Abstract: When preparing a settable slurry such as a cement slurry for cementing an oil well, cement or other solid powder is mixed with water and a set retarder. In order to be able to run a convenient and rapid check on the concentration of retarder after dilution at the site of use, a tracer material is mixed with the retarder in known amount during manufacture. The tracer is chosen to enable its concentration to be determined analytically after dilution at the site of use, thereby providing a way to determine the concentration of set retarder after such dilution. The tracer may be a redox-active material and its concentration may be determined by voltammetry. Tracer may likewise be mixed with additives other than set retarder.

Abstract: Compositions and methods that mitigate pressure buildup in the annular space between two tubular bodies in subterranean wells. The composition of the invention comprises an aqueous solution of crosslinkable acrylamide-base polymer, a crosslinker and a gas. Once foamed and placed in the annular space, the composition provides a resilient, flexible, compressible and durable body that is able to compensate for pressure increases in the annular space, thereby protecting the integrity of the tubular bodies.

Abstract: A cement retarder system for use in underground wells included a borate compound, an organophosphonate salt, and a copolymer formed from AMPS and a monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, acrylamide and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a versatile additive for improving the properties of a cement slurry made with portland cement and to be utilized in well cementing, said versatile additive comprising type of silicates and/or borates that inhibit gelation occurring with the interstitial phase. The additive of the present invention improves significantly the rheology (i.e., strong dispersing effect) and can even overcome severe gelation problems. At temperature above about 88° C. (190° F.) the additive acts as retarder aid, enabling to reduce considerably the concentration of retarder required to achieve a given thickening time.

Abstract: An additive for Portland-cement slurries comprises a liquid silicate absorbed into a solid porous medium. The additive is incorporated in slurries designed for well-cementing applications. The liquid silicate functions as a retarder aid and dispersant when added to slurries for use at temperatures above about 85° C. The resulting solid product allows use of the liquid silicate in well-cementing operations as if it were a dry additive.

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 invention relates to methods for isolating near-wellbore zones and fractures and can be used for plugging fractures in the near-wellbore zone during the removal of the fracturing fluid, as well as for plugging different kinds of fractures and branches in the casing. The method for forming an isolating-plug includes the injection of a slurry containing dispersed fibers into a well and subsequent formation of a plug to isolate the relevant section of the well and to prevent the fluid penetration. The slurry is admixed with amphiphilic substances, and the fibers used are capable of adsorbing the amphiphilic substances on their surface.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that relate to well bore treatments that comprise swellable particles. An embodiment includes a method that comprises introducing a fluid comprising a dual oil/water-swellable particle into a subterranean formation. Another embodiment includes a method of cementing that comprises: introducing a cement composition comprising cement, water, and a dual oil/water-swellable particle into a space between a pipe string and a subterranean formation; and allowing the cement composition to set in the space. Another embodiment includes a well treatment composition comprising a dual oil/water-swellable particle.

Abstract: A method of plugging wells wherein cementitious materials (like Portland cement) are formed into pellets that can be dumped or dropped into a well that is filled with an aqueous solution. The pellets will fall quickly to the bottom of the well or mechanically placed barrier, and over time, the pellets will loose their structure and release dry cementitious material into aqueous well fluid. The cementitious material will wet in the aqueous well fluid and then set to form an impermeable plug in the well.

Abstract: A process for forming a gel, which process comprises mixing an alkaline silicate solution with a polymer in solid form, the polymer being capable of being converted by hydrolysis into one or more organic acids; and allowing the polymer to release sufficient acid to cause formation of a silicate gel.

Abstract: Methods and systems relating to in situ decomposition of carbonyls at high temperature for fixing incomplete and failed well seals, are described. According to one embodiment, a method, comprises injecting a sealing agent into a subterranean well having sealing channels or voids in well casings. An alkaline-earth carbonate precipitate is formed from the decomposition of a carbonyl compound. The sealing agent includes the carbonyl compound and an alkaline-earth halide salt.

Abstract: A self-healing cement system includes cement, water and at least one additive that swells in contact with water from reservoir or from formation in the case of a structural failure in the set cement to provide a physical barrier in the zone of failure. Examples of such material include particles of super-absorbent polymer. These additives have the effect of making the cement self-healing in the event of physical failure or damage such as micro-annuli. The self healing property is produced by the contact of the water itself, the potential repair mechanism is thus activated if and when needed in case of start of loss of zonal isolation. Several super-absorbent polymers have been identified such as polyacrylamide, modified crosslinked poly(meth)acrylate and non-soluble acrylic polymers.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore in contact with a subterranean formation comprising placing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising a polyuronide polymer within the wellbore, contacting the wellbore servicing fluid with a divalent ion source, and allowing the wellbore servicing fluid to form a gel within the wellbore wherein the divalent ion source is located within the wellbore. A method of servicing a wellbore in contact with a subterranean formation comprising (a) placing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising a polyuronide polymer into the wellbore wherein the wellbore servicing fluid contacts a calcium ion source, (b) shutting the wellbore and allowing the servicing fluid to set into place for a period of time, and (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) until the permeability of a structure within the wellbore is reduced by about 50%.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method comprising providing a treatment fluid that comprises a base fluid and a silicone-tackifier matrix composition that comprises at least one silicone polymer component, at least one tackifying agent, and at least one curing agent and/or at least one cross linking agent; placing the treatment fluid in a subterranean formation; and allowing the silicone-tackifier matrix to form at least one silicone-tackifier matrix therein.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for sonically activating cement slurries. In some implementations, a method of treating a subterranean formation includes positioning a settable composition including a capsule in a wellbore. The capsule is used to increase a setting rate in response to at least sonic signals. A sonic signal is transmitted to at least a portion of the settable composition to release an activator from the capsule.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that relate to cement compositions and methods comprising sub-micron calcium carbonate and latex. An embodiment includes a method of cementing in a subterranean formation. The method may comprise introducing a cement composition into the subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises cement, water, sub-micron calcium carbonate, and latex. The method further may comprise allowing the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. Another embodiment includes a cement composition that may comprise cement, water, a sub-micron calcium carbonate, and latex.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods relating to the setting of fluids or slurries in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method of isolating a portion a wellbore by preparing a sealant composition comprising a fluid component and a polymeric additive component, placing the sealant composition into a wellbore and subjecting the sealant composition to ionizing radiation. The ionizing radiation can cause bonding between polymeric additive components and create a polymer matrix within the sealant composition that increases the mechanical strength of the sealant composition.

Abstract: Low-density cement slurries for cementing subterranean wells are described that comprise alkali swellable polymers as thickening agents that provide slurry stability. The polymers are preferably added as liquid latex dispersions, and may also comprise a surfactant that is present at a concentration below its critical micelle concentration. Particular utility is observed when the solid-volume fraction (SVF) of the slurry is less than about 40 percent. Also described are a method for increasing the viscosity of a cement slurry and methods for cementing a subterranean well.

Abstract: The invention provides a cementitious composition for oilfield application comprising an organic retarder having at least one carboxylate group and copper ions such that a complex is made between copper ion and carboxylate group. Also a method to retard cementitious composition for oilfield application is disclosed, the method comprising the unique double step of adding an organic retarder having at least one carboxylate group and adding copper ions such that a complex is made between copper ion and carboxylate group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a formulation of a high-performance foamed cement material, comprising: at least one hydraulic binder, microparticles whose grain size ranges between 0.1 and 30 ?m, whose proportion ranges between 15% and 50% by mass in relation to the mass of hydraulic binder, mineral particles whose grain size ranges between 1 and 500 ?m, whose proportion ranges between 10% and 35% by mass in relation to the mass of hydraulic binder, the proportion of particles being lower than the proportion of microparticles, a hydrosoluble polymer thinning agent whose proportion ranges between 0.1% and 8% by mass in relation to the mass of hydraulic binder, water whose proportion is at most 40% by mass in relation to the mass of hydraulic binder, a foaming agent whose proportion ranges between 0.1% and 10% by mass in relation to the mass of hydraulic binder.

Abstract: A package and methods for treating a wellbore using the same. In one embodiment, the method comprises servicing a wellbore in contact with a subterranean formation by placing a material in the wellbore, wherein the material is disposed within a closed container. The material is suitable for use in a wellbore and is capable of plugging a flow pathway. The method further comprises releasing the material from the container. In an embodiment, the material is a swelling agent, which may plug a permeable zone.

Abstract: A wellbore servicing composition comprising a metal oxide, a soluble salt, a surfactant and an oleaginous fluid. A wellbore servicing composition comprising magnesium oxide, a chloride or phosphate salt, an organophilic surfactant and an oleaginous fluid. A wellbore servicing composition comprising magnesium oxide, magnesium chloride, an organophilic surfactant, water and an oleaginous fluid wherein the organophilic surfactant is present in an amount of from about 0.25% to about 5% base on the combined weight of the magnesium oxide and magnesium chloride, and the oleaginous fluid is present ratio of from about 95:5 cement:oleaginous fluid to about 50:50 cement:oleaginous fluid.

Abstract: A cement composition comprises fine pumice particles, for use in cementing subterranean wells, and oil and gas wells in particular. The pumice containing cement blends feature enhanced compressive strength, and favorable compressive strength to Young's Modulus ratios. Lightweight cement blends containing pumice, and their use in cementing oil and gas wells are also described.

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: Methods are provided that include a method comprising providing magnesium oxide; placing the magnesium oxide within a portion of a subterranean formation; contacting the magnesium oxide with a brine that comprises water and a divalent salt; and allowing the magnesium oxide and brine to react to form a hardened mass in the portion of the subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the methods comprise providing a subterranean drilling fluid that comprises magnesium oxide; and adding a divalent salt to the subterranean drilling fluid to form a settable composition. In other embodiments, the methods comprise providing a subterranean drilling fluid that comprises magnesium oxide; and adding a divalent salt to the subterranean drilling fluid to form a settable composition. Additional methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising preparing a composition comprising a calcium aluminate cement, water, a polyphosphate, a pozzolan, and a set retarding agent, wherein the set retarding agent comprises an alkali halide and a basic phosphate salt, placing the composition in the wellbore and allowing the composition to set. A composition comprising a calcium aluminate cement in an amount of from about 30 wt. % to about 60 wt. % and a set retarding agent in an amount of from about 0.1 wt. % to about 15 wt. % based upon the total weight of the composition, wherein the set retarding agent comprises an alkali halide and a basic phosphate salt in a ratio of from about 3:1 to about 1:3.

Abstract: A temporary matrix is provided in treating a subterranean formation by providing a composition comprising a matrix forming material and a matrix degrading material. The matrix degrading material is capable of degrading the matrix after a period of time when subjected to existing or induced conditions of the subterranean formation. The composition is placed into a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation. The composition is allowed to form a matrix within the wellbore, whereby the matrix at least one of significantly reduces the passage of fluid across or near the matrix or provides structural strength. A treatment operation is performed on the subterranean formation or wellbore and the degrading material is allowed to degrade the matrix.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation includes pumping into a cased, perforated wellbore that intersects the formation an invert emulsion kill fluid, the invert emulsion kill fluid comprising: an oleaginous continuous phase; a non-oleaginous discontinuous phase; an emulsifier; at least one degradable material; and at least one bridging material; contacting the formation with the kill fluid; and allowing the degradable material to at least partially degrade.

Abstract: Methods of cementing comprising introducing a cement composition into a subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises a Sorel cement and an amine phosphono retarder; and allowing the cement composition to set.

Abstract: A two step process for treating an oil or gas well. The first step uses a cross linking agent, such as borax, as a preliminary wash for the well following drilling. The cross linking agent cleans the well of excess mud and pre-coats the tubing and the formation surfaces with the cross linking agent. The second step introduces a cement-polymer mixture into the well. A polymer, such as for example polyvinyl alcohol, that undergoes cross linking when exposed to the cross linking agent is employed. When the polymer comes into contact with the cross linking agent in the well, cross linking of the polymer occurs. This cross linking helps to prevent fluid loss into the formation. Also, because the cross linking agent wash previously cleaned the surfaces of the tubing and the formation, better bonding between the cement and the surfaces of the tubing and the formation occurs.

Abstract: Methods of subterranean cementing involving cement compositions comprising particulate foamed elastomers and associated methods are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise introducing a cement composition into a subterranean location, wherein the cement composition comprises a hydraulic cement, a particulate foamed elastomer, and an aqueous fluid; and allowing the cement composition to set in the subterranean location. In one embodiment, the particulate foamed elastomer may comprise polyurethane foam.

Abstract: Methods and compositions that include a method of cementing comprising providing a cement composition comprising water, a hydraulic cement, and an additive comprising at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a stevia retarder and inulin; placing the cement composition in a subterranean formation; and permitting the cement composition to set in the formation.

Abstract: A flexible cement stable at high temperatures contains an extender that is a finely ground bituminous coal and/or a finely ground coke prepared from coal and/or liquid hydrocarbons. Preferred cokes are made from bituminous coals and from petroleum, heavy oil, and oil from tar sands, oil shales or oil sands. The coke is present in an amount up to 100 percent by weight of cement and the particle size is preferably from 1 to 1000 microns. The coke is also effective as an extender, and the slurries and set cements have low specific gravity.

Abstract: Improved methods for consolidating particulates in subterranean formations wherein the particulates are consolidated using curable resins that require the use of a hardening agent in order to cure. The improved methods use an organosilane coupling agent to increase adhesion of the curable resin to inorganic surfaces, such as proppant particulates or rock surfaces, and to act as a resin hardening agent.

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: A treatment fluid that can be used for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is prepared from a primary treatment fluid component and an emulsion component mixed with the primary treatment fluid component. The emulsion component has an oil phase and an aqueous phase. The emulsion component comprising a source of insoluble silica particles and a source of calcium hydroxide, wherein the source of calcium hydroxide is present in the oil phase, and the source of insoluble silica particles are contained in the aqueous phase. The method is carried out by contacting at least a portion of the formation with the treatment fluid.

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: 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, stimulation fluids, and well clean-up fluids.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and compositions that include a latex, and at least one of a natural pozzolan or cement kiln dust. An embodiment includes a method comprising: placing a latex composition in a subterranean formation, wherein the latex composition comprises: latex, a component selected from the group consisting of a natural pozzolan, cement kiln dust, and a combination thereof, and water; and allowing the latex composition to set. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a latex composition comprising: latex, a component selected from the group consisting of a natural pozzolan, cement kiln dust, and a combination thereof.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that may comprise cement, a nano-particle, latex, and water. An embodiment of the present invention includes a method of cementing in a subterranean formation. The method may include introducing a cement composition into the subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises cement, a nano-particle, latex, and water. The method further may include allowing the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. Another embodiment of the present invention include a cement composition. The cement composition may comprise cement, a nano-particle, latex, and water.

Abstract: A lost circulation composition for use in a wellbore comprising a crosslinkable polymer system and a filler.

Abstract: Methods for servicing well bores with hardenable resin compositions are provided. In one embodiment, a method of servicing a well bore includes providing a hydrophobic well bore servicing composition comprising a liquid hardenable resin, a hardening agent, and a weighting material selected to impart a desired first density to the well bore servicing composition; introducing the well bore servicing composition into a well bore comprising a well bore fluid having a second density; allowing the well bore servicing composition to migrate through the well bore fluid to a desired location in the well bore based at least in part upon a difference between the first and second densities; and allowing the liquid hardenable resin to at least partially harden to form a well bore plug at the desired location in the well bore.

Abstract: A wellbore servicing composition comprising a metal oxide, a soluble salt and a viscosifier wherein the viscosifier comprises a quaternary amide, a quaternary amide ester, or combinations thereof. A wellbore servicing composition comprising magnesium oxide, a chloride or phosphate salt and a quaternary material. A wellbore servicing composition comprising magnesium oxide, magnesium chloride, and a quaternary material wherein the quaternary material comprises a quaternary amide, a quaternary amide ester or combinations thereof and wherein the quaternary material is present in an amount of from about 0.05 wt. % to about 5 wt. % and a plot of the composition's plastic viscosity as a function of the amount of quaternary material is about linear.

Abstract: Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, an example method includes a method of treating a subterranean formation that comprises combining components comprising water and a density-matched suspension to prepare a treatment fluid, wherein the density-matched suspension comprises a suspending liquid and a solid particle suspended in the suspending liquid, and introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore. An example composition includes a suspension that comprises a suspending liquid comprising a hydrophobic liquid, wherein the hydrophobic liquid hydrolyzes when placed in contact with an aqueous fluid to form hydrophilic products, and a solid particle suspended in the suspending liquid, wherein the suspension is a density-matched suspension.

Abstract: A method for use within a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore includes introducing a thixotropic agent into the well and introducing a cement slurry into the well. The method includes forming a thixotropic cement slurry downhole, including mixing the cement slurry and the thixotropic agent downhole.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing in the wellbore a composition comprising a non-API compliant reactive calcium silicate based hydraulic binder and at least one gelation inhibiting retarder, and allowing the composition to set. A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing in a wellbore a cement composition comprising an industrial waste product selected from the group consisting of Class C Fly ash, cement kiln dust, and combinations thereof and a gelation inhibitor, and allowing the composition to set. A method of controlling the thickening time of a cementitious composition comprising contacting a material having greater than 15 wt. % of tricalcium aluminate and tetracalcium aluminoferrite with a gelation inhibitor comprising a alkylbenzene sulfonic acid, at least one methallyl sulfonic acid monomer; at least one copolymerizable nonionic monomer, and at least one copolymerizable olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer.

Abstract: A method of plugging a fracture in a subterranean formation which includes placing into the fracture a composition comprising microspheres or microbeads, wherein the microspheres are created by surface crosslinking of droplets in a water-in-water emulsion. Such microspheres may form a filter cake in the formation. The microspheres may include a chemical agent to be released when the microspheres dissolve.

Abstract: A temporary matrix is provided in treating a subterranean formation by providing a composition comprising a matrix forming material and a matrix degrading material. The matrix degrading material is capable of degrading the matrix after a period of time when subjected to existing or induced conditions of the subterranean formation. The composition is placed into a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation. The composition is allowed to form a matrix within the wellbore, whereby the matrix at least one of significantly reduces the passage of fluid across or near the matrix or provides structural strength. A treatment operation is performed on the subterranean formation or wellbore and the degrading material is allowed to degrade the matrix.

Abstract: A cement retarder system for use in underground wells included a borate compound, an organophosphonate salt, and a copolymer formed from AMPS and a monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, acrylamide and mixtures thereof.

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.