Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for subterranean formation treatments, such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control that include porous materials. Such porous materials may be selectively configured porous material particles manufactured and/or treated with selected glazing materials, coating materials and/or penetrating materials to have desired strength and/or apparent density to fit particular downhole conditions for well treating such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control treatments. Porous materials may also be employed in selected combinations to optimize fracture or sand control performance, and/or may be employed as relatively lightweight materials in liquid carbon dioxide-based well treatment systems.

Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for subterranean formation treatments, such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control that include porous materials. Such porous materials may be selectively configured porous material particles manufactured and/or treated with selected glazing materials, coating materials and/or penetrating materials to have desired strength and/or apparent density to fit particular downhole conditions for well treating such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control treatments. Porous materials may also be employed in selected combinations to optimize fracture or sand control performance, and/or may be employed as relatively lightweight materials in liquid carbon dioxide-based well treatment systems.

Abstract: A cementitious composition for cementing an oil or gas well and which exhibits when cured, increased flexural strength and a flexural strength to compressive strength ratio between from about 0.29 to about 0.80, contains a hydraulically-active cementitious material, such as Portland cement, and substantially spherical zeolite. Representative zeolites include natrolite, heulandite, analcime, chabazite, stilbite, and clinoptilolite. The weight percent of zeolite in the cement composition is generally less than or equal to 15 percent. In practice, a well bore may be cemented by pumping the activated slurry and pumping it within the well bore to a pre-selected location and allowing it to solidify.

Abstract: Cementitious slurries capable of controlling and/or preventing strength retrogression during the cementing of a formation contain a bismuth salt or derivative thereof. Bismuth trioxide is preferred. The cementitious slurry may further contain a density modifying agent and/or strength enhancer. The cementitious slurries of the invention are suitable for use over a broad temperature range of from about 45° F. to about 500° F.

Abstract: A cementitious composition for cementing an oil or gas well and which exhibits, when cured, increased flexural strength and a flexural strength to compressive strength ratio between from about 0.29 to about 0.80, contains a hydraulically-active cementitious material, such as Portland cement, and substantially spherical zeolite. Representative zeolites include natrolite, heulandite, analcime, chabazite, stilbite, and clinoptilolite. The weight percent of zeolite in the cement composition is generally less than or equal to 15 percent. In practice, a well bore may be cemented by pumping the activated slurry and pumping it within the well bore to a pre-selected location and allowing it to solidify.

Abstract: A storable, hydraulically-active, cementitious slurry is made and used to cement within subterranean foundations for oil and gas wells. The slurry is made from a hydraulically-active cementitious material, a suspending agent, and, as a retarder, boric acid. The boric acid is present in the cementitious slurry in an amount sufficient to lower the pH of the storable cementitious slurry to at least 12.0, preferably to at least 11.0 or preferably, for reasons of longevity, to a pH of at least 9.0. Generally the amount of boric acid in the cementitious slurry is between from about 1 to about 6 percent by weight. Preferred as suspending agent are iota carrageenan as well as poly (methyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride) decadiene copolymer. The slurry remains liquid during storage. The slurry is activated when needed for cementing and is pumped into the subterranean formation where it is allowed to set.

Abstract: Methods and materials for chemically enhanced drilling of oil/gas wells are disclosed. The use of drilling fluids containing chemicals that dissolve formation constituents results in the creation of boreholes. Fluids containing acids such as hydrochloric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, or combinations thereof have been found to be especially useful in chemical drilling of formations containing basic minerals such as calcium carbonate. The use of acid has the further advantage of simultaneously stimulating the borehole.

Abstract: Methods and materials for chemically enhanced drilling of oil/gas wells are disclosed. The use of drilling fluids containing chemicals that dissolve formation constituents results in the creation of boreholes. Fluids containing acids such as hydrochloric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, or combinations thereof have been found to be especially useful in chemical drilling of formations containing basic minerals such as calcium carbonate. The use of acid has the further advantage of simultaneously stimulating the borehole.

Abstract: A viscous fluid is shown which is useful in treating subterranean formations. The fluid is formulated from an aqueous base, an alkyl sarcosinate surfactant and a buffer suitable for adjusting the pH of the blended fluid to a range in which the fluid is suitably viscosified. The fluid can also include an additional source of anions, such as chloride or fluoride ions, in order to increase the temperature stability of the fluid. The fluids have application for conventional well fracturing, coiled tubing fracturing, gravel packing and frac packing, as well as for use as selective water control additives and other applications.

Abstract: A viscous fluid is shown which is useful in treating subterranean formations. The fluid is formulated from an aqueous base, an alkyl sarcosinate surfactant and a buffer suitable for adjusting the pH of the blended fluid to a range in which the fluid is suitably viscosified. The fluid can also include an additional source of anions, such as chloride or fluoride ions, in order to increase the temperature stability of the fluid. The fluids have application for conventional well fracturing, coiled tubing fracturing, gravel packing and frac packing, as well as for use as selective water control additives and other applications.

Abstract: A method of cementing an oil and gas wellbore is accomplished by mixing together blast furnace slag, construction grade cement and water to form a pumpable slurry. The slurry is then pumped to a selected location within an oil and gas well and allowed to solidify within the wellbore. The blast furnace slag alters the properties of the construction grade cement so that it can be used in the construction of oil and gas wells, where it would otherwise not be feasible to use. The blast furnace slag enhances the physical and chemical properties of the construction grade cement, increasing gel times and decreasing fluid loss.

Abstract: A method of stimulating production in sandstone formations of oil and gas wells is achieved by using an acid system which slowly dissolves the silicate and clay formations of the sandstone to increase its permeability. The acid system uses phosphonate compounds, including phosphonate acids and the salts and esters thereof, in combination with hydrofluoric acid. The hydrofluoric acid may be provided by hydrolyzing ammonium bifluoride or hydrofluoric acid itself. The phosphonate compounds of the acid systems retard the rate at which the hydrofluoric acid reacts with the clays while enhancing the reaction rate with silica, which comprises the bulk of sandstone formations. This allows more penetration of the formation immediately adjacent to the wellbore. The phosphonate materials also improve the dispersion and suspension properties of the treating solution with silts and fines and improves the complexing capacity of the acids with silicate and alumni complexes.