Paper: Flue Gas Generation Problems, Solutions And Cost Block 31 Field

The world's largest flue gas operation is being conducted in the Block 31 Field, Crane County, Texas. This multi-pay field was discovered by The Atlantic Refining Co., now Atlantic Richfield Co, in Nov. 1945. Early in the field's life, the industry's first miscible displacement program was started in the Devonian reservoir. The 54 MMCF/D flue gas plant started operations on March 8,1966. The miscible program had been conducted for approximately 17 yrs. Prior to construction of the flue gas plant, a conventional gasoline plant and injection facilities were in operation. By burning a portion of the absorber residue gas in a controlled atmosphere, the volume can be increased 9-11 times. Operation of this flue gas plant resulted in not having to purchase 30-40 MMCF/D of natural gas, permitting the sale of 20-30 MMCF/D of produced gas and assuring a good supply of displacement gas for the reservoir. The flue gas plant will extend the economic life of the injection program.