Abstract: Sorbent components containing calcium, alumina, and silica are used in combination during coal combustion to produce environmental benefits. Sorbents are added to the coal ahead of combustion and/or are added into the flame or downstream of the flame, preferably at minimum temperatures to assure complete formation of the refractory structures that result in various advantages of the methods. When used together, the components reduce emissions of elemental and oxidized mercury; increase the level of Hg, As, Pb, and/or Cl in the coal ash; decrease the levels of leachable heavy metals (such as Hg) in the ash, preferably to levels below the detectable limits; and make a highly cementitious ash product.

Abstract: A cementitious Grout 111MG, with improved thermal and electrical conductivity over Grout 111, for use in at least one of geothermal heat pump systems and metal electrical grounding rod systems, with improved conductivity achieved by means of substituting metal grit for sand, a cementitious grout where both Grout 111MG and Grout 111 have mix water pH level limitations so as not to be corrosive to metals, a new use for Grout 111 as a fill material surrounding electrical grounding rods for enhanced electrical conductivity over traditional grouts, and a new use where both Grout 111MG and Grout 111 may be utilized to surround at least one of geothermal heat pump sub-surface heat transfer fluid conductive tubing/piping and electrical grounding rods installed within at least one of a well/borehole, a trench, and a pit.

Abstract: An improved blend added to soil for soil strengthening and stabilization comprising the combination of 15 to 60 percent by weight of a lime component, such as quicklime, hydrated lime and/or a lime by-product, such as lime kiln dust, with a balance or remainder of cement. The blending of the materials has a synergistic effect, such that the resulting product exceeds the soil strengthening and soil stabilization capabilities of the individual components. The synergistic effect further extends to the hardening and curing characteristics of the blend, in that the blend has a very short hardening time compared with its component parts. The blend physically and chemically modifies the soil to which it is applied to accomplish the soil strengthening and stabilization impacts, and is applicable to a wide range of soil types and conditions.

Abstract: A variety of methods and compositions are disclosed herein, including, in one embodiment, a method comprising: introducing a settable composition into a subterranean formation, wherein the settable composition comprises: a cementitious component comprising a hydraulic cement and cement kiln dust; a swellable particle; and water; and allowing the settable composition to set in the subterranean formation. Another embodiment comprises a settable composition comprising: a cementitious component comprising a hydraulic cement and cement kiln dust, a swellable particle, and water.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a cement or gypsum composition having improved properties, which is prepared by incorporating an enzyme into a cement material such as a cement, mortar, or concrete, or into a gypsum product. The invention also relates to methods of manufacturing improved cement compositions and gypsum products, methods of improving the compressive strength of cement compositions and gypsum products, and methods of reducing the cost of such compositions by enabling the use of less expensive aggregates in the manufacturing process. More specifically, the invention relates to a cement composition or a gypsum composition, optionally including at least one aggregate and optionally including at least one pozzolan, comprising a cement material or gypsum optionally including aggregate(s) and pozzolan(s) having blended therein an enzyme.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to well treatment fluids and methods that utilize nano-particles. Exemplary nano-particles are selected from the group consisting of particulate nano-silica, nano-alumina, nano-zinc oxide, nano-boron, nano-iron oxide, and combinations thereof. Embodiments also relate to methods of cementing that include the use of nano-particles. An exemplary method of cementing comprises introducing a cement composition into a subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises cement, water and a particulate nano-silica. Embodiments also relate to use of nano-particles in drilling fluids, completion fluids, simulation fluids, and well clean-up fluids.

Abstract: This invention describes a simple and effective method, through introducing fluoride ion releasing agent/salt(s), such as sodium fluoride, for preventing, reducing or eliminating the undesirable construction heave/expansion/distresses/damage, characterized by loss of dimensional stability and integrity of expansive soil layers or concrete structural elements, primarily caused by the formation of ettringite or similar minerals. We demonstrated the technology that can be easily applied to new construction sites and to the sites where repair/retrofit of the existing or potential distresses in soil subgrade, base, subbase, or construction materials is needed. Experiments have demonstrated the effectiveness and efficiency of the technology with applications to stabilization of soils with all range of aluminum and sulfate contents including more than 3000 ppm of sulfate, and to treating cementitious construction materials.

Abstract: A concrete obtained through mixing a composition comprising the following constituents: a) 21 to 27% of a hydraulic binder, b) 52 to 68% of aggregate particles having a size of between 0.02 mm and 5 mm, c) 2 to 6% of pozzolanic reaction particles having a particle size of between 0.1 and 1 micron, d) up to 10% of filler having a particle size between 10 and 200 microns, e) 0.32 to 1.6% of a dispersant, f) 0.1 to 1.2% of fibres, g) 0.02 to 0.1% of a defoamer agent, and h) 7 to 10% of water, each percentage being the percentage by weight of the respective constituent relative to the sum of the weights of constituents a) to h). The concrete obtained is particularly suitable for polished flooring overlay.

Abstract: The sealing agent for waterproof barriers in the form of a clay and cement suspension made of polymineral clays, characterized by the fact that it contains 3-15% parts by weight of cement, up to 65% parts by weight of fly-ash and/or rock dust of similar granulation, and 30-60% parts by weight, or better up to 50% parts by weight, of water suspension of clay, heavy or loamy.

Abstract: Rapid repair and retrofit of existing infrastructures demand durable high early strength materials that not only deliver sufficient strength within a few hours of placement but also significantly prolong the maintenance interval. The invention comprises a class of newly developed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber-reinforced high early strength engineered cementitious composites (ECC) materials featuring extraordinary ductility. The tailoring of preexisting flaw size distribution through non-matrix interactive crack initiators in the composite matrix results in high tensile ductility. The resulting high early strength ECC materials are capable of delivering a compressive strength of 21 MPa (3.0 ksi) within 4 hours after placement and retaining long-term tensile strain capacity above 2%.

Abstract: A lightweight structural concrete includes a hydraulic binder; effective water; a superplasticizer; and aggregates; the concrete having a density in the fresh state varying from 1.40 to a Dmax value calculated according to formula (I) Dmax=1.58+(a×AM) in which “a” represents a coefficient for which the value is equal to 1; “AM” represents the mass percentage of the amorphous materials contained in 1 m3 of fresh concrete; the concrete having a maximum fresh state density Dmax less than or equal to 1.85; the concrete having a Weffective/L ratio varying from 0.19 to 0.

Abstract: A cementitious composition for high density, low porosity sheet-form building materials having solid surfaces is comprised of cement, pozzolans, and a high percentage of fine and/or coarse glass aggregate, preferably present in an amount which by weight is at least 60% of the composition. The cement content is relatively low, preferably in the range of about 3% to 20% by weight, and the pozzolan to cement ratio is relatively high, preferably equal to or greater than unity, but which can suitably be in the range from 0.25 to 4. The composition preferably uses recycled glass and preferably has a high recycle content. The sheet-form material made in accordance with the invention can be used to provide exposed solid surfaces, for example, surfaces for shower walls and floors, counter-tops, table-tops, and the like, where low hydraulic permeability and high compressive and tensile strength are desired.

Abstract: Sorbent components containing calcium, alumina, silica, and halogen are used in combination during coal combustion to produce environmental benefits. Sorbents are added to the coal ahead of combustion and/or are added into the flame or downstream of the flame, preferably at minimum temperatures to assure complete formation of the refractory structures that result in various advantages of the methods. When used together, the components ? reduce emissions of mercury and sulfur; ? reduce emissions of elemental and oxidized mercury; ? increase the efficiency of the coal burning process through de-slagging of boiler tubes; ? increase the level of Hg, As, Pb, and/or Cl in the coal ash; ? decrease the levels of leachable heavy metals (such as Hg) in the ash, preferably to levels below the detectable limits; and ? make a highly cementitious ash product.

Abstract: The use of silicate as a retarder enhancer at appropriate levels to enhance the retarding effect of retarders at high temperatures encountered downhole while accelerating the set of cement at lower temperatures encountered near to the surface.

Abstract: A lightweight concrete composition containing from 10 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition, from 10 to 90 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, and from 0 to 50 volume percent of aggregate; where the sum of components used does not exceed 100 volume percent, and where after the lightweight concrete composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39 after seven days. The concrete composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles.

Abstract: A concrete material with fastener retentive qualities that can be varied to approximate the fastening holding characteristics of a selected variety of wood species or composite wood products comprising a mixture of cement binder, aggregate, and pliable material in the following volumetric ratio of approximately one-half (½) to one (1) part cement binder to approximately two (2) parts aggregate to approximately two (2) to five (5) parts pliable additive material. Cement binder can be Portland Cement, fly ash, slag and a combination thereof. Aggregate can be sand, gravel, stone, crushed rock, and a combination thereof. Pliable material can be plastic, cellulose, crumb rubber, and a combination thereof in pelletized, grannular or powdered form.

Abstract: A process for producing high grade metakaolin directly from kaolinzed sands ore body. In one embodiment, a source of kaolin ore is reduced in the size to a size distribution of between ?2 inches and 10 mesh. The ore is then dried in a dryer at a temperature of not greater than 180° C. to a moisture content of not greater than 0.5% by weight to liberate kaolin and calcined at a temperature of not greater than 875° C. to produce metakaolin.

Abstract: A binder mix containing a hydraulic binding agent and an admixture mixed therewith, a process for preparing a hydraulically hardened binder mass, a calcinated kaolin product and a process for preparing the same. A paste-like composition is formed from the hydraulically hardening binding agent, a pozzolanically reacting admixture and water, which, when so desired, contains stone aggregate or similar filler, the paste-like composition is worked and the worked composition is allowed to harden to form the binder mass. The admixture comprises spherical, porous metakaolin agglomerates, the size of which is 2-200 microns and which have an open pore structure. The invention can be used to improve the manufacturing methods of cast concrete products and shorten the manufacturing times, and to provide concrete with better mechanical and chemical properties, as well as improve the fire and frost resistance of concrete.

Abstract: A cover composition that can be applied to a bulk material pile, such as landfill refuse, to protect the pile from wind, precipitation, and access by animals and insects is provided. The cover composition is a mixture of a liquid, typically, water; bentonite clay; and synthetic fibers. The composition may be enhanced by the addition of one or more of the following additives: Portland cement, pregelatinized wheat starch, synthetic polymers, soda ash, and latex paint. Unlike prior art cover compositions, the disclosed composition adheres well to waste material, most notably plastics, whereby the composition is easy to apply and provides a substantially uniform, durable protective cover to landfill refuse piles and other bulk materials. Methods of applying the composition to bulk material piles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel cement slurry composed of cement and water that can be used in cement stabilization applications. The cement slurry compound itself is chemically treated, by means of a cellulosic or other thixotropic thickening agent(s) to create a thixotropic system wherein the wetted cement remains in suspension and does not settle out prior to use even without further mixing. A chemical retarder/stabilizer is also used to prevent the slurry from prematurely setting during shipping. A novel apparatus and method for mixing the novel cement slurry is disclosed to insure the exact proportioning of all ingredients and the proper wetting of the cement.

Abstract: In a process to design high temperature cement sluries, the temperature stable phases (anorthite, wairakite) are selected; aluminum modifiers and silica oxides are added to the dry cement so that the elemental composition of the blend corresponds to the phases selected; the control of the particle size distribution and the relative amount of those minerals allow their addition at high concentration while leaving the slurry easily mixable and pumpable; and the kinetics of the targeted phases formation is then controlled by adjusting the crystallinity and the particles sizes of the different solids.

Abstract: The present invention provides settable compositions that comprise water and cement kiln dust. The settable compositions optionally may comprise an additive that comprises at least one of the following group: fly ash; shale; slag cement; zeolite; metakaolin; and combinations thereof. The settable compositions optionally may be foamed with a gas. Methods of cementing also are provided that comprise: providing the settable composition; introducing the settable composition into a location to be cemented; and allowing the settable composition to set therein. The location to be cemented may be above ground or in a subterranean formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a barrier cap material including a blend of: a plurality of aggregate particles, and a plurality of manufactured composite particles including a hydratable sealant material. In a particular embodiment, the segregation of a blend of aggregate particles and composite particles, when dropped through a water column can be controlled by varying blends of aggregate and composite particles. In another embodiment, the permeability of the barrier cap material, when hydrated on a surface, can be controlled from 1×10?3 cm/sec to 1×10?8 cm/sec by varying blends of aggregate and composite particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of improving a material comprising a pozzolanic component. According to the invention the material is treated with an aqueous liquid resulting in treated, calcium-depleted material and a calcium-enriched aqueous solution, which are subsequently separated. This provides a material having an increased pozzolanity and/or increased specific surface area.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a cement or gypsum composition having improved properties, which is prepared by incorporating an enzyme into a cement material such as a cement, motar, or concrete, or into a gypsum product. The invention also relates to methods of manufacturing improved cement compositions and gypsum products, methods of improving the compressive strength of cement compositions and gypsum products, and methods of reducing the cost of such compositions by enabling the use of less expensive aggregates in the manufacturing process. More specifically, the invention relates to a cement composition or a gypsum composition, optionally including at least one aggregate and optionally including at least one pozzolan, comprising a cement material or gypsum optionally including aggregate(s) and pozzolan(s) having blended therein an enzyme.

Abstract: A swellable layer silicate is described based on smectite or sepiolite/palygorskite for use in media containing di- or polyvalent cations that reduce swellability, characterized by a swelling volume of about 5 to 50 mL, measured by addition of 2 g layer silicate (air-dried) to 100 mL water, and by a fineness of maximum 5 wt. % >40 ?m and maximum 20% >20 ?m, as dry sieve residue.

Abstract: Methods, cement compositions and oil suspensions of powders selected from the group consisting of micro-silica, silica flour, fine silica flour, silica sand, fine particle size cement, ultra-fine particle size cement, fly ash, slag, vitrified shale and zeolite.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method for solidifying soil and industrial waste and a solidified material prepared thereby. The solidified material of soil and industrial waste is prepared by adding 2-6 parts by weight of a 3-5-fold dilution of a solidifying agent and 3-15 parts by weight of cement to 100 parts by weight of soil, industrial waste or a mixture of two or more thereof. The solidified material prepared according to this method has excellent density, strength, elasticity and durability, and thus can be used as a substitute for stone material. Also, it can be advantageously used in high-temperature and high-humidity areas, because external impact or pressure is relieved because it is absorbed by asphalt.

Abstract: A cement mix suitable for blocking or plugging an abandoned pipeline or back filling a mine shaft, tunnel or excavations contains (i) Portland cement or a mixture of at least two components selected from Portland cement, fly ash, slag, silica fume, gypsum, bentonite and limestone; (ii) diatomaceous earth; (iii) zeolite, (iv) an aluminum silicate and (v) an inorganic salt accelerator. The cement mix may further contain an alkali metasilicate and/or alkali silicate. A cementitious slurry, formulated from the cement mix, may have a density less than or equal to 1500 kg/m3, and exhibits good compressive strength.

Abstract: A cement mix which is suitable for cementing in subterranean formations to provide zonal isolation or for blocking or plugging an abandoned pipeline or back filling a mine shaft, tunnel or excavation contains Portland cement or a mixture of two components selected from Portland cement, fly ash, slag, silica fume, gypsum, limestone and bentonite; and diatomaceous earth, preferably having a BET nitrogen adsorption specific surface area between from about 30 to about 100 m2/g. The cement mix may further contain an alkali metasilicate and/or alkali silicate, zeolite and/or aluminum silicate, an accelerator, such as an inorganic salt, and/or an alkaline metal oxide, as well as a lightweight density modifying agent, including glass, ceramic or plastic spheres. A cementitious slurry, formulated from the cement mix, has a density less than or equal to 1500 kg/m3 and exhibits good compressive strength.

Abstract: Subterranean fluids comprising a hydraulic cement in an invert emulsion, and methods of using such fluids in subterranean well cementing operations, are provided. The fluids comprise a hydraulic cement and an invert emulsion of oil, water, and a surfactant. Optionally, other ingredients may be included in the fluids.

Abstract: Subterranean fluids are provided that have improved environmental characteristics, and more particularly, subterranean fluids are provided that include a hydraulic cement in an invert emulsion. Methods of using such fluids in subterranean operations also are provided. An example of a method is a method of using a fluid in a subterranean formation. An example of a composition is a fluid comprising a hydraulic cement and an invert emulsion of an oleaginous fluid, a nonoleaginous fluid, and an emulsifying surfactant, wherein the emulsifying surfactant: has an LC50 or EC50 that is greater than about 10 milligrams/liter with respect to Skeletonema costatum, Acartia tonsa, Scopthalmus maximus (juvenile), or Corophium volutator; and demonstrates a biodegradability of: greater than about 70% biodegradation in 28 days when tested according to method OECD 301A or 301E; or greater than about 60% biodegradation in 28 days when tested according to method OECD 301B, 301C, 301F, or 306.

Abstract: Cement compositions comprising a strength-enhancing lost circulation material, and methods for cementing using such cement compositions. Exemplary embodiments of the cement compositions comprise cement, water, and a strength-enhancing lost circulation material. Optionally, other additives suitable for inclusion in cement compositions may be added.

Abstract: Purposeful addition of crack-initiating voids in the form of low tensile strength particulates, particulates having low matrix interaction, or gas bubbles formed by chemical reaction, in a size range of 0.5 mm to about 5 mm, and preferably of a size commensurate with or larger than naturally occurring crack-initiating gaseous voids, to fiber-reinforced strain hardening cementitious composites generates controlled and uniform cracking which increases strain hardening behavior in conventionally dense cementitious compositions.

Abstract: Cement compositions containing low reactivity materials are disclosed. The compositions are useful in conditions involving high temperatures, high pressures, and tectonic forces such as oil and gas wells. The cement compositions display increased compressive strength, flexural strength, and tensile strength. Fractures appear to occur in a non-linear fashion between the Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ) of the particles, rather than in a straight line such as those observed in conventional cement materials.

Abstract: To provide a composite for a building material capable of manufacturing a building material that is harmless to living environment and global environment and can be recycled. The composite for a building material contains diatomaceous earth, waste lumber, and inorganic hardener, or further contains field earth, and, as necessary, contains used paper and/or crushed pieces of used tatami mat and used tile, and crushed earth. The composite for a building material is prepared by homogeneously mixing the components, and then the building material is manufactured by molding and curing the composite. The manufactured building material has a high humidity conditioning property as in the case of the conventional mud wall made of coarse clay, and is easily recycled by being crushed.

Abstract: Methods, cement compositions and oil suspensions of powders selected from the group consisting of micro-silica, silica flour, fine silica flour, silica sand, fine particle size cement, ultra-fine particle size cement, fly ash, slag, vitrified shale and zeolite.

Abstract: A method and cement composition is provided for sealing a subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore, wherein the cement composition comprises zeolite, cementitious material, and water sufficient to form a slurry.

Abstract: Blended cement compositions for mixture with aggregate and water to prepare cementitious products. Such blended cement compositions contain cement, calcined diatomaceous earth, calcined kaolin, fiberous material and reactive vinyl acetate co-polymers, with or without talc and/or bentonite or their functional equivalents. Admixtures for blending into cement to create such blended cements or their read-mix equivalents contain calcined kaolin, calcined diatomaceous earth, fiberous material and reactive vinyl acetate co-polymers, with or without talc and/or bentonite or their functional equivalents.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing, verifying, and maintaining underground vaults that isolate and contain radioactive burial sites. The method employs a buoyant lift technique to isolate a block of soil containing the contaminates from the surrounding soil. An impermeable synthetic liner is embedded in the vault to enhance the integrity of the system. The integrity of the vault is monitored by a system of sensors placed both inside and outside of the sealed vault. The method eliminates the need to excavate or drill in the contaminated areas.

Abstract: A cement composition for use in borehole applications comprising hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a slurry, and an effective amount of a resilience/toughness enhancing additive comprising a thermoplastic block copolymer having a tensile strength of from 500 to 4000 psi, a recoverable elongation of 200 to 1000 percent and exhibiting temperature stability in the range of 30° to 500° F., the cement composition being useful for forming seals at desired locations in wellbores or formations penetrated by wellbores by placing the composition in the desired location and permitting the composition to set.

Abstract: A water retaining additive for conglomerate building materials, free of cellulose-like derivatives, that comprises at least a rheological grade clay, preferably sepiolite, and a modified natural gum such as guar gum, as well as conglomerate compositions that contain the additive, as well as the use of the additive for different constructions materials comprised of gypsum and special mortars are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, lightweight well cement compositions and additives for the well cement compositions. The methods of the invention for sealing pipe in a well bore penetrating a zone or formation which readily fractures at low hydrostatic pressure is basically comprised of the steps of providing a lightweight cement composition comprised of a hydraulic cement, water and an additive comprising an aqueous suspension of microspheres containing a water swellable clay suspending agent, placing the cement composition in the annulus between the pipe and the well bore and allowing the cement composition to set.

Abstract: Methods of cementing in subterranean formations, cement compositions, and methods for making the compositions are provided. A cement slurry is passed into a subterranean formation, and a swelling agent is passed into the subterranean formation to reduce an amount of water flowing into the cement slurry. The swelling agent may be combined with a carrier fluid before being displaced into the subterranean formation. Alternatively, the swelling agent may be pre-mixed with the cement slurry to form a new cement composition, followed by displacing the cement composition into the subterranean formation. The swelling agent is present in an amount effective to, upon absorption of water and swelling to form a gel mass, substantially block the flow path of the water into the cement composition or reduce losses to low pore pressure intervals, thereby preventing the integrity of the cement composition from being compromised or lost to voidage, fractures, fissures, etc.

Abstract: Cement compositions containing low reactivity materials are disclosed. The compositions are useful in conditions involving high temperatures, high pressures, and tectonic forces such as oil and gas wells. The cement compositions display increased compressive strength, flexural strength, and tensile strength. Fractures appear to occur in a non-linear fashion between the Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ) of the particles, rather than in a straight line such as those observed in conventional cement materials.

Abstract: A method and cement composition is provided for sealing a subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore, wherein the cement composition comprises zeolite, cementitious material, and water sufficient to form a slurry.

Abstract: A dry mix for producing embedding or molding compositions for metal casting processes such as the lost wax process containing a hydraulic binder component composed of sulfate-carrier-free ground portland clinker.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cementing composition for cold zones cementing operations in an oil well or analogous, said composition comprising a aqueous fluid base, solid particles including cement particles, and a dispersing agent in solution in the aqueous fluid base, said dispersing agent having a comb-like structure composed of a graft copolymer, said graft copolymer being constituted by a backbone carrying grafted chains.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, lightweight well cement compositions and additives for the well cement compositions. The methods of the invention for sealing pipe in a well bore penetrating a zone or formation which readily fractures at low hydrostatic pressure is basically comprised of the steps of providing a lightweight cement composition comprised of a hydraulic cement, water and an additive comprising an aqueous suspension of microspheres containing a water swellable clay suspending agent, placing the cement composition in the annulus between the pipe and the well bore and allowing the cement composition to set.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, lightweight well cement compositions and additives for the well cement compositions. The methods of the invention for sealing pipe in a well bore penetrating a zone or formation which readily fractures at low hydrostatic pressure is basically comprised of the steps of providing a lightweight cement composition comprised of a hydraulic cement, water and an additive comprising a suspension of microspheres in water gelled with sodium bentonite, placing the cement composition in the annulus between the pipe and the well bore and allowing the cement composition to set.