• The Geological Survey of Canada publishes a map important to exploration for oil and gas. The map covers the Canadian Rockies from the border with the United States to the Red Deer Valley in central Alberta and includes Turner Valley and Bow Valley. It is based on surveying work done by George Mercer Dawson, A. R. C. Selwyn and Eugene Coste. <br />Source: Natural Resources Canada, used under the Government of Canada’s Open Government <br />License: http://open.canada.ca/en/open-government-licence-canada.

    Geological Survey of Canada

    The Geological Survey of Canada publishes George Dawson’s geological map of the Canadian Rockies. The map covers the Canadian Rockies from the border with the United States to the Red Deer Valley in central Alberta and includes Turner Valley and Bow Valley and was an important resource for natural resource exploration.
    Source: Natural Resources Canada, used under the Government of Canada’s Open Government
    License: http://open.canada.ca/en/open-government-licence-canada

  • William Stewart Herron, shown here ca. 1930, noticed gas seepages along the Sheep River and acquired land and drilling rights for the area. He partnered with Archibald W. Dingman and a group of Calgary-area investors to form Calgary Petroleum Products and began drilling in Turner Valley in 1913. <br />Source: Glenbow Archives, NA-4607-1.

    Herron Acquires Land and Drilling Rights

    William Stewart Herron, shown here ca. 1930, noticed gas seepages along the Sheep River and acquired land and drilling rights for the area. He partnered with Archibald W. Dingman and a group of Calgary-area investors to form Calgary Petroleum Products and began drilling in Turner Valley in 1913.
    Source: Glenbow Archives, NA-4607-1

  • Calgary Petroleum Products discovers wet gas at the Dingman No. 1 well on the Sheep River in Turner Valley on May 14, 1914. Calgary Petroleum Products begins installing equipment to process the raw petroleum product. <br />Source: Glenbow Archives, NA-2335-4.

    Discovery!

    Calgary Petroleum Products discovers wet gas at the Dingman No. 1 well on the Sheep River in Turner Valley on May 14, 1914. Calgary Petroleum Products begins installing equipment to process the raw petroleum.
    Source: Glenbow Archives, NA-2335-4

  • A fire and explosion in October 1920 severely damage the Calgary Petroleum Products plant at Turner Valley. Unable to continue operations, the company is taken over by Imperial Oil in 1921. Imperial Oil forms a subsidiary company called Royalite to manage the plant and wells in the valley. New absorption and compression plants are built as well as a pipeline to Okotoks, which, on December 31, feeds gas into the Canadian Western Natural Gas line to Calgary. <br />Source: Glenbow Archives, NA-711-85

    Royalite Takes Over

    A fire and explosion in October 1920 severely damage the Calgary Petroleum Products plant at Turner Valley. Unable to continue operations, the company is taken over by Imperial Oil in 1921. Imperial Oil forms a subsidiary company called Royalite to manage the plant and wells in the valley. New absorption and compression plants are built as well as a pipeline to Okotoks, which, on December 31, feeds gas into the Canadian Western Natural Gas line to Calgary.
    Source: Glenbow Archives, NA-711-85

  • To meet growing consumer demand for natural gas in Calgary, Royalite doubles the size of its compression plant at the Turner Valley gas plant. <br />Source: Glenbow Archives, IP-6e-3-57

    Consumer Demand

    To meet growing consumer demand for natural gas in Calgary, Royalite doubles the size of its compression plant at the Turner Valley gas plant.
    Source: Glenbow Archives, IP-6e-3-57

  • Royalite No. 4 in Turner Valley, a sour gas well, results in a major blowout that destroys the derrick. The fire burns for three weeks until a team of experts from Oklahoma uses dynamite and steam to extinguish the flames. <br />Source: Glenbow Archives, IP-6e-4-18

    Sour Gas

    Royalite No. 4 in Turner Valley, a sour gas well, results in a major blowout that destroys the derrick. The fire burns for three weeks until a team of experts from Oklahoma uses dynamite and steam to extinguish the flames.
    Source: Glenbow Archives, IP-6e-4-18

  • Royalite builds a new scrubbing plant using the Seaboard soda ash process to remove toxic hydrogen sulfide and "sweeten" the sour gas. This signals the beginning of a major expansion of the Turner Valley gas plant. <br />Source: Glenbow Archives, S-17-110

    Sweetening

    Royalite builds a new scrubbing plant using the Seaboard soda ash process to remove toxic hydrogen sulfide and “sweeten” the sour gas. This signals the beginning of a major expansion of the Turner Valley gas plant.
    Source: Glenbow Archives, S-17-110

  • In August 1929, the Rutledge Air service begins a daily route between Turner Valley and Calgary, making Turner Valley one of the first communities in Alberta to be served by scheduled flights. Flights to Edmonton commence soon after. <br />Source: Glenbow Archives, ND-3-4871b

    Air Service

    In August 1929, the Rutledge Air begins a daily route between Turner Valley and Calgary, making Turner Valley one of the first communities in Alberta to be served by scheduled flights. Flights to Edmonton commence soon after.
    Source: Glenbow Archives, ND-3-4871b

  • The Government of Canada transfers control of natural resources to the Government of Alberta The agreement is signed on December 14, 1929 by Prime Minister Mackenzie King (seated centre) and John Brownlee, premier of Alberta to his left. The required legislation is passed in 1930. <br />Source: Provincial Archives of Alberta, A10924

    Provincial Control

    The Government of Canada transfers control of natural resources to the Government of Alberta The agreement is signed on December 14, 1929 by Prime Minister Mackenzie King (seated centre) and John Brownlee, premier of Alberta to his left. The required legislation is passed in 1930.
    Source: Provincial Archives of Alberta, A10924

  • Turner Valley and Black Diamond incorporate as villages. Hit hard by the Great Depression, both villages would be bankrupt by the end of 1931. <br />Source: Glenbow Archives, NA-67-51

    Incorporation

    Turner Valley and Black Diamond incorporate as villages. Hit hard by the Great Depression, both villages would be bankrupt by the end of 1931.
    Source: Glenbow Archives, NA-67-51

  • Royalite adds new facilities and expands production capability. <br />Source: Alberta Culture and Tourism, 12.4 absorber_nw

    Expansion

    Royalite adds new facilities and expands production capability.
    Source: Alberta Culture and Tourism

  • Turner Valley Royalties strikes oil at its No. 1 well near Longview. Although not directly related to the gas plant, this discovery sparks an economic recovery and leads to the growth of communities in the region. <br />Source: Glenbow Archives, NA-2335-2

    Turner Valley Royalties No. 1

    Turner Valley Royalties strikes oil at its No. 1 well near Longview. Although not directly related to the gas plant, this discovery sparks an economic recovery and leads to the growth of communities in the region.
    Source: Glenbow Archives, NA-2335-2

  • After years of concerns about flaring waste gas, the Government of Alberta enacts the <em>Oil and Gas Resources Conservation Act</em>. This Act results in the creation of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Conservation Board, which is endowed with the authority to regulate all gas and oil operations and to enforce better conservation measures. <br />Source: The Oil and Gas Conservation Act, SA 1938 (Second Session), c. 1

    Conservation

    After years of concerns about flaring waste gas, the Government of Alberta enacts the Oil and Gas Resources Conservation Act. This Act results in the creation of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Conservation Board, which is endowed with the authority to regulate all gas and oil operations and to enforce better conservation measures.
    Source: The Oil and Gas Conservation Act, SA 1938 (Second Session), c. 1

  • During the Second World War, the Government of Canada establishes the Department of Munitions and Supply under the control of Minister C. D. Howe. Howe and his ministry, which oversees all aspects of Canada’s wartime production, deem oil to be a strategic wartime commodity. <br />Source: Library and Archives Canada, C-019382

    Wartime Supply

    During the Second World War, the Government of Canada establishes the Department of Munitions and Supply under the control of Minister C. D. Howe. Howe and his ministry, which oversees all aspects of Canada’s wartime production, deem oil to be a strategic wartime commodity.
    Source: Library and Archives Canada, C-019382

  • Royalite installs a Girbotol natural gas sweetener, which allows for the increased production of natural gas. This helps meet the increased demand for natural gas during the Second World War, particularly for the Allied War Supplies Corporation south of Calgary. <br />Source: Glenbow Archives, IP-6d-4-7b

    Wartime Demand

    Royalite installs a Girbotol natural gas sweetener, which allows for the increased production of natural gas. This helps meet the increased demand for natural gas during the Second World War, particularly for the Allied War Supplies Corporation facilities south of Calgary.
    Source: Glenbow Archives, IP-6d-4-7b

  • Two Horton Spheres are installed at the Turner Valley plant to store isobutene, a necessary ingredient in the manufacture of high-octane aviation fuel. The spherical shape of these tanks is best for storing high-pressure, volatile petroleum products like isobutene. <br />Source: Glenbow Archives, IP-14a-1472

    High Octane

    Two Horton Spheres are installed at the Turner Valley plant to store isobutane, a necessary ingredient in the manufacture of high-octane aviation fuel. The spherical shape of these tanks is best for storing high-pressure, volatile petroleum products like isobutane.
    Source: Glenbow Archives, IP-14a-1472

  • Royalite creates a subsidiary, Madison Natural Gas, to gather and process gas from wells in the Turner Valley region. <br />Source: Provincial Archives of Alberta, P4723b (Detail)

    Madison Natural Gas

    Royalite creates a subsidiary, Madison Natural Gas, to gather and process gas from wells in the Turner Valley region.
    Source: Provincial Archives of Alberta, P4723b (Detail)

  • In July 1952, Royalite buys the Western Propane plant and relocates it to the Turner Valley plant site. It makes propane from the main plant’s flare gas. <br />Source: Provincial Archives of Alberta, P2902

    Propane

    In July 1952, Royalite buys the Western Propane plant and relocates it to the Turner Valley plant site. It makes propane from the main plant’s flare gas.
    Source: Provincial Archives of Alberta, P2902

  • Madison Natural Gas establishes a sulfur extraction plant at its Turner Valley operation. This makes Canada the largest worldwide exporter of elemental sulfur. <br />Source: Provincial Archives of Alberta P2990

    Sulfur Extraction

    Madison Natural Gas establishes a sulfur extraction plant at its Turner Valley operation. This makes Canada the largest worldwide exporter of elemental sulfur.
    Source: Provincial Archives of Alberta P2990

  • In 1985, following years of declining production and rising costs for maintenance and upgrading, the Turner Valley gas plant is deemed to be no longer economically viable and is decommissioned. <br />Source: Alberta Culture and Tourism

    Decommission

    In 1985, following years of declining production and rising costs for maintenance and upgrading, the Turner Valley gas plant is deemed to be no longer economically viable and is decommissioned.
    Source: Alberta Culture and Tourism

  • The Government of Alberta acquires the Turner Valley gas plant in 1988. The site is determined to be provincially significant for its association with Alberta’s oil and gas history, and it is designated a Provincial Historic Resource in 1989. <br />Source: Alberta Culture and Tourism

    Provincial Designation

    The Government of Alberta acquires the Turner Valley gas plant in 1988. The site is determined to be provincially significant for its association with Alberta’s oil and gas history, and it is designated a Provincial Historic Resource in 1989.
    Source: Alberta Culture and Tourism

  • The Turner Valley gas plant is determined to be significant for its role in the development of Canada’s oil and gas history and is declared to be a National Historic Site of Canada on November 24, 1995. <br />Source: Alberta Culture and Tourism

    National Designation

    The Turner Valley gas plant is determined to be significant for its role in the development of Canada’s oil and gas industry and is declared to be a National Historic Site of Canada on November 24, 1995.
    Source: Alberta Culture and Tourism

  • The centennial of the discovery of the Turner Valley oilfield is observed on May 12, 2014, with a public event at the site. <br />Source: Alberta Culture and Tourism

    100 Year Anniversary

    The centennial of the discovery of the Turner Valley oilfield is observed on May 12, 2014, with a public event at the site.
    Source: Alberta Culture and Tourism

Play Timeline

Processing

All of the oil and gas produced by wells in Turner Valley required some sort of processing. This might consist of simple separation of liquids and gases or more complex chemical manipulation to remove impurities. Over time, as the processes became more complicated and efficient, the quality of resulting products improved, and waste decreased.

The Turner Valley gas plant had its beginnings in 1914 with Calgary Petroleum Products. It all began with a small compressor and a low-pressure absorption plant. The compressor forced the gas through a vessel where it came into contact with lean oil, which absorbed the liquids suspended in the gas, producing rich oil. Then the rich oil was distilled, freeing the gasoline that had been suspended in the natural gas.

A 1959 article in the Imperial Oil Review noted that gasoline was the marketable product of the Dingman No. 1 and No. 2 wells:

The gasoline could power the cars of that period just the way it came out of the ground; [it was sold] to drivers who needed fuel for the return trip to
Calgary. “The gasoline worked all right,” one old-timer remembers, “but it was full of sulphur and the smell from the exhaust was enough to sicken you. You had to stay a mile or two behind the car ahead of you.”

Some of the natural gas produced was used locally, but most was simply burned off, or flared. The plant represented new technology; it was based on a design first used at a plant in the United States. In 1920 a fire destroyed the uninsured plant, and Calgary Petroleum Products was forced to sell because it did not have the resources to rebuild.

In 1921 the ruined plant was purchased by Royalite, a newly-formed subsidiary of Imperial Oil. The wells were renamed Royalite No. 1 and No. 2, and a new plant was built under the supervision of Samuel G. Coultis. In principle, the Royalite plant was very similar to the one it replaced, but it was larger and operated at a higher pressure. Critically, the natural gas it produced could be marketed outside Turner Valley, since Royalite also built a pipeline to Okotoks that connected with an existing line to Calgary.

The sour gas from the Royalite No. 4 well, which started producing in 1924, posed a number of processing challenges. Its vast output—close to 595,000 cubic metres (21,000,000 cu. ft.) of gas per day—emerged from the ground at -6°C (22°F) and was mixed with slush ice and gasoline. In addition, it was tainted by the presence of large amounts of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), which not only gave the gas a rotten egg smell, but made it extremely poisonous and corrosive.

In order to be useable, the gas needed to have the water, gasoline and hydrogen sulfide removed. S. C. Coultis, who oversaw the construction and expansion of the scrubbing plant erected to achieve these goals, claimed in 1928 that it was the largest of its kind in the world. The plant used a method of purifying gas at high pressure:

The gas is first stripped of the gasoline, then heated to remove ice and water, after which it enters a battery of 12 absorbers 36” by 60’ where it flows counter current to a solution of Na2CO3 [sodium carbonate—a common household chemical also known as baking soda] under 300 lb. pressure over 1,800 sq. ft. of baffling in each unit. The H2S in the gas is absorbed by the Na2CO3

Further processing separated the hydrogen sulfide from the products of

this reaction and left Na2CO3 (sodium carbonate) and Na2 S2O3 (sodium thiosulfate).

This reaction is brought about by heating the solution to 70° F., discharging it into the top of a battery of 4 actifiers. The actifiers are steel shells 15’ by 54’ filled with 4,500 sq. ft. of baffling, over which the solution flows against a current of air 2½ times the volume of the gas being treated. Five Buffalo Forge Stoker Fans are used for this purpose…The liberated H2S is blown from the top of two 54” x 126’ heavy steel stacks.

The Na2CO3 was reused in the scrubbing process, and the cleaned gas was piped to Calgary. Known as the Seaboard Process, this method removed 97% of the sulfur from 1,271,000 cubic metres (45 million cubic feet) of gas per day.

The scrubbing equipment at the Turner Valley gas plant changed over time. In 1935 a new scrubbing plant was built, and in 1941 a Girbotol scrubber was added. This new process was similar to that of the older scrubbing plant but used a solution of monoethanolamine (MEA), rather than sodium carbonate, to scrub the gas. With this addition, the capacity of the plant rose to 2,825,000 cubic metres (100 million cubic feet) daily. The scrubbing plant was a state-of-the-art facility for the time and continued in use, with alterations, until 1952.

Gasoline continued to be produced at the Turner Valley gas plant. In 1933, the plant was substantially enlarged with the addition of Canada’s first high pressure natural gasoline plant. The equipment could extract the gasoline from approximately 2,119,000 cubic metres (75 million cubic feet) of wet gas per day. It was, essentially, an absorption plant with four large towers. This facility was expanded in 1942 and made more efficient by the addition of a reabsorber tower, through which vapours already processed by the absorption towers were passed to extract all possible gasoline.

World War II resulted in further technological development at the Turner Valley gas plant. In 1941 the Allied War Supplies Corporation—a crown corporation of the Government of Canada—established two factories outside Calgary. One required isobutane in order to produce alkylate, a blending agent used in the production of

high-octane aviation fuel. The other needed large volumes of natural gas to produce ammonia, an essential ingredient in the manufacture of explosives. New facilities were built at the Turner Valley gas plant so that it could fulfill both these requirements.

A minimum of 329 barrels of isobutane were required daily from the plant. This volatile compound was best stored under pressure as a liquid, so two 5,000 barrel tanks known as Horton spheres were imported from the United States and erected on the site. The shape of these vessels is ideal for this purpose, as all points on the surface of the tank are equally resistant to the outward pressure of its contents. Initially, the Turner Valley gas plant was able to supply 113,000 cubic metres (4 million cubic feet) per day of natural gas to the ammonia plant, but by 1943, production had increased to 254,000 cubic metres (9 million cubic feet) daily.

After the war, production slumped. In an effort to bring new life to the facility, a sulfur plant and a propane plant were built. It was not until 1952 that the practice of venting the poisonous hydrogen sulfide produced by the scrubbing of sour gas was stopped. At that time, equipment was added that removed elemental sulfur using a two-step process. First, hydrogen sulfide and oxygen were burned in a reactor furnace at a temperature in excess of 871°C (1,600°F) to produce sulfur dioxide. Then, at a lower temperature of 289°C to 343°C (550°F to 650°F), a catalyst (bauxite) was used to break down the sulfur dioxide into sulfur and water. The resulting molten sulfur flowed by gravity to a location below the plant, where it cooled and solidified.

The final innovation was the installation of a propane plant, purchased used from

a nearby facility. It was disassembled and re-erected adjacent to the gasoline plant, with production beginning in October 1952. Since propane is a lighter fraction, it can be separated from gasoline by precise heating in a controlled environment. Propane gas can be converted into a liquid under relatively low pressure and is 270 times more compact as a liquid than as a gas and is, therefore, more easily stored and transported. It is used in both industrial processes and in homes and commercial establishments for heating and cooking.

For more than thirty more years, the Turner Valley gas plant continued to process natural gas, using equipment dating as early as 1925 and as late as 1981. Finally, in 1985, the plant was decommissioned, and some of the buildings and machinery were removed.

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