acquired 38 technical know-hows in recent years—nine in processing, 18 in catalysts and 11 in chemicals—and is working with developers to commercialize them. Catalysts such as ammonia synthesis, methanol synthesis, ethylene oxide, ROPAC and acetylene hydrogenation have already been commercialized with knowledge-based and developer companies.

He noted that process and chemical know-how—including heavy polyethylene, polypropylene, ammonia, aromatics, methanol-to-propylene, triethyl aluminum (TEAL) and CO₂ absorption activators—has been transferred to the private sector for commercialization. Contracts for producing engineering polymers like polyvinyl alcohol are underway. For example, Tabriz Petrochemical Company’s 300,000-ton heavy polyethylene unit, using NPC-RT’s technology, is over 65% complete.

Expanding international cooperation

Noahjah said NPC-RT collaborates with European and Chinese firms to import and localize unavailable technical knowledge. For instance, NPC-RT provided Pars Petrochemical Company with next-generation polypropylene production technology through a foreign partner. Negotiations are ongoing with Chinese companies for propane-to-propylene (PDH), methanol-to-olefins (MTO) and acrylonitrile processes, with plans for joint pilot and semi-industrial units in NPC-RT to license the technologies domestically.

On Iranian catalyst exports, Noahjah said private companies export NPC-RT-developed catalysts, such as polyethylene catalysts shipped to Russia by Bakhtar Holding.

Successful localization efforts

Noahjah highlighted the successful commercialization of methanol synthesis catalysts, now operational in multiple petrochemical plants.

New facilities in Asalouyeh, Makran

NPC-RT has centers in Arak, Mahshahr and Tehran, with a new facility in Asalouyeh currently completing infrastructure. The first project there will be an industrial calibration unit. Additionally, per the deputy oil minister’s directive, a development center will be established in Mokran. - Shana