Abstract: A continuous multi-component slurrying process at an oil or gas well comprises flowing at least three separate streams of different essential materials directly into a predetermined mixing unit at the oil or gas well, wherein each of the essential materials is required to obtain a predetermined defining characteristic of the slurry.

Abstract: A continuous multi-component slurrying process at an oil or gas well comprises flowing at least three separate streams of different essential materials directly into a predetermined mixing unit at the oil or gas well, wherein each of the essential materials is required to obtain a predetermined defining characteristic of the slurry.

Abstract: A dry, agglomerated cement material, a method of preparing the dry, agglomerated cement material, a method of cementing, and an apparatus for agglomerating particulate materials. The dry, agglomerated cement material comprises a plurality of particles of a cement bonded together by a water-soluble binder material. The dry, agglomerated cement material is prepared by depositing the water-soluble binder material on the particles such that the binder material bonds the particles together. The inventive agglomerated cement material can be conveniently transported by both pneumatic and non-pneumatic means. The method of cementing comprises the step of mixing the agglomerated cement material with water to form a cement slurry.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus includes a tub, an agitator disposed in the tub, a flow mixer which provides an initial mixture into the tub, and recirculating means for recirculating mixture from the tub through the flow mixer. In a particular embodiment, the flow mixer has a vertical sleeve through which a dry substance is received for mixing with a liquid input through an inlet manifold through which the sleeve extends. The flow mixer also includes a valve comprising an orifice plate, a valve plate and a body in which grooves are formed for forming jets of liquid to engage the dry substance in a downwardly spiraling circulation. Connected to the flow mixer below the valve are at least two recirculation inputs below which a diffuser is adjustably connected.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for producing a proppant carrying foamed fracturing fluid or the like having very high ratios of proppant material to the liquid phase of the foam, which can be substantially higher than even the theoretical maximum ratio available when the proppant is introduced into a foaming apparatus as a proppant/liquid slurry. This is accomplished by a dry sand foam generation process wherein the sand or other particulate material is introduced into a foam generator apparatus as a dry particulate material in a stream of gas which is subsequently mixed with a second liquid stream.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for producing a proppant carrying foamed fracturing fluid or the like having very high ratios of proppant material to the liquid phase of the foam, which can be substantially higher than even the theoretical maximum ratio available when the proppant is introduced into a foaming apparatus as a proppant/liquid slurry. This is accomplished by a dry sand foam generation process wherein the sand or other particulate material is introduced into a foam generator apparatus as a dry particulate material in a stream of gas which is subsequently mixed with a second liquid stream.