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Abstract

A process for fracturing a subterranean formation using a mixture of methane and propane/butane is provided. The process comprises:

(a) providing a first fluid (in a gas or liquefied form) comprising at least 50 wt. % of methane;(b) providing a second fluid (in a gas or liquefied form) comprising at least 50 wt % of the combination of propane and butane;(c) mixing and, in case of a gas mixture, liquefying the first fluid and the second fluid to obtain a liquefied fluid mixture comprising 15-80 wt. % of methane and 15-80 wt. % of the combination of propane and butane, in which the liquefied mixture has a temperature and a pressure such that the liquefied fluid stays above the bubble point of the mixture;(d) blending a proppant and/or a gallant into the liquefied fluid mixture to produce a fracturing fluid; and(e) injecting the fracturing fluid into the subterranean formation.

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First Claim