Abstract: The present invention provides methods of modifying the properties of a subterranean stratum penetrated by a well bore to increase the resistance of the stratum to shear failure. The methods basically include the steps of preparing a hardenable epoxy composition having flexibility upon hardening including an epoxide containing liquid or an epoxy resin and an epoxide containing liquid and a hardening agent. The epoxy composition is pumped into the subterranean stratum by way of the well bore and by way of the porosity of the stratum and then allowed to harden in the stratum.

Abstract: A method and system for testing a two-phase compressible composition, such as a foamed cementing composition, enables testing for mechanical properties while maintaining original pressurized gas volumes in the composition. A specimen of the composition can be prepared, transferred and tested without disrupting the dynamic status of the specimen. This allows for testing of the composition under conditions in which the composition will be placed in an oil or gas well. A related specimen test device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides resilient cement compositions and methods which are particularly useful in the construction and repair of oil and gas wells. The cement compositions have improved mechanical properties including elasticity and ductility.

Abstract: The present invention provides resilient cement compositions and methods which are particularly useful in the construction and repair of oil and gas wells. The cement compositions have improved mechanical properties including elasticity and ductility and are basically comprised of cementitious material, an aqueous rubber latex and a latex stabilizer.

Abstract: Methods of forming highly insulated pipeline bundles made up of one or more flow lines positioned within a continuous larger diameter outer sleeve are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of filling the space between the outside of the flow lines and the inside of the outer sleeve with a foamed cement composition comprised of hydraulic cement, water, a gas and a foaming agent, allowing the hydration reaction between the hydraulic cement and the water in the cement composition to take place, and then heating the hydrated cement composition to evaporate and remove excess water in the cement composition and thereby increase the insulating properties of the cement composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides resilient cement compositions and methods which are particularly useful in the construction and repair of oil and gas wells. The compositions have improved expansion properties and are basically comprised of a hydraulic cementitious material, rubber particles derived from automobile tires, sufficient water to form a pumpable slurry, and a dispersing agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of grouting a subsurface conduit whereby the hardened grout resists stress failures. The methods basically comprise the steps of forming a hardenable grout composition having elastomeric properties upon hardening, placing the hardenable grout composition adjacent to the outside of a subsurface conduit whereby upon hardening the grout composition forms an elastomeric solid support for the conduit and allowing the hardenable grout composition to harden into an elastomeric solid mass.

Abstract: The present invention provides cementitious well drilling fluids and methods of drilling subterranean well bores. The drilling fluids are basically comprised of water, a water viscosity increasing material and a cementitious material which when deposited on the walls of the well bore as a part of the filter cake thereon consolidates the filter cake into a stable mass that readily bonds to a cementitious material slurry subsequently placed in the well bore. The methods of drilling a subterranean well bore are basically comprised of the steps of preparing a drilling fluid of the invention and drilling a subterranean well bore using the drilling fluid.

Abstract: Improved methods of cementing in a well are provided whereby stress failures in the resulting set cement are prevented or reduced. The methods basically comprise the steps of placing a foamed cement composition in a zone in the well to be cemented which when set has sufficient elastic properties to resist stress failure comprised of hydraulic cement, water, a gas present in an amount in the range of from about 5% to about 75% by volume of the cement composition and a foaming agent, and then allowing the cement composition to set across the zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides resilient cement compositions and methods which are particularly useful in the construction and repair of oil and gas wells. The cement compositions have improved mechanical properties including elasticity and ductility and are basically comprised of cementitious material, an aqueous rubber latex and a latex stabilizer.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods of combating lost drilling fluid circulation in wells, particularly in wells penetrating vugular and naturally fractured formations such as geothermal wells. The methods basically comprise the steps of forming a quick set cementitious composition which when drilled after setting produces cuttings compatible with the drilling fluid being used, introducing the cementitious composition into the drilling fluid thief zone in the well, allowing the composition to set into a cementitious plug in the thief zone and then continuing the drilling of the well bore through and below the cementitious plug.

Abstract: Improved methods of displacing a first liquid through a pipe with a second liquid while preventing the first and second liquids from mixing are provided. In accordance with the methods, a plug is formed in-situ in the pipe between the first and second liquids by injecting a self-thickening liquid therein and permitting the liquid to thicken. The formed plug and the first liquid are then displaced through the pipe with the second liquid. The methods are particularly suitable for carrying out subterranean well bore cementing operations wherein cement slurries are displaced through pipes disposed in well bores.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of cementing a well with a cementing composition utilizing a portion of the fluid used to drill the well as a component of the cementing composition. The methods basically comprise forming a cementing composition, consisting essentially of a cementing precursor composition and a set-activator introducing the cementing composition into the well and permitting the cementing composition to set into a hard mass therein; wherein the cementing precursor composition is the fluid used to drill the well.

Abstract: The present invention provides fly ash cementing compositions and methods which are useful in any cementing application, and are particularly suitable for cementing in subterranean zones penetrated by well bores. The cementing compositions can include a portion of the drilling fluid used to drill a well bore as a component thereof. Also, drilling fluid can be disposed of by combining it with the fly ash cementing composition whereby it solidifies in a disposal location.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of cementing a well with a cementing composition utilizing a portion of the drilling fluid used to drill the well as a component of the cementing composition. The methods basically comprise forming a cementing composition, consisting essentially of a cementing precursor composition, a set-activator, and a portion of the drilling fluid, introducing the cementing composition into the well and permitting the cementing composition to set into a hard mass therein.

Abstract: Improved methods of displacing a first liquid through a pipe with a second liquid while preventing the first and second liquids from mixing are provided. In accordance with the methods, a plug is formed in-situ in the pipe between the first and second liquids by injecting a self-thickening liquid therein and permitting the liquid to thicken. The formed plug and the first liquid are then displaced through the pipe with the second liquid. The methods are particularly suitable for carrying out subterranean well bore cementing operations wherein cement slurries are displaced through pipes disposed in well bores.

Abstract: Set-activated cementitious compositions and methods of using such compositions in cementing subterranean zones penetrated by well bores are provided. The compositions are basically comprised of water, particulate condensed silica fume suspended in the water; a dispersing agent for facilitating the dispersal of the silica fume particles in the water and maintaining the particles in suspension therein, a set-activator and a set delaying additive for increasing the time in which the composition sets after the set-activator is combined therewith.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of cementing a well with a cementing composition utilizing a portion of the drilling fluid used to drill the well as a component in the cementing composition. The methods basically comprise forming a set-activated cementing composition comprised of water, silica fume, a dispersing agent, a set-activator, a set delaying additive and a portion of the drilling fluid, introducing the resulting set-activated cementing composition into the well and permitting the cementing composition to set into a hard mass therein.

Abstract: Methods of drilling a well bore utilizing a circulating drilling fluid and subsequently disposing of the drilling fluid by converting it to a cementitious composition are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of forming the drilling fluid with an aqueous suspension of condensed silica fume as a component thereof, drilling a well bore using the drilling fluid, activating the drilling fluid whereby it will subsequently set into a hard cementitious mass and placing the set activated drilling fluid in one or more desired locations whereby it sets therein.

Abstract: A method of forming in a desired location in a well bore a dual-state composite of a hardened hydraulic cement and a solid rubber which features the use of a composition consisting essentially of a mixture of a slurry of a hydraulic cement and a vulcanizable rubber latex.