Apache’s Altus Midstream said May 30 the first of three new cryogenic processing trains at Diamond complex in Alpine High is now processing rich natural gas and delivering NGLs and residue gas to sales. It’s the first of three units scheduled to begin operations in 2019 with aggregate nameplate capacity of 600 million cubic feet per day, which can produce an estimated 60,000 to 75,000 barrels of NGLs per day at Alpine High for Altus’ primary customer Apache.
Clay Bretches, CEO and president of Altus, said, “By the end of 2019 we expect to triple our cryogenic processing capacity at Alpine High with the in-service of train #2 in July and train #3 in the fourth quarter… These cryogenic processing facilities feature state-of-the-art SRX processing technology, which optimizes processing economics with better NGL recoveries in both ethane recovery and rejection mode versus more commonly used processing methods in Permian Basin.”
This announcement comes after Houston-based Apache said in April it was trimming natural gas production in Permian Basin because of steep price discounts caused by pipeline and processing shortages in the region. Houston Chronicle said, “The opening of Diamond complex … could soon get Apache’s gas output moving again.”