Abstract: Described herein are methods of enhancing the rheological properties of a colloidal mineral suspension in a liquid with high-intensity acoustical energy. In some examples, the colloidal mineral suspension may be dehydrated after treatment with high-intensity acoustical energy.

Abstract: A geosynthetic clay liner (GCL). The GCL may include a substrate layer, a bentonite layer applied onto the substrate layer, and a water-soluble polymer suspended in a non-aqueous medium and spray-applied over the bentonite layer.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of enhancing the rheological properties of a colloidal mineral suspension in a liquid with high-intensity acoustical energy. In some examples, the colloidal mineral suspension may be dehydrated after treatment with high-intensity acoustical energy.

Abstract: Methods including drying a crude mineral composition including surface active minerals (“SAM”) and gangue, grinding the crude mineral composition to produce a crude mineral particulate composition including SAM particulates and gangue particulates, contacting the crude mineral particulate composition with a quaternary ammonium surfactant to form organically modified surface active mineral (“OMSAM”) particulates, grinding the crude mineral particulate composition that was contacted with the quaternary ammonium surfactant, and separating a portion of the OMSAM particulates from the gangue particulates using an air classifier.

Abstract: A method of forming a set grout includes steps of preparing a grout additive fluid comprising a fresh water base fluid and a grout additive control package comprising a primary additive selected from the group consisting of an inhibitor, a dispersant, a thermally conductive material, and any combination thereof; introducing an aqueous swellable clay into the grout additive fluid, thereby forming a final grout fluid; and introducing the final grout fluid into an annulus in a subterranean formation, the annulus formed between an exterior of a geothermal well loop tubular and the subterranean formation. The ordering of additives in the method results in enhanced effectiveness of the additives, which may reduce the amount of additive loading required.

Abstract: A method comprising (a) first, preparing a grout additive fluid comprising a fresh water base fluid and a grout additive control package comprising a primary additive selected from the group consisting of an inhibitor, a dispersant, a thermally conductive material, and any combination thereof, wherein at least about 90% of the dispersant and the inhibitor are dissolved in the fresh water base fluid; (b) second, introducing an aqueous swellable clay into the grout additive fluid, thereby forming a final grout fluid; and (c) third, introducing the final grout fluid into an annulus in a subterranean formation, the annulus formed between an exterior of a geothermal well loop tubular and the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Methods including drying a crude mineral composition comprising surface active minerals (“SAM”) and gangue, grinding the crude mineral composition to produce a crude mineral particulate composition comprising SAM particulates and gangue particulates, contacting the crude mineral particulate composition with a quaternary ammonium surfactant to form organically modified surface active mineral (“OMSAM”) particulates, grinding the crude mineral particulate composition that was contacted with the quaternary ammonium surfactant, and separating a portion of the OMSAM particulates from the gangue particulates using an air classifier.

Abstract: Biodegradable organophilic clays for use in drilling fluids may, in some instances, include clay treated with a surfactant system that includes biodegradable quaternary ammonium surfactants and nonbiodegradable quaternary ammonium surfactants. The biodegradable quaternary ammonium surfactant may be capable of degrading by more than about 90% over 28 days as determined by Method 306 of the OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemical.