Abstract: The present invention provides methods, lightweight well cement compositions and additives for the well cement compositions. The methods of the invention for sealing pipe in a well bore penetrating a zone or formation which readily fractures at low hydrostatic pressure is basically comprised of the steps of providing a lightweight cement composition comprised of a hydraulic cement, water and an additive comprising a suspension of microspheres in water gelled with sodium bentonite, placing the cement composition in the annulus between the pipe and the well bore and allowing the cement composition to set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to admixtures production and to a method of application of the admixtures in cement and concrete technology. The method allows production of high-strength and high durable cement based systems, as well as cement systems with specially designed properties of cheap high-volume mineral admixture cements.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for sealing subterranean zones penetrated by well bores are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of introducing a sealing composition into the subterranean zone comprised of a hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a slurry and a rapidly acting thixotropy providing gelling agent, and allowing the sealing composition to remain at rest in the zone whereby the sealing composition rapidly gels and then sets into a hard impermeable mass therein.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the use of phosphorescent pigments in cementious materials and allied applications, specifically in use for tile mortars and grouts, pool plasters, wall plasters, cementious roofing materials, cementious surface coatings, cement patches and self leveling compounds. The material will luminesce in the absence of an external source after irradiation with sunlight, visible, ultra-violet (UV) and/or infrared radiation without any degradation in the integrity of the cementious materials from their original applications. The cementious materials need to be capable of being applied by trowel, brush, or spray, forming a strong bond to the surface to which it has been applied. The phosphorescent material should be insoluble in water, compatible with cementious materials, remain fixed in the cementious material, effective at high pH, and produce a long lasting luminescence, for up to 8 to 12 hours, in the visible portion of the spectrum after exposure to a radiation source.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, lightweight well cement compositions and additives for the well cement compositions. The methods of the invention for sealing pipe in a well bore penetrating a zone or formation which readily fractures at low hydrostatic pressure is basically comprised of the steps of providing a lightweight cement composition comprised of a hydraulic cement, water and an additive comprising a suspension of microspheres in water gelled with sodium bentonite, placing the cement composition in the annulus between the pipe and the well bore and allowing the cement composition to set.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, lightweight well cement compositions and additives for the well cement compositions. The methods of the invention for sealing pipe in a well bore penetrating a zone or formation which readily fractures at low hydrostatic pressure is basically comprised of the steps of providing a lightweight cement composition comprised of a hydraulic cement, water and an additive comprising a suspension of microspheres in water gelled with sodium bentonite, placing the cement composition in the annulus between the pipe and the well bore and allowing the cement composition to set.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, lightweight well cement compositions and additives for the well cement compositions. The methods of the invention for sealing pipe in a well bore penetrating a zone or formation which readily fractures at low hydrostatic pressure is basically comprised of the steps of providing a lightweight cement composition comprised of a hydraulic cement, water and an additive comprising a suspension of microspheres in water gelled with sodium bentonite, placing the cement composition in the annulus between the pipe and the well bore and allowing the cement composition to set.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, lightweight well cement compositions and additives for the well cement compositions. The methods of the invention for sealing pipe in a well bore penetrating a zone or formation which readily fractures at low hydrostatic pressure is basically comprised of the steps of providing a lightweight cement composition comprised of a hydraulic cement, water and an additive comprising an aqueous suspension of microspheres containing a water swellable clay suspending agent, placing the cement composition in the annulus between the pipe and the well bore and allowing the cement composition to set.

Abstract: New additive for projectable agglomerating materials in the building industry, said additive comprising at least one clay of rheologic grade, preferably sepiolite, a water reducer/fluidifier and an aeration agent, as well as the utilization of said additive as component of projectable agglomerating materials such as mortars and concretes.

Abstract: Cementitious compositions, which may make use of waste glass, comprise glass material, calcined kaolin and a cement. Also provided are cementitious binders and solidifiable cementitious compositions (such as mortars and concretes) incorporating the cementitious compositions. The cementitious composition is mixed with water to form the cementitious binder, and aggregate is added to the cementitious binder to form the solidifiable cementitious compositions. Solidifiable cementitious compositions formed from the cementitious compositions have comparable or superior short-term strength and superior long-term strength to solidifiable cementitious compositions formed from conventional cementitious compositions.

Abstract: A cement composition contains 35-85% by weight of a cement, 3-15% by weight of a clay, 1-50% by weight of an aggregate and/or a fibrous material, and 0.2-5% by weight of a high efficiency retarder. A benefit of the present invention is that equipment used to apply cement compositions need not be cleaned every night when used on a construction site.

Abstract: A moisture control construction material is enhanced in decorativeness and improved in stain-resistance by glazing the surfaces thereof. The material is prepared by mixing soil material and clay, molding the mixture to a body, applying glate on the body and firing the body. The body may be performed biscuit firing before glazing. The moisture-absorbing-and-desorbing-performance thereof in each 8-hour cycle is more than 80 g/m2. The body has prosity of 20-25%. More than 40% of pores of the body have a radius of less than 0.1 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A chemical agent for improving the engineering properties of soil includes a mixture of cementitious pozzalans (5 to 60% by mass), calcium sulphate (20 to 80% by mass), an oxide of calcium (15 to 50% by mass) and silica oxide (1 to 30% by weight). Monofilament fibers can also be included in the mix.

Abstract: The activated kaolin powder compound is prepared from naturally-existing kaolin (hereinafter “natural kaolin”). The activated kaolin powder compound is prepared by heating natural kaolin to 480° C. within at most one hour, calcinating the heated natural kaolin at high temperature by heating in the range of 800˜950° C. over at least 15 minutes, quenching the calcinated kaolin with water or air, and pulverizing the quenched activated kaolin to give powder having particle sizes of 2 &mgr;m or less, wherein the natural kaolin is primarily composed of halloysite (Al2O3.2SiO2.4H2O). The activated kaolin powder compound is employed in an amount of about 5 to 15% by weight of cement for preparing mortar or cement. The cement composition containing the activated kaolin powder compound can provide a mortar or concrete having excellent properties in compressive strength, flexural strength and water permeability.

Abstract: A settable thixotropic material comprises a thixotrope and a settable substance, the material being capable of gelling reversibly in a gelling time of less than 60 seconds. The thixotrope conveniently comprises a fine grained clay, especially smectite clays, e.g. hectorites. It is preferred to use synthetic smectite type clay colloids, and goods results have been obtained with the synthetic clay known as Laponite RDS. The settable material conveniently comprises cement, particularly Portland cement. The thixotropic material finds use generally in oilwell applications, e.g. to plug lost circulation zones, to repair damaged or corroded casing, as grouts, and to limit annular gas migration. The material also finds particular application in techniques for completion of horizontal wells completed with slotted or pre-drilled liners.

Abstract: A thermally conductive cement-sand grout for use with a geothermal heat pump system. The cement sand grout contains cement, silica sand, a superplasticizer, water and optionally bentonite. The present invention also includes a method of filling boreholes used for geothermal heat pump systems with the thermally conductive cement-sand grout. The cement-sand grout has improved thermal conductivity over neat cement and bentonite grouts, which allows shallower bore holes to be used to provide an equivalent heat transfer capacity. In addition, the cement-sand grouts of the present invention also provide improved bond strengths and decreased permeabilities. The cement-sand grouts can also contain blast furnace slag, fly ash, a thermoplastic air entraining agent, latex, a shrinkage reducing admixture, calcium oxide and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A composition for use in construction materials, which may be substituted for high performance concrete, patching materials, joint compounds, and the like, such as backer boards or panels, which includes a settable calcium sulfate, preferably a hemihydrate, Portland cement, a finely divided pozzolanic material, lime, and an aggregate, optionally including other additives. The volume ratio of the aggregate to the combined calcium sulfate, Portland cement, pozzolanic material, and lime (a cementitious binder) is equal to or greater than 2/1. Panels made from this composition are useful, particularly when exposed to water since they have good dimensional stability.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of making a highly reactive pozzolan, involving the steps of forming a slurry comprising metakaolin and a liquid; wet milling the slurry; and separating the metakaolin from the liquid to provide the highly reactive pozzolan. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of making a cement-based composition involving the steps of providing a highly reactive pozzolan by forming a slurry comprising metakaolin and a liquid, wet milling the slurry, and separating the metakaolin from the liquid; and combining the highly reactive pozzolan with at least one cementitious material.

Abstract: The present invention is of a cementitious composition containing OPC, calcined gypsum, a source of amorphous silica and a source of amorphous alumina. The ratio of calcium sulfate hemihydrate to OPC is 0.7:1.0 to 1.4:1.0, the ratio of amorphous silica and amorphous alumina to OPC is 0.26:1.0 to 0.4:1.0, and the ratio of amorphous alumina to amorphous silica is 0.3:1.0 to 1.5:1.0. The cementitious composition, by itself and mixed with aggregates, is fast-setting and exhibits good early compressive strength and very high compressive strength after hydration. Despite the high content of calcium sulfate relative to prior art OPC formulations, the cementitious composition according to the present invention is essentially waterproof and exhibits excellent strength characteristics, even after 2 years under water. The use of calcined gypsum in place of alumina cement or even OPC is of great economic advantage, and in addition, provides the cementitious composition with quick-setting characteristics.

Abstract: An improved asbestos-free composition for the manufacture of commercial baking stones and an improved baking stone made from the improved asbestos-free composition are disclosed. The baking stone is asbestos-free, non-hazardous and is ideal for commercial ovens designed for baking pizza and bread. The improved composition for the manufacture of baking stones includes 15-45% portland cement, 30-55% fireclay, 4-11% mullite, 2-6% silica, 0.5-3% glass fiber, 10-30% water and 0.03-1.5% of a plasticizer. After curing, the preferred water content of the cured baking stone will range from 6-10% and the composition of the cured baking stone will be 15-50% portland cement, 30-55% fireclay, 4-12% mullite, 2-7% silica, 0.5-3% glass fiber, 6-10% water and 0.03-1.5% of a plasticizer. Also disclosed is an improved composition for the manufacture of baking stones that includes a pigment in order to produce a colored baking stone.

Abstract: Cement compositions and methods of cementing within subterranean formations penetrated by well bores wherein the flow properties of one or more dry particulate cementitious materials are improved and wherein the materials can be readily conveyed out of storage tanks and the like. A preferred composition of the present invention comprises a particulate flow enhancing additive dry-blended with one or more dry particulate cementitious materials, said flow enhancing additive being comprised of a particulate solid material carrying a flow inducing polar chemical, and a sufficient amount of water to form a pumpable slurry.

Abstract: Aluminum silicate-containing cement slurries for cementing wellbores in deepwater and cold environments, or in wellbores susceptible to fluid intrusion. The aluminum silicate-containing slurries may also be used as high strength, low density cements for wellbore cementing applications under a variety of conditions. The cement slurries typically comprise a mixture of a reactive aluminum silicate and hydraulic cement, and may include one or more other additives. The cement slurries may optionally be foamed using a foaming agent and energizing phase.

Abstract: An excavation pit lining consisting of a slit wall of a hardening single-phase slit wall material with an exposed surface on the pit side, and also of vertical support elements placed at a distance in the single-phase slit wall material, whereby the slit wall forms a panel wall between the support elements and where the single-phase slit wall material has at least one water-retentive, lightweight aggregate.

Abstract: A lightweight, cementitious composition and method which includes a noncementitious filler, Portland cement, bentonite, diataomaceous earth and lime. The noncementitious filler may be sawdust, rubber chips, flyash or combinations of two or more of these ingredients. Once mixed with water and air, the composition can be molded to form a variety of structures, including electrically nonconductive posts, and can be used to absorb and contain liquid contaminants in a vessel.

Abstract: A method for forming a radiation-absorbing barrier around a radioactive component by flowing a radiation-absorbing cement grout into a container which encloses the component. The radiation-absorbing cement grout comprises a cement slurry, a finished foam material, a bentonite gel, and a radiation-absorbing metal constituent.

Abstract: A composition comprises anhydrous alumino-silicate, diatomaceous earth, and/or other natural pozzolans, white clinker, and white gypsum interground together and in a ratio by weight of 5-20% anhydrous alumino-silicate, diatomaceous earth, and/or other natural pozzolans, 3-7% gypsum, and 73-92% white clinker.

Abstract: This invention relates to a formulation for preparing a dry formulation for preparing an autoclave cured cementitious product comprising:a cementitious material;a siliceous material; anda dehydroxylated clay mineral.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a cement-based composition containing at least one cementitious material and at least one highly reactive pozzolan, wherein the highly reactive pozzolan comprises spray-dried metakaolin. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a cement-based composition containing at least one cementitious material and at least one highly reactive pozzolan, wherein the highly reactive pozzolan is characterized as comprised of agglomerated beads of microparticles, the agglomerated beads having a median diameter of at least about 10 microns and the microparticles having a median diameter of about 5 microns or less.

Abstract: A cementitious mixture comprises a hydraulic cement; greater than about 10% by weight of a pozzolanic cement replacement selected from fly ash, slag, natural pozzolans, and mixtures thereof, based on the weight of said hydraulic cement and cement replacement; and a compatabilizing admixture, wherein the compatabilizing admixture comprises a compatabilizing polycarboxylate polymer dispersant capable of acting as a water reducer, in combination with an accelerator.

Abstract: A method of solidifying a waste or soil composition containing at least one contaminant species which comprises adding to said composition binder and optionally water, mixing the binder into the waste or soil material to form a mixture thereof and simultaneously during formation of the mixture and/or subsequently after formation of the mixture, treating the mixture with sufficient carbon dioxide to achieve setting and subsequent hardening of said mixture so as to produce a solidified waste or soil composition.

Abstract: A cement slurry composition suitable for well bore cementation is provided containing as an essential component a synthetic hectorite clay in amount sufficient to reduce free water formation and solids segregation.

Abstract: The activated kaolin powder compound is prepared from naturally-existing kaolin (hereinafter "natural kaolin"). The activated kaolin powder compound is prepared by heating natural kaolin to 480.degree. C. within at most one hour, calcinating the heated kaolin at high temperature by heating to 980.degree. C. over at least one hour, quenching the calcinated kaolin with water or air, and pulverizing the quenched kaolin to give particle sizes of 2 .mu.m or less. The activated kaolin powder compound is employed in an amount of about 5 to 15% by weight of cement for preparing mortar or cement. The cement composition containing the activated kaolin powder compound can provide a mortar or concrete having superior properties in compressive strength, flexural strength and water permeability.

Abstract: A composition suitable for adding to water to produce a water-resistant hydraulic solid which composition comprises components (a), (b) and (c) as follows:(a) calcium sulphate hemihydrate;(b) portland cement;(c) calcined clay having a pozzolanic activity;wherein the percentages by weight of components (a), (b) and (c) in the said composition are in the respective ranges:(a) from 20% to 98%;(b) from 1% to 50%;(c) from 1% to 30%;the percentages of components (a), (b) and (c) adding to 100% in the three component composition.

Abstract: A supplementing agent for mineral binder systems is disclosed, especially for the construction industry, containing at least 1 finely divided, swellable layer silicate and possible at least 1 other additive, the proportion of the swellable layer silicate being more than 60 wt. % and the swelling volume of the layer silicate being around 5-50 ml, in terms of a suspension of 2 g layer silicate in 100 ml water.

Abstract: This invention relates to thermo-chemical remediation and decontamination of sediments and soils contaminated with organic contaminants as well as inorganic materials with subsequent beneficial reuse. Novel environmentally stable products of commercial value are produced when certain additives such as calcium and metal oxides are mixed with the contaminated materials. In the process, the mixture is heated to 1150.degree. C..about.1500.degree. C. to produce a molten reaction product with at least part of an excess amount of oxygen mixture or air is continuously bubbled through the melt in order to provide mixing and achieve high thermal destruction and removal efficiencies of the organic contaminants. The melt is then quickly quenched in moist air, steam, or water to avoid the transformation of the amorphous material into crystals. The inorganic contaminants such as chromium, nickel, zinc, etc. are incorporated and completely immobilized within the amorphous silicate network.

Abstract: A lightweight, cementitious composition and method which includes a noncementitious filler, Portland cement, bentonite, diatamaceous earth and lime. The noncementitious filler may be sawdust, rubber chips, flyash or combinations of two or more of these ingredients. Once mixed with water and air, the composition can be molded to form a variety of structures, including electrically nonconductive posts, and can be used to absorb and contain liquid contaminants in a vessel.

Abstract: A method for forming a radiation-absorbing barrier around a radioactive component by flowing a radiation-absorbing cement grout into a container which encloses the component. The radiation-absorbing cement grout comprises a cement slurry, a finished foam material, a bentonite gel, and a radiation-absorbing metal constituent.

Abstract: A method of forming powdered metakaolin for use as an additive in cement based materials comprising the steps of calcining kaolin so as to reduce the hydroxyl content thereof to produce a meta-stable material have an identifiable amorphousness, and pulverizing the meta-stable material into a powder having a particle size of 50 microns or less.

Abstract: Novel cementitious systems comprised of gypsum, calcined clay, and clinker consisting essentially of hydraulic calcium silicates are disclosed which have the following properties: (1) a water demand of less than about 33% nc; (2) one-day strengths of at least about 1000 psi; and (3) low alkali functionality. By increasing the amount of calcined clay, the resulting cementitious system will sequentially gain the following properties: (1) alkali non-reactiveness; (2) alkali resistance; and (3) low chloride permeability. Novel methods of preparing the novel cementitious systems of this invention are also disclosed. The novel methods not only reduce production costs by decreasing fuel and raw material consumption, but they also allow the cement producer to proactively address significant environmental concerns related to the manufacturing process.

Abstract: To treat waste containing harmful netals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, copper, nickel, zinc, etc., the waste is mixed with a treating agent containing, as the essential constituent component, solid acid(s) and/or cement and additionally a caking inhibitor, kneaded with water where necessary, then solidified by curing. Harmful metals are thereby stabilized in the thus-solidified cakes and are not released therefrom.

Abstract: An improved lightweight cementitious product made up of an aqueous cementious mixture using cement and expanded shale, clay and slate mix, that can incorporate fly ash, lime, and the weight saving component, which is micronized polystyrene particles having particle sizes in the range of 50 to 2000 microns, and characterized by having water contents in the range of from about 0.5% to 50% v/v. The ultra low water compositions can be extruded and can be molded under high pressure.

Abstract: A grouting material which is self-dispersing when brought into contact with a volume of water containing liquor or slurry and is settable to a solid mass after such dispersion, the material being in the form of self-dispersing granules or pellets and comprising a blend of component (A): a cementive constituent forming from 10 per cent to 95 per cent by weight of the composition; component (B): a dispersing constituent forming from 2 per cent to 75 per cent by weight of the composition; optional component (C): a swelling constituent which forms from 0 per cent to 50 per cent by weight of the composition; and component (D): a binder constituent which forms from 0.1 per cent to 10 per cent by weight of the composition; the percentages of components A, B, C and D adding to 100 per cent.

Abstract: A cementitious mixture includes hydraulic cement, fly ash, and an effective amount of unfired nature finely divided material, such as a clay, containing at least about 35% alumina, to accelerate the early strength of a mix. A method of accelerating early strength in a cementitious mix comprises the adding of alumina in the form of an unfired raw material, such as clay, in an effective amount in such mix.

Abstract: An asbestos replacement is disclosed which includes water retention agents and finely divided mineral clays with high moisture retention capabilities. Combining the aforementioned ingredients in the correct proportions yields properties as those of asbestos when used in cementitious mortar compositions.

Abstract: Novel cementitious systems comprised of gypsum, calcined clay, and clinker consisting essentially of hydraulic calcium silicates are disclosed which have the following properties: (1) a water demand of less than about 33% nc; (2) one-day strengths of at least about 1000 psi; and (3) low alkali functionality. By increasing the amount of calcined clay, the resulting cementitious system will sequentially gain the following properties: (1) alkali non-reactiveness; (2) alkali resistance; and (3) low chloride permeability. Novel methods of preparing the novel cementitious systems of this invention are also disclosed. The novel methods not only reduce production costs by decreasing fuel and raw material consumption, but they also allow the cement producer to proactively address significant environmental concerns related to the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprising naturally-occurring humic allophane soil or Ando soil as an essential ingredient admixed with a binder material, said composition is useful in preparation of solid media effective as deodorant, absorbent, adsorbent and the like for treating fluids, in particular contaminated water and malodor air.

Abstract: Blended cement compositions for mixture with aggregate and water to prepare cementitious products. Such blended cement compositions contain cement, calcined diatomaceous earth, calcined kaolin, and about 0.5% to about 4% (w/w) of potassium, with or without talc and/or bentonite or their functional equivalents. Admixtures for blending into cement to create such blended cements or their read-mix equivalents contain calcined kaolin, calcined diatomaceous earth, and potassium, with or without talc and/or bentonite or their functional equivalents.

Abstract: High-strength, high-hardness concrete, mortar, or grout is prepared by blending portland cement, water, and aggregate with a source of reactive silica, pouring the concrete mixture into a form, allowing the concrete to cure until it reaches its conventional 28-day strength, and immersing the cured concrete in a solution of alkali metal hydroxide and aluminum nitrate at 60.degree.-110.degree. C. for 3-14 days. Alternatively, the cured concrete may be sprayed with the solution and maintained at 60.degree.-110.degree. C. for 3-14 days. A dense, hard surface layer of alkali metal aluminum silicate is formed, the compressive strength and surface hardness of the concrete is increased, and the water infiltration rate into the concrete is decreased.

Abstract: A grouting composition for sealing boreholes or other cavities comprising 90.0-99.99% water swellable clay and 0.01-10.0% gelling agent. The grouting composition is mixed with fresh water to provide an easily placed, low cost, low permeability sealing composition. A preferred grouting composition contains 98-99% sodium bentonite and 1-2% cement. In use 50 pounds of the preferred grouting composition is mixed with 27-38 gallons of fresh water to produce a grouting composition containing 13.7-18.2% solids and having a fluid density equal to or greater than 9.0 lbs/gallon with a Marsh funnel viscosity equal to or greater than 50 seconds.

Abstract: A composition useful in preparing a cement composition for setting and hardening of soils, comprising:(1) Slaked Lime;(2) Magnesium Chloride;(3) Montmorillonite;(4) Zirconium; and(5) Sodium Lignin-Sulfonate.