Method and system for producing hydrocarbons from a hydrate reservoir using a sweep gas

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and system for producing hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon containing hydrate reservoir. The method includes providing at least one producer well in fluid communication with a producing facility and with a hydrocarbon containing hydrate reservoir. The hydrate reservoir is in fluid communication with a head space disposed above the hydrate formation. The head space contains disassociated hydrocarbons and water. A sweep gas is swept through the head space to remove the disassociated gas and water from the hydrate reservoir and to transport the disassociated gas and water to the at least one producer well. The additional pressure and/or heat provided by the sweep gas may help inhibit the reformation of disassociated gas and water into hydrates allowing for enhanced production rates. The additional heat will also help increase the disassociation rate of the upper part of the hydrate formation adjacent to the head space.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.