Research Institute of Petroleum Industry (RIPI)

Also Known As: 

Research Institute of Petroleum Company
Research Institute of Petrochemical Industry
Research Institute for the Petroleum Industry
NIOC Research Institute of Petroleum Industry
Research Institute for Petroleum Industries

Weapon Program: 

  • Chemical
  • Biological

Address: 

P. O. Box 18745-4163, Pazhooheshgah Bulevard, Kheirabad Junction, Old Qom Road, Tehran 18799 (Main Office)
No. 7 Hoveyzeh Avenue, Sohrevardi Street, Tehran
No. 64 Zand Bulevard, Naft Square, Kermanshah

Phone: 

0098-21-5699431, 0098-21-5932401 (Main Office), 98-21-55901021 (Main Office) , 98-21-55901051 (Main Office) , 98-21-88502492 (Tehran Office), 0098-21-8502492 (Tehran Office), 0098-831-4358077 (Kermanshah Office)

Fax: 

0098-21-615 3397 (Main Office), 98-21-66153397 (Main Office), 98-21-88503660 (Tehran Office), 0098-21-8503660 (Tehran Office), 0098-831-8369572 (Kermanshah Office)

E-Mail: 

Entity Web Site: 

www.ripi.ir

Listed by the Japanese government in 2007 as an entity of concern for proliferation relating to biological and chemical weapons; listed by the British government in 2007 as an entity of potential concern for WMD-related procurement.

Established in 1959 as a science laboratory of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), with which it signed a contract for the implementation of 56 upstream and downstream oil research projects in 2006; renamed RIPI in 1988; as of 2005, managing director appointed by the Ministry of Petroleum of Iran.

Carries out basic, applied and development research, participates in technology transfers, and provides development, engineering, design, laboratory, technical and consultancy services to oil, gas, petrochemical and other industries.

Involved in development and acquisition of biotechnology and nanotechnology; research, development and production of catalysts, industrial lubricants, specialty polymers, gas refining techniques, pollution and corrosion control; equipped with pilot plant facilities, including for OCM (oxidative coupling of methane) and GTL (gas to liquids), and a design for a natural gas processing pilot plant; provides metallurgical and electrochemical testing services; products include solvent for pesticides and coolant for Air Force radar units; conducts joint studies with international petrochemical companies.

Engaged in a joint project with Russia's Tatneft on the application of biotechnology for oil recovery enhancement; engaged in joint studies with the Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST); maintains links with other technical institutions and universities in Iran and overseas.

Mentioned Suspect Entities & Suppliers: 

Date Entered: 

July 10, 2007

Date Last Modified: 

January 16, 2008