• 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

Pipelines

As soon as the first Turner Valley well started producing naphtha and gas in 1914, it became clear that getting the products of this well to market was one of the most significant challenges to the operation’s profitability.

Liquids such as oil or gasoline could be transported in barrels or tanker trucks to the nearest railway point at Okotoks, but this would not work for the large volume of gas that also came from the well. Some gas was used to fuel drilling operations and to power the small gasoline-producing plant at the well site, and some was sold to local residents, but most went to waste. Millions of cubic feet of gas were flared every day. This was recognized as wasteful, but, in the absence of a means to get the gas to distant customers, it continued for years.

A pipeline was the ideal solution, but the economics did not add up for Calgary Petroleum Products, the relatively small local company that owned Dingman
No. 1. Things finally changed in 1921, after the operation was taken over by Royalite, a subsidiary of the industry giant, Imperial Oil. Royalite made an agreement with Canadian Western Natural Gas, which had built a pipeline from its Bow Island gas field to Calgary in 1912. The agreement allowed Royalite to connect with this pipeline at Okotoks, giving access to a secure market, and thereby justifying the expense of building their pipeline from Turner Valley to Okotoks. The first Turner Valley gas flowed through the line on December 31, 1921.

In 1925, Royalite built a pipeline to move oil from the Royalite No. 4 well that had just come into production to the recently completed Imperial Oil refinery in Calgary. This was Alberta’s first oil pipeline. At this time of mass expansion of pipelines in Turner Valley, the parent company of Royalite, Imperial Oil, reflected on their importance:

…without the pipe lines, the railways of the North American Continent would be powerless to handle the crude oil traffic of the present day. It would take a train of tank cars more than 1,000 miles long, moving continuously, from field to refinery to carry the normal oil production of this continent in 1926, and to keep this 1,000 mile train running—making allowance for returning empties, loading and unloading time and demurrage—would call for three other 1,000 mile trains,
or four thousand miles of tank-cars that would be required to handle today’s oil business if it became necessary to handle it over the railway lines instead of under ground [sic] in pipe-lines.

Early pipeline construction was backbreaking work. Initially, the pipe was brought by rail to Okotoks and then to the site on horse-drawn wagons. Miles of pipe was placed in a trench, where sections were connected. The trench was then filled in, and the pipe buried. By 1928, the capacity of the gas pipeline to Okotoks had been reached, and a larger one was required. This time construction was completed using a trenching machine. The line cost $300,000 and upped transmission capacity from 1,400,000 to 2,100,000 cubic metres (48,000,000 to 75,000,000 cubic feet) per day.

Over the years, a variety of pipelines were constructed throughout Turner Valley, as demand dictated and resources allowed. Samuel G. Coultis, the first manager of the Turner Valley gas plant, noted in 1928 that within Turner Valley the “…pipe line [sic]system in the field comprises the following: gas gathering lines for piping gas from the wells to the plants; fuel gas lines to drillings rigs, camps, etcetera; water lines serving the field; crude oil gathering lines; gasoline gathering lines. There are more than 150 miles of pipe in the field.” In addition, there were pipelines within the Turner Valley gas plant to move gases and liquids to and from storage and treatment facilities. Finally, several pipelines were constructed to transport products from the plant to distant customers, processing plants or storage facilities. Perhaps one of the most intriguing uses of the pipeline system was initiated in 1930, when excess gas produced during the summer by Turner Valley wells was pumped into depleted gas wells in the Bow Island fields for storage until the high-demand winter months.

All these pipes had to withstand the chemical and physical characteristics of the substances they transported, meet the challenges of the terrain and climate, and deliver the volumes required to satisfy demand. Petroleum products and by-products, and the substances used in extraction and processing, can eat away at the materials used to contain them. The 1930s saw the technical staff at the Turner Valley gas plant devoting considerable time and effort to minimizing the detrimental effects of the chemicals they handled.

Substances are made to move through a pipe by a pressure differential. A variety of factors come into play when calculating the appropriate pressure required at one end of a pipe to deliver the desired volume of product at the other. These include the distance to be covered, the obstacles to be overcome, the size (diameter) of pipe and even temperature—it was found that Alberta’s cold winter weather necessitated the pre-heating of oil to be pumped. Once the necessary pressure is determined, it remains to calculate the size of pumps needed and at what intervals they should be placed along the pipeline to maintain the flow.

In 1936, the Turner Valley Royalties No. 1 well came in at the south end of Turner Valley. As a consequence, additional capacity was required to transport product to Calgary and, in the summer of 1937, Royalite bought a 101.6 mm (4 in.) line originally built by the Alberta Pipeline Company and reconditioned it to transport 10,000 barrels of oil per day. In May 1938 a 152.4 mm (6 in.) line to Calgary was completed, resulting in a total capacity of 24,000 barrels per day.

An important development in the history of pipelines in Turner Valley was the creation by Royalite in 1940 of a

subsidiary company, Valley Pipe Line, to own and manage its oil pipelines. This restructuring made it possible for other Turner Valley oil producers to use the pipeline system on an equal basis with Royalite. Additional pipelines were built in 1941 specifically to bring product from the Turner Valley gas plant to the two Allied War Supplies Corporation plants outside Calgary—an alkylate plant and an ammonia plant. Pipelines remained an important part of Turner Valley operations, and new ways to build, use and maintain pipelines continued to be developed.

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