Abstract: The present invention relates to subterranean drilling and well completion operations, and more particularly, to improved casing that comprises stress-absorbing materials and associated methods of use. In some embodiments, the present invention discloses methods of casing a well bore that comprise the steps of providing a casing that comprises a stress-absorbing material; and placing the casing into the well bore. In other embodiments, the present invention provides improved casing that comprises stress-absorbing materials and methods of reducing the transmission of stress from a casing to a cement sheath.

Abstract: A method and cementing composition that includes gas generating additives for compensating for or offsetting hydration volume shrinkage of the cementing compositions. The method comprises placing the cementing composition in a subterranean zone and allowing the cement composition to set into a solid mass therein.

Abstract: Foamed cement compositions comprising carbon fibers, a hydraulic cement material, sufficient water to form a slurry, an expanding additive, and optionally, other ingredients, including any suitable additives.

Abstract: Methods and cement compositions are provided for sealing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore, wherein the cement compositions are a mixture of at least one cementitious material, a polymer emulsion that is at least one polar monomer and at least one elasticity enhancing monomer, and a mixing fluid. Such cement compositions are placed into subterranean zones and allowed to set therein. Such methods provide favorable mechanical properties, such as Young's modulus, compressive strength and tensile strength to the cement compositions when set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of generating gas in and foaming well treating fluids during pumping of the treating fluids or after the treating fluids are placed in a subterranean zone, or both. A method of the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean zone comprising the steps of providing a well treating fluid that comprises a water component, a gas generating chemical, and an encapsulated activator, placing the well treating fluid in a subterranean zone, and allowing the gas generating chemical to react so that a gas is generated in the cement composition. Methods of cementing, fracturing, cementing compositions, fracturing fluid compositions, and foamed well fluid compositions also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides variable density fluid compositions and methods for using such compositions in a subterranean formation. One exemplary embodiment of the variable density fluid compositions of the present invention comprises a variable density fluid comprising: a base fluid; and a portion of elastic particles, the elastic particles having an isothermal compressibility factor in the range of from about 1.5×10?3 (1/psi) to about 1.5×10?9 (1/psi).

Abstract: The current invention provides a cementing fluid for enhancing the stability of a water sensitive reactive subterranean formation. The cementing fluid comprises a compound capable of adjusting the water activity of the cementing fluid. The preferred cementing fluid has a water activity lower than the pore fluid found in the formation.

Abstract: Cement compositions comprising flexible, compressible beads, processes for preparing such cement compositions, and methods of cementing in subterranean formations using such cement compositions. One or more flexible, compressible beads are mixed with the cement before pumping the cement into a well bore. The flexible, compressible beads are preferably composed of an elastomeric material such as a copolymer of methylmethacrylate and acrylonitrile; a terpolymer of methylmethacrylate, acrylonitrile, and dichloroethane; a styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer; and polystyrene. The flexible, compressible beads may be heated to expand the beads before mixing with the cement such that the ensuing cement composition will have a desired density. Non-flexible beads such as spherulites may also be added to the cement compositions.

Abstract: The current invention provides a method for enhancing the formation stability of water sensitive, reactive formations penetrated by a wellbore. The method of the current invention provides an accurate evaluation of the impact of cementing fluids on water sensitive, reactive formations and provides the ability to accurately formulate cementing fluids in order to enhance the stability of such formations. When necessary, the method of the current invention additionally provides for the application of an osmotic semi-permeable membrane to the face of the formation.

Abstract: A method and cementing composition for sealing a subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore, wherein the cementing composition comprises a mixture of cementitious material, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and sufficient water to form a slurry.