Abstract: Of the many methods provided herein. one method comprises: providing at least a portion of a subterranean formation that comprises a shale; providing a plasticity modification fluid that comprises an aqueous fluid and an alkaline embrittlement modification agent; placing a pack completion assembly neighboring the portion of the subterranean formation; and embrittling at least a portion of the shale to form an embrittled shale portion.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a dry cement formulation for cementing earth boreholes, in particular oil, gas and/or terrestrial heat boreholes, containing a) about 20 to 99.9 wt. % cement, b) about 0 to 65 wt. % powdered quartz/or quartz dust, c) about 0.1 to 30 wt. % water-redispersible dispersion powder, and d) about 0 to 20 wt. % further additives. Furthermore, the invention pertains to the use of the dry cement formulation for preparing a cement slurry as well as to the use of water-redispersible dispersion powders in a cement slurry for cementing earth boreholes, wherein the cement slurries can be used for reducing the water loss of the cement slurry, for reducing the gas and/or water penetration and/or for sealing off the gas and/or water channels by means of the cement slurry which has been introduced into the borehole and has set.

Abstract: A variety of methods and compositions are disclosed, including, in one embodiment, a method of treating a well comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a blended cementitious component, wherein the blended cementitious component comprises kiln dust from two or more different sources; and introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore.

Abstract: Lipophilic fibers are effective media for cleaning non-aqueous fluids out of a subterranean wellbore. The fibers are preferably added to a drilling fluid, a spacer fluid, a chemical wash, a cement slurry or combinations thereof. Non-aqueous fluids, such as an oil-base mud or a water-in-oil emulsion mud, are attracted to the fibers as they circulate in the wellbore.

Abstract: Resilient graphitic carbon may be an effective lost-circulation control agent for well-cementing compositions. During primary or remedial cementing, the carbon particles may hinder or prevent the egress of the well-cementing composition from the wellbore into subterranean formations via formation fissures or cracks. The carbon particles may also be added to spacer fluids, chemical washes or both.

Abstract: A zonal isolation system for a subterranean well comprises at least one tubular body that comprises at least one semi-permeable membrane, or at least one removable material or both. The semi-permeable membrane is permeable to one or more activators that may cause a cement slurry to begin setting. The tubular body may comprise openings that are covered by or filled with a removable material. After a primary cementing treatment has been completed, the activator may be introduced into the tubular body, whereupon it passes through the tubular body and out into the cement slurry.

Abstract: A fluid loss additive comprises a biodegradable grafted copolymer, wherein the copolymer comprises: (i) a first polymer comprising a monomer or monomers selected from the group consisting of acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, N-N dimethyl acrylamide, N-vinyl-N-methylaceamide, N-vinylformamide, N-vinylpyrrolidone, acrylonitrile, acrylamide, acrylomorpholine, vinyl alcohol, maleic anhydride, acrylic acid, and any combination thereof; and (ii) a second polymer, wherein the first polymer is grafted onto the second polymer. A method of cementing in a low-temperature subterranean formation comprises: introducing a cement composition into the subterranean formation comprising: (i) cement; (ii) water; and (iii) the fluid loss additive; and allowing the cement composition to set.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system (10) for improving zonal isolation in a well in a subterranean formation, comprising: a tubular (1) having a outer surface (11); and a swellable coating (2) coating the outer surface (11) of said tubular (1), said swellable coating (2) having an external surface (21); and/or a composition (20) provided in an annular space outside said tubular (1). The swellable coating (2) is made of a first swellable material (3) able to swell in contact with a first fluid (6) on said external surface (21) and/or the composition (20) is made of a second swellable material (4) able to swell in contact with a second fluid (7), and wherein said first (3) and/or said second (4) swellable materials include an elastomer compounded with an aqueous inverse emulsion of particles of a polymer comprising a betaine group, said elastomer being able to swell in contact with hydrocarbon and saline aqueous fluids.

Abstract: A composition for wellbore consolidation comprises fibers having a core formed from a material that is electrically and/or magnetically susceptible, and a polymeric coating. When the composition is placed in a wellbore in a zone to be consolidated and an electric current or magnetic field is applied, the fibers bond together by melting or setting of the polymeric coating.

Abstract: Of the many methods provided herein, one method comprises: providing at least one fracture in a subterranean formation that comprises tight gas, a shale, a clay, and/or a coal bed; providing a plasticity modification fluid that comprises an aqueous fluid and an alkaline embrittlement modification agent; placing the plasticity modification fluid into the fracture in the subterranean formation; and embrittling at least one fracture face of the fracture to form an embrittled fracture face.

Abstract: Fluids containing liquid crystal-forming surfactants or polymeric surfactants, or polymers, or complex polymers or copolymers, or graphite nanotubes or Janus particles in a polar and/or non polar liquid, and optionally, co-surfactants, are useful in drilling, completion and production operations to give increased viscosity (solids suspension ability) and/or decreased fluid loss, as compared to otherwise identical fluids absent the liquid crystals. These liquid crystal compositions contain organized micelles. The liquid crystal-containing fluids are useful in completion fluids, fracturing fluids, formation damage remediation, waste management, lost circulation, drilling optimization, reducing trapped annular pressure during the hydrocarbon production process, well strengthening, friction and drag reducers, fluids introduced through an injection well, for geothermal wells, and the controlled release of additives into a wellbore, at a subterranean formation or at the oil production facilities.

Abstract: The reaction product of a polyhydroxy compound and borax is used as a cement retarder for slurries introduced into a wellbore. The molar ratio of the polyhydroxy compound to boron, derived from the borax, is from 1:1 to about 4:1. The polyhydroxy compound may be a sugar such as a gluconic acid, gluconate or glucoheptonate or a salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cement compositions and their use in cementing operations. The cements comprise an aluminosilicate; a sodium aluminate, a calcium aluminate, a potassium aluminate, or a combination thereof; and water. In some cases the cement does not include Portland cement. The cement may be used in a subterranean formation having corrosive components therein, wherein the set cement sheath is resistant to degradation from the corrosive components within the subterranean formation.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of cementing comprising: placing a settable composition into a well bore, the settable composition comprising unexpanded perlite, cement kiln dust, and water; and allowing the settable composition to set. Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of cementing comprising: placing a settable composition into a well bore, the settable composition comprising ground unexpanded perlite, Portland cement interground with pumicite, and water; and allowing the settable composition to set. Yet another embodiment of the present invention comprises a settable composition comprising: ground unexpanded perlite; cement kiln dust; and water.

Abstract: The present invention, relates to acid-soluble cement compositions that comprise cement kiln dust (“CKD”) and associated methods of use. An embodiment provides a method of cementing comprising: providing an acid-soluble cement composition comprising a kiln dust and water; allowing the acid-soluble cement composition to set to form an acid-soluble hardened mass; and contacting the acid-soluble hardened mass with an add.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose method and compositions that comprise cement kiln dust and rice husk ash. An embodiment comprises a method of cementing comprising: placing a settable composition into a subterranean formation, the settable composition comprising cement kiln dust, rice husk ash, and water; and allowing the settable composition to set.

Abstract: A drilling fluid lubricant and method for drilling using same comprising a blend of beads having varying densities such that the beads provide lubricity at both the top and bottom portions of a horizontal drill string during horizontal, directional, or expanded extended reach drilling.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of reducing a flow of aqueous liquids through a subterranean formation are provided. The compositions and methods are used for water control. The compositions include a water control additive that is prepared by reacting a soluble sodium silicate and a hydrolysable organosilane compound to produce silanol that reacts and forms a bond with the formation thereby producing a binding polysiloxane.

Abstract: The present invention provides settable compositions and methods of using settable compositions that comprise a hydraulic cement; a partially calcined kiln feed comprising SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, SO3, Na2O, and K2O; metakaolin; and water. The location to be cemented may be above ground or in a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, one method includes providing a settable fluid that comprises an aqueous-based medium, a lime composition, and a cementitious blend that comprises metakaolin particulates and aluminosilicate particulates, wherein the cementitious blend is essentially free of Portland cement; introducing the settable fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation that comprises a corrosive component; and allowing the settable fluid to set therein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to plug-and-abandon operations that use plugging compositions comprising cement kiln dust, pumicite, and/or lime. An embodiment includes a method of plugging a well bore for abandonment comprising: placing a plugging composition in the well bore, the plugging composition comprising: cement kiln dust in an amount of about 5% to about 100% by weight of cementitious components, pumicite in an amount of about 5% to about 100% by weight of cementitious components, 0% to about 24% of Portland cement by weight of cementitious components, and water; and allowing the plugging composition to set and form a plug.

Abstract: Methods using diagenesis source material including the steps of providing a diagenesis source material in a subterranean formation and introducing a first plurality of particulates into the subterranean formation. The diagenesis source material then consolidates at least a portion of the first plurality of particulates into a pack in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Methods of providing a cementing fluid comprising an aqueous liquid, a hydraulic cement, and a cement suspending agent that comprises a crosslinked particulate formed by a reaction comprising a first monofunctional monomer, a primary crosslinker, and a secondary crosslinker; placing the cementing fluid in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation; and allowing the cementing fluid to set therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to acid-soluble cement compositions that comprise cement kiln dust (“CKD”) and/or a natural pozzolan and associated methods of use. An embodiment includes a method of cementing comprising: placing an acid-soluble cement composition in a subterranean formation, wherein the acid-soluble cement composition comprises a hydraulic cement, a component selected from the group consisting of CKD, pumicite, and a combination thereof, and water; allowing the acid-soluble cement composition to set; and contacting the set acid-soluble cement composition with an acid to dissolve the set acid-soluble cement composition.

Abstract: Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose may be used as an additive in cement slurries in the treatment of wells to prevent or reduce the occurrence of gas channeling. In addition to acting as a gas control additive, methylhydroxyethyl cellulose controls fluid loss, minimizes free fluid and stabilizes foam during cementing of the well.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose method and compositions that comprise cement kiln dust and rice husk ash. An embodiment comprises a method of cementing comprising: placing a settable composition into a subterranean formation, the settable composition comprising cement kiln dust, rice husk ash, and water; and allowing the settable composition to set.

Abstract: Methods are provided that include a method comprising: providing an emulsified treatment fluid comprising an oleaginous phase, an aqueous phase, a consolidating agent, and an emulsifying agent that comprises at least one convertible surfactant described by a one of the disclosed formulae, and placing the subterranean treatment fluid in a subterranean formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides settable compositions and methods of using settable compositions that comprise a hydraulic cement; a partially calcined kiln feed comprising SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, SO3, Na2O, and K2O; metakaolin; and water. The location to be cemented may be above ground or in a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A cement slurry composition comprises a plugging agent with a glass-transition temperature lower than about 150° C. The plugging agent is preferably an including polyethlene wax, polypropylene wax, carnauba wax or scale wax. After the cement slurry sets, it may be heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the wax. The molten wax may then flow into pores in the set cement. Upon cooling, the wax solidifies. As a result, the porosity and permeability of the set cement are reduced.

Abstract: A well treatment composition comprises: a water-soluble, organic liquid, wherein the organic liquid comprises the continuous phase of the well treatment composition, and wherein the organic liquid comprises a polyglycol or a derivative of polyglycol; a fluid loss additive, wherein the fluid loss additive is insoluble in the organic liquid, and wherein the fluid loss additive comprises a high molecular weight, water-swellable polymer; and a suspending agent, wherein the suspending agent comprises an organophilic clay, wherein the well treatment composition has an activity of at least 15%. A method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprises: introducing a cement composition into the subterranean formation, the cement composition comprising: (i) cement; (ii) water; and (iii) the well treatment composition; and allowing the cement composition to set after introduction into the subterranean formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods useful for isolating a portion of a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method includes preparing a sealant composition containing a set modifier component. The sealant composition is placed into the wellbore and is subjected to ionizing radiation that alters the set modifier component, triggering the thickening of the sealant composition.

Abstract: Spent Claus catalyst having a high alumina content is used as an ingredient in the manufacture of Portland cements in place of all or a portion of a conventional source of alumina. The spent Claus catalyst is preferably of a small particle size and can be ground to the desired fineness before mixing with the other ingredients that are heated in a conventional kiln to produce the cement composition. Finely ground spent Claus catalyst can also be used as an additive at levels of 0.1% to 2% by weight to increase the thickening time of shallow casing cement slurries.

Abstract: A self-adaptive cement formulation includes cement, water and asphaltite-mineral particles. The set cement demonstrates self-healing properties when exposed to methane, and is particularly suited for well-cementing applications. After placement and curing, the self-healing properties help maintain zonal isolation should bonding be disrupted between the set cement and the formation or a casing string, should cracks or defects appear in the set-cement matrix, or both.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation, comprising preparing a cement composition comprising water and a cementitious material, wherein the cementitious material further comprises blast furnace slag, vitrified shale, calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate or combinations thereof, and placing the cement composition in the wellbore. A cement composition comprising water and a cementitious material, wherein the cementitious material further comprises blast furnace slag, vitrified shale, calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate or combinations thereof. A cement composition comprising water and a cementitious material, wherein the cementitious material further comprises blast furnace slag.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation, comprising preparing a cement composition comprising water and a cementitious material, wherein the cementitious material further comprises blast furnace slag, vitrified shale, calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate or combinations thereof, and placing the cement composition in the wellbore. A cement composition comprising water and a cementitious material, wherein the cementitious material further comprises blast furnace slag, vitrified shale, calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate or combinations thereof. A cement composition comprising water and a cementitious material, wherein the cementitious material further comprises blast furnace slag.

Abstract: Methods of characterizing the self-healing properties of a set cement based material in contact with hydrocarbons in an oil- and/or gas-well are described. The methods comprise: providing a test cell (10); providing said test cell (10) with a sample (31, 40) of the set cement based material; damaging the sample to simulate a loss of zonal isolation resulting from damages made to the set cement based material in the oil- or gas-well; injecting a hydrocarbon fluid in the test cell; allowing the cement based material to heal by itself; measuring the differential pressure (?P) across the sample (31, 40); and characterizing the self-healing properties of the cement based material from the measure of said differential pressure (?P).

Abstract: A two part epoxy resin system is surface mixed in a method of remediating an active well. This surface mixed epoxy resin is then placed in the well at the desired remediation depth. Finally, the mixture in situ forms a cement plug.

Abstract: The present invention provides settable compositions and methods of using settable compositions that comprise a hydraulic cement; a partially calcined kiln feed comprising SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, SO3, Na2O, and K2O; metakaolin; and water. The location to be cemented may be above ground or in a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Expansive cements for use in cementing subterranean wells contain an encapsulated gas-generating substance. The gas-generating substance comprises one or more materials that release hydrogen, nitrogen or both. The gas-generating substance is encapsulated by a coating comprising a polymer. The coating prevents premature gas release at the surface during slurry mixing, and promotes gas release at a desired location in the subterranean well. The released gas may also control the internal pore pressure of the cement slurry, thereby inhibiting the invasion of formation fluids into the borehole.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprises: introducing a cement composition into the subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises: cement; water; and calcium silicate hydrate (C—S—H) seeds, wherein a test cement composition consisting essentially of: the cement; the water; and the C—S—H seeds, and in the same proportions as in the cement composition, develops a compressive strength of at least 1,200 psi (8.3 MPa) when tested at 24 hours, a temperature of 60° F. (15.6° C.), and a pressure of 3,000 psi (20.7 MPa); and allowing the cement composition to set. According to another embodiment, the C—S—H seeds are mesoscopic particles, nanoparticles, or combinations thereof, and wherein the C—S—H seeds are in a concentration in the range of about 1% to about 5% by weight of the cement.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed that comprise interground perlite and hydraulic cement. An embodiment provides a method of cementing comprising: providing a settable composition comprising perlite, hydraulic cement, and water, wherein the perlite and hydraulic cement are interground prior to combination with the water to form the settable composition; and allowing the settable composition to set.

Abstract: Well-cementing compositions for use in high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) wells are often densified, and contain weighting agents such as hematite, ilmenite, barite and hausmannite. The weighting agents are usually finely divided to help keep them suspended in the cement slurry. At high temperatures, finely divided weighting agents based on metal oxides react with the calcium-silicate-hydrate binder in set Portland cement, leading to cement deterioration. Finely divided weighting agents based on metal sulfates are inert with respect to calcium silicate hydrate; consequently, set-cement stability is preserved.

Abstract: Particulate polymeric materials may be added to a cement slurry to adjust the linear thermal-expansion coefficient of the set cement. The coefficient of the set cement is optimized by considering the linear thermal-expansion coefficient of the casing, as well as the mechanical properties of the formation rock. When placed in a subterranean well having at least one casing string, cement sheaths with optimal linear thermal-expansion coefficients may be subjected to lower compressive and tensile stresses during downhole-temperature changes. Such cement slurries are particularly advantageous in the context of thermal-recovery wells.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed that comprise cement kiln dust having a mean particle size that has been altered. An embodiment discloses a subterranean treatment method comprising: introducing a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation, wherein the treatment fluid comprises cement kiln dust having a mean particle size that has been altered from its original size by grinding, separating, or a combination thereof. Another embodiment discloses a subterranean treatment method comprising: introducing a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation, wherein the treatment fluid comprises cement kiln dust having a mean particle size that has been reduced from its original size.

Abstract: Set retarders of copolymers of at least one polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer and at least one alkoxylated monomer are capable of delaying the hardening of a cementitious slurry when introduced into a subterranean formation until a downhole temperature greater than or equal to 500° F. is obtained, even in the absence of an intensifier.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising preparing a composition comprising a calcium aluminate cement, water, and a fluid loss additive wherein the fluid loss additive comprises an acid gelling polymer, placing the composition in the wellbore, and allowing the composition to set. A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing into a wellbore having a bottom hole static temperature of greater than about 50° F. and/or a pH of from about 3 to about 9 a cement slurry comprising a calcium aluminate cement having an aluminum oxide content of greater than about 60 wt. % based on the total weight of the calcium aluminate cement and an acid-gelling polymer wherein the cement slurry has a fluid loss at 10 cc/10 min. to about 600 cc/30 min.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation including emplacing in a wellbore a fluid, comprising an oleaginous continuous phase, a non-oleaginous discontinuous phase, an emulsifier, at least one degradable material, and at least one bridging material, and contacting the formation with the fluid. A method and apparatus related to an invert emulsion fluid loss pill including an oleaginous continuous phase, a non-oleaginous discontinuous phase, an emulsifier, at least one degradable material, wherein the degradable material hydrolyzes to release an organic acid, and at least one bridging material.

Abstract: Synthesis gas is more effectively produced from the underground gasification of coal from a coal seam when the casing lining is cemented with a cementitious slurry containing a cementitious material, graphite and an aluminum silicate, such as metakaolin. The cementitious slurry of the cement mix sets as a cement sheath at bottomhole static temperatures less than or equal to 65° C. The set cement may withstand extreme dry heat temperatures which are greater than or equal to 800° C.

Abstract: Methods comprising providing a polymerizable treatment fluid that comprises furfuryl alcohol monomer dispersed in an aqueous base fluid; introducing the polymerizable treatment fluid to a portion of a subterranean formation; and allowing the polymerizable treatment fluid to polymerize in the subterranean formation. The methods may include the use of contacting the furfuryl alcohol with an initiator to begin polymerization.

Abstract: A consolidation agent for molded articles and geological formations from porous or particulate materials, containing a hydrolysate or precondensate of (a) at least one organosilane of the general formula (I) RnSiX4-n??(I) in which the radicals R are identical or different and are not hydrolytically removable groups, the radicals X are identical or different and are hydrolytically removable groups or hydroxyl groups, and n is 1, 2 or 3, and optionally (b) at least one hydrolyzable silane of the general formula (II) SiX4??(II) in which the radicals X have the meaning defined above.