Abstract: Cement retarders for well cements are based on hydrophobins. Hydrophobins are proteins or polypeptides that form hydrophobic coatings on surfaces. The size of the hydrophobins is preferably between about 100 and 350 amino acids, and the preferred hydrophobin concentration is between about 0.001% and 1.0% by weight of cement. Portland cement is the preferred well cement. Cement slurries containing hydrophobins are useful for both primary and remedial cementing applications.

Abstract: The flowability of asphalt particles may be improved by mixing the particles with comprises further compound comprises Portland cement, calcium aluminate cement, fly ash, blast furnace slag, lime/silica blends, silica, ground limestone, cement kiln dust, chemically bonded phosphate ceramics, zeolites, geopolymers, cellulose, starch, calcium carbonate, colloidal silica, aluminosilicates, and combinations thereof. Treating the asphalt particles with at least one of these compounds inhibits caking during storage and enhances transportability.

Abstract: Expansive cements for use in cementing subterranean wells contain an encapsulated gas-generating substance. The gas-generating substance comprises one or more materials that release hydrogen, nitrogen or both. The gas-generating substance is encapsulated by a coating comprising a polymer. The coating prevents premature gas release at the surface during slurry mixing, and promotes gas release at a desired location in the subterranean well. The released gas may also control the internal pore pressure of the cement slurry, thereby inhibiting the invasion of formation fluids into the borehole.

Abstract: Expansive cements for use in cementing subterranean wells contain an encapsulated gas-generating substance. The gas-generating substance comprises one or more materials that release hydrogen, nitrogen or both. The gas-generating substance is encapsulated by a coating comprising a polymer. The coating prevents premature gas release at the surface during slurry mixing, and promotes gas release at a desired location in the subterranean well. The released gas may also control the internal pore pressure of the cement slurry, thereby inhibiting the invasion of formation fluids into the borehole.

Abstract: Cement retarders for well cements are based on hydrophobins. Hydrophobins are proteins or polypeptides that form hydrophobic coatings on surfaces. The size of the hydrophobins is preferably between about 100 and 350 amino acids, and the preferred hydrophobin concentration is between about 0.001% and 1.0% by weight of cement. Portland cement is the preferred well cement. Cement slurries containing hydrophobins are useful for both primary and remedial cementing applications.