One Hundred Million Barrels of Oil From Block 31 Unit
Crane, Crane County, Texas
Marker Inscription
A discovery well completed in Nov. 1945 about a mile to the northeast has led to vast production of oil--one hundred million barrels by July 27, 1969. The discovery well, University A No.1 , was drilled by the Atlantic Richfield Company. This development is on land belonging to the University of Texas, designated as Block 31 Unit, and leased to Atlantic Richfield (the operator), Phillips Petroleum Company, Continental Oil Company and Champlin Petroleum Company. The unit--7,200 acres in area--has 72 wells approximately 8,500 feet deep, into the earth stratum known as the Devonian formation. Through the years, unusual processes were used to increase unit oil recovery. High pressure natural gas was injected, to wash oil from subterranean rock. Later, exhaust gas was injected instead of the costlier natural gas. Research and farsighted policies made possible unusually high recovery in this reservoir. Credit for the conservation and good management of this unit goes to the Texas Railroad Commission (as the regulatory body with oversight of oil production), the University of Texas and owners of the unit. (1969) supplemental plate added 1989: A second milestone was reached October 17, 1987, when the two hundred millionth barrel of crude oil was produced from the Block 31 Unit.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
A discovery well completed in November 1945 opened one of the great oil fields of the Permian Basin, on University of Texas land designated the Block 31 Unit. By 1969 it had produced a hundred million barrels, and by 1987 a second hundred million, drawn from wells reaching some 8,500 feet into the ancient Devonian rock. Engineers pushed recovery far beyond the ordinary by injecting high-pressure gas to wash oil from the reservoir.
Why it matters
The field showcases the postwar oil technology and conservation practices that powered Texas and funded its university system.
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