Patent ID: 10975674

Abstract:
A method for producing hydrocarbons includes the steps of a) providing a source of liquefied natural gas (LNG), b) regasifying the LNG at the well, c) pressurizing the regasified LNG above the formation pressure, d) injecting the pressurized LNG into the well, e) allowing the injection stream to flow into the producing formation, and f) recovering and transporting the regasified LNG and produced gas from the formation. The injection stream may include at least 85% methane and no more than 5 PPM water. Step f) may be carried out without separating the recovered gases. Step d) may continue for at least 24 hours. Step b) may comprise passing the LNG through a vaporizer. Step c) may be carried out before step b). An apparatus for injecting regasified LNG into a hydrocarbon formation may comprise an LNG tank, a vaporizer, a compressor, and a fluid connection to the producing formation.