Abstract: Geopolymeric compositions are presented that are useful as geopolymer slurries for cementing subterranean wells. The slurries may contain an aluminosilicate source, an alkaline source, and a carrier fluid. The slurries generate an alkali metal or alkaline earth hydroxide activator in situ, thereby avoiding or reducing handling of alkali materials at a wellsite.

Abstract: Cementing compositions contain water, a cement and an additive for adjusting thermal conductivity. The additive for adjusting thermal conductivity may be graphite, graphene, aluminum oxide, hematite, copper metal, copper oxide, aluminum, amorphous carbon, gallium metal, iron metal, magnesium oxide, nickel metal, nickel oxide, tin metal, tin oxide, zinc metal or zinc oxide, or combinations thereof. Such compositions may have thermal conductivities exceeding 2 W/mK. Such compositions may be useful in closed loop geothermal completions or for encasing electrical cables.

Abstract: Geopolymeric compositions are presented that are useful for cementing subterranean wells. The compositions may contain an aluminosilicate source, a metal silicate, an alkali activator and a slurry density modifier that may contain uintaite, vitrified shale, petroleum coke or coal or combinations thereof. Methods for placing the geopolymeric compositions in subterranean wells are also presented.

Abstract: A grout composition includes a grout binder comprising calcium sulfate, the grout binder constituting from about 25.0 weight percent to about 99.0 weight percent of the grout composition, and at least one thermal conductivity additive comprising graphite. A grout formed from the grout composition has a thermal conductivity greater than about 1.0 W/m·K. Related grout slurries formed from the grout composition, grouts, and methods of grouting a wellbore are also disclosed.

Abstract: A grout composition includes a grout binder comprising calcium sulfate, the grout binder constituting from about 25.0 weight percent to about 99.0 weight percent of the grout composition, and at least one thermal conductivity additive comprising graphite. A grout formed from the grout composition has a thermal conductivity greater than about 1.0 W/m·K. Related grout slurries formed from the grout composition, grouts, and methods of grouting a wellbore are also disclosed.

Abstract: Geopolymer precursor compositions are presented that are useful for cementing a subterranean well, among other uses. The precursor compositions are dry mixtures that have an aluminosilicate source and an activator. The activator is an alkalinity source that is safe to store, transport, and blend with an aluminosilicate source. The activator may be a hydroxide-free activator. A geopolymer slurry is formed by adding water to the dry geopolymer precursor compositions. Such slurries have suitable characteristics for use in cementing applications that use pumpable mixtures.

Abstract: Geopolymeric compositions are presented that are useful as geopolymer slurries for cementing subterranean wells. The slurries may contain an aluminosilicate source, an alkaline source and a carrier fluid. The slurries generate an alkali metal or alkaline earth hydroxide activator in situ, thereby avoiding or reducing handling of alkali materials at a wellsite.

Abstract: Cementing compositions contain water, a cement and an additive for adjusting thermal conductivity. The additive for adjusting thermal conductivity may be graphite, graphene, aluminum oxide, hematite, copper metal, copper oxide, aluminum, amorphous carbon, gallium metal, iron metal, magnesium oxide, nickel metal, nickel oxide, tin metal, tin oxide, zinc metal or zinc oxide, or combinations thereof. Such compositions may have thermal conductivities exceeding 2 W/mK. Such compositions may be useful in closed loop geothermal completions or for encasing electrical cables.

Abstract: Geopolymeric compositions are presented that are useful for cementing subterranean wells. The compositions may contain an aluminosilicate source, a metal silicate, an alkali activator and a slurry density modifier that may contain uintaite, vitrified shale, petroleum coke or coal or combinations thereof. Methods for placing the geopolymeric compositions in subterranean wells are also presented.

Abstract: Geopolymer precursor compositions are presented that are useful for cementing a subterranean well, among other uses. The precursor compositions are dry mixtures that have an aluminosilicate source and an activator. The activator is an alkalinity source that is safe to store, transport, and blend with an aluminosilicate source. The activator may be a hydroxide-free activator. A geopolymer slurry is formed by adding water to the dry geopolymer precursor compositions. Such slurries have suitable characteristics for use in cementing applications that use pumpable mixtures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically and visually monitoring the wear of a continuous conveyor chain without having to stop the conveyor chain. The method and apparatus provides first and second sensors fixedly spaced along the conveyor chain at a predetermined distance and first and second opposing visualization devices oppositely positioned at a point along the conveyor chain. The first and second sensors generate signals corresponding to the presence and absence of successive links provided in the conveyor chain. The generated signals are received and processed, and the necessary time intervals are calculated for providing an output indicative of chain wear of any portion of the chain. Several parameters of chain wear may be calculated, including chain stretch and instantaneous chain speed. The first and second visualization devices capture visual images of each of the links so as to visually inspect and identify any problems associated with the links.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically and visually monitoring the wear of a continuous conveyor chain without having to stop the conveyor chain. The method and apparatus provides first and second sensors fixedly spaced along the conveyor chain at a predetermined distance and first and second opposing visualization devices oppositely positioned at a point along the conveyor chain. The first and second sensors generate signals corresponding to the presence and absence of successive links provided in the conveyor chain. The generated signals are received and processed, and the necessary time intervals are calculated for providing an output indicative of chain wear of any portion of the chain. Several parameters of chain wear may be calculated, including chain stretch and instantaneous chain speed. The first and second visualization devices capture visual images of each of the links so as to visually inspect and identify any problems associated with the links.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the conditioning of bowling lanes, and, more particularly to an apparatus and method for automatically applying a predetermined pattern of dressing fluid along the transverse and longitudinal dimensions of a bowling lane.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the conditioning of bowling lanes, and, more particularly to an apparatus and method for automatically applying a predetermined pattern of dressing fluid along the transverse and longitudinal dimensions of a bowling lane.