Abstract: Polymers (and especially hydroxyethylcellulose) are crosslinked using a lanthanide as a crosslinking agent. The crosslinked polymers have utility in well completion, well stimulation, enhanced oil recovery, and subterranean fluid containment operations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process making it possible to consolidate a geological formation without significantly reducing its permeabiity. A liquid mixture (5) is injected into the formation (1) traversed by a well (2) and then at least one gas is injected through the formation under appropriate conditions. More specifically, the liquid mixture contains a polymerizable substance, preferably a melamine-formaldehyde resin, and at least one catalyst having a Lewis acid character and it substantially polymerizes at the temperature and pressure of the formation, while bonding the unconsolidated elements. Application to the consolidation of a geological formation containing sand.

Abstract: The invention relates to aqueous preparations of acid-catalyzed melamine resins and/or urea-formaldehyde condensates which contain an addition of zeolite NaA and/or hydroxysodalite to increase their usefulness. The preparations in question are particularly suitable for use in the stabilization of rock and/or plugging of cavities, for example in tunneling and mining. Accordingly, the invention also relates to a process for stabilizing rock, for example in tunneling and mining, by injection of corresponding preparations together with an acidic catalyst.

Abstract: Process for disposal of insoluble tailings that remain when solubilizing uncalcined or calcined trona in the process of producing soda ash, in which tailings are slurried with a saturated or substantially saturated solution of sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and mixtures thereof, pumping said slurry into a well connected to an underground mined-out cavity with sufficient pressure to prevent the build-up of tailings from plugging the bottom of the well opening, dispersing and settling said tailings and a retained portion of the solution in the cavity, removing solution from said cavity and conveying it to the surface, recovering the removed solution for recycle and slurrying of additional tailings, and adding as make-up liquor to replace the solution retained in the cavity, a saturated or substantially saturated solution of sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and mixtures thereof. The preferred solution employed in this process is purge solution which is discarded from a crystallizer circuit.

Abstract: A microbial system is provided for selective plugging of permeable regions of a subterranean formation, for use in conjunction with injection of surfactant-containing foams. Bacteria indigenous to the target formation are isolated, and selected for ability to degrade the surfactant of interest. Small, non-adherent ultramicrobacteria, or UMB, are prepared from the selected culture by starvation. The UMB and the surfactant-containing foam are then injected into the target formation. The surfactant allows the foam to penetrate into the formation. The UMB then revive to their vegetative state, degrade the surfactant and produce exopolymer, thus plugging the formation.

Abstract: A method utilizing non-reaction fillers in the sealing of mine stoppings, such as concrete block under wet or humid conditions, the method comprising providing (a) from about 10 to about 85% by weight of a water soluble alkali metal silicate, (b) about 0.7% to about 10.0% by weight of a water soluble or water miscible reactant for said alkali metal silicate and (c) about 2 to about 50% of non-reactive fillers, bringing components (a), (b) and (c) together with sufficient mixing to form a sealing composition, applying the composition in a coating to the stoppings and permitting the composition to set while being exposed to wet or humid conditions to form an impervious sealant coating thereby preventing penetration of air and dust through the stoppings.

Abstract: A synthetic cover for waste piles may be formed from a mixture of liquid, binder, cellulose fibers and plastic fibers. These constituents may be mixed and applied to cover a waste pile. The cover will harden to minimize odor and affinity to birds, flies and other insects. The liquid may include water; the binder may include cement kiln dust with or without bentonite, or portland cement with flyash or stone dust. The cellulose fibers may comprise shredded paper or wood.

Abstract: A method for the decontamination of a soil, sediment, or sludge containing toxic halogenated organic compound and containing water comprising the steps of mixing said soil, sediment, or sludge with a reagent capable of reacting with said halogenated compound and heating said mixture of soil, sediment, or sludge, and reagent in a reaction zone to an elevated temperature thereby forming a reaction zone vapor stream containing at least a portion of the water contained in said soil, sediment, or sludge and unreacted halogenated organic compound; condensing a portion of said reaction zone vapor stream under conditions suitable for the formation of a condensate stream containing substantially all of the halogenated organic compound in said reaction zone vapor stream, and a vapor stream containing water and trace amounts of said halogenated organic compound; recycling said condensate to said reaction zone; treating said vapor stream to remove trace halogenated organic compound and venting the so-treated stream to th

Abstract: A method of reducing the water produced from a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore without appreciably reducing the oil produced therefrom is provided. In accordance with the method, the formation is contacted with a hydrocarbon treating solution having dissolved therein a surface active agent comprosed of one or more fatty acid imidazolyl compounds.

Abstract: A process for constructing a self-sealing layer for landfills and waste dumps that use a base layer, cap layer, or liner to seal the area from water percolation through cracks or holes. A layer of soil is provided having specified characteristics which will become flowable under the effects of water moving through the layer. The soil is moved into the crack or hole by the water and accumulates until the breach is sealed. Geotextiles, otherwise known as textile mats, may be used inside the layer to reinforce the layer and enhance the self sealing effect of the flowable soil layer. Water glass and an appropriate gelling agent may be used in an embedding zone on either side of the mat to enhance and adhesion between the mat and the material in the cap, base, or liner.

Abstract: A method of treating an underground formation is disclosed. The method comprises contacting the underground formation with a resin system comprising betwen 15 and 30% v of monomeric and/or polymeric organic polyepoxides having more than one epoxy group per molecule, between 5 and 20% v of a curing agent, between 75 and 25% v of a polyalkylene glycol alkyl ether and between 5 and 25% v polyalkylene glycol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of stabilizing the soil and preventing erosion. According to the invention such a method is characterized by treating the soil with a mixed product of a pre-gelatinized starch and 0.5-5% by weight, calculated on the dry starch, of a surfactant compound which contains an unbranched saturated alkyl group and is selected from the alkyl sulfates having 10-16 carbon atoms, the alkyl sulfonates having 10-16 carbon atoms and the fatty acid alcohols having 8-12 carbon atoms. The invention also relates to said mixed product.

Abstract: A method of reusing a slurry in a ground improving method, wherein a hardening agent is injected into the ground, and wherein the muddy water (i.e., the slurry which is discharged) upon working is regenerated and again used as an injection material; namely, a hardening agent. By measuring the physical amount indicative of the permeability characteristic of the hardening agent contained in the slurry, an amount of hardening agent contained in the collected slurry (i.e., an amount of hardening agent to be collected) is calculated. Since the amount of collected hardening agent is calculated simultaneously with the collection of the slurry, the amount of hardening agent to be newly injected can be controlled in a real-time manner on the basis of the latest data (i.e., numerical value).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a closing layer which improves the water and nutrient retention of soils, particularly of sandy soils, characterized in that a layer of clay mineral/polymer gel capable of binding and releasing water in a reversible manner is introduced into the soil, preferably 20-60 cm below the soil surface, in such a way that a clay mineral is reacted either before or after or during activation in the presence of water, with 0.

Abstract: A process is provided for feeding cables, wires, pipes etc. through a wall in such a way that the water- and/or gas resistance of the wall is maintained and that later on additional cables etc. can be passed through. The process uses a sealing agent comprising an intimate mixture of a water-swellable substance such as a clay and a hydrophobic substance such as vaseline. The sealing agent can be placed in a tubular device for providing water-tightness when making a bushing in a partially porous wall.

Abstract: The invention comprises a selective plugging treatment with good penetration for acid diversion or water control. The fluid comprises a foamed delayed gelation system.

Abstract: A clay swelling inhibitor additive for oil and gas well treatment is disclosed. The additive comprises an aqueous solution of tetraalkylammonium chloride, preferably tetramethylammonium chloride and a quaternary amine-based cationic polyelectrolyte, such as methyl chloride quaternary salt of ethylene-ammonia condensation polymer. The additive composition synergistically retards water absorption by the down-hole clay formation.

Abstract: A process and device for decontamination of contaminated soil wherein contaminated soil is precleansed by a pressurized flushing and cutting jet of a cutting device located in a borehole. The soil is removed from the existing soil structure and flushed so intensely that is largely freed from adhering pollutants. The fine particles of the flushed and precleansed soil, together with the pollutants, are sluiced as a slurry in a return flow through a preventer. For decontamination, they are conveyed to a decontamination plant where the remaining pollutants are extracted. The coarse particles of soil remain in the ground. Finally, the cleansed soil, together with a bonding agent, is flushed back into the borehole where it forms a soil structure capable of bearing loads.

Abstract: A low-permeability zone analogous to natural low permeability zones is deliberately formed within a landfill, mine tailings or other cover system to prevent the migration of water or other substances into or out of the wastes being isolated. Natural low-permeability zones such as caliche, calcrete, silicrete or gypcrete are formed by natural processes including leaching, transport, and re-precipitation of slightly soluble minerals through the action of rain or other water percolating through the soil column.

Abstract: Water supply contamination is reduced within a formation or eliminated in a flooding procedure utilizing an alkaline aqueous solution. Biodegradable polymer provides a desired viscosity and mobility. Biodegradable surfactant and alkali provide any needed interfacial tension reduction. Additives, e.g., chelating agents, can be utilized for solubilization of insoluble contaminants.

Abstract: Methods of forming layers of material upon or below the earth's surface and above the water table to prevent or effectively inhibit the flow of groundwaters through such laters of initially unconsolidated materials. Chemical components are added to materials such as incinerator ash or other waste materials deposited in a landfill operation to create alkaline conditions which, when contacted by water, induce precipitation of calcite in sufficient quantities to produce a cementing action which retards leachate formation. In another aspect, a site is prepared for use as a landfill with an essentially hydraulically sealed sub-base by choosing a site with alkaline soils or carbonate bedrock and adding appropriate chemical components to cause calcite to precipitate when contacted by water, which may be applied directly or by naturally occurring precipitation.

Abstract: Oil dispersions of water-soluble anionic polymer particles and water-soluble cationic polymer particles are mixed with water to form an aqueous solution containing one polymer in an amount in the range 10 to 40 mole % (moles of anionic groups) and the other polymer in an amount in the range 60 to 90 mole %. The solution is immediately applied to a surface to suppress release of dust from that surface.

Abstract: Surface layers of the earth contaminated with precipitates of alkaline earth metal sulfates including radium sulfate derived from subterranean waters brought to the surface of the earth, are decontaminated using an aqueous chemical composition including a polyaminopolycarboxylic acid such as ETDA or DTPA in combination with a synergist, preferably oxalate or monocarboxylic acid anion such as salicylate. The surface layers may be decontaminated in situ by applying the solvent to the earth to bring the precipitates into dissolved form after which the dissolved precipitates are leached into lower layers of the earth by percolation with water. Alternatively, the earth may be removed from its original site and decontaminated in a tank or lined pond after which the decontaminated earth may be returned to its approximate original site.

Abstract: A foamable, 2-component mortar composition is used to fix tie bars and similar anchoring means in boreholes, especially in hollow checker firebrick. The mortar composition is composed of a reactive resin, a curing agent component, as well as a foaming agent. The volume of the mortar composition required for the anchoring can be reduced significantly with the inventive composition. This is particularly important for anchorings which cross hollow checker firebrick.

Abstract: A method of increasing recovery of mineral and metals during in-situ chemical leaching of earth material by injection of a treating fluid which comprises cationic, organic polymers which are made up of long chain hydrocarbon molecules of very great molecular weight (in excess of 1000 and as great as 1,000,000). Maintaining clays in a flocculated state and preventing the formation of colloidal particles improves permeability during chemical leaching of clay bearing earth materials.

Abstract: Soil conditioning and method for desalination and reclamation of irrigated soil.

Abstract: A mixture of an epoxy material and two hardeners is placed in a subsurface zone in which it is desired to form an impermeable zone, and the epoxy is thereafter allowed to harden. The epoxy material and hardeners are characterized inthat: (1) each hardener has a different activation temperature; (2) the amount of each hardener in the mixture is less than that required to totally react the epoxy material; (3) the epoxy material has a low viscosity at subsurface conditions of temperature and pressure; (4) the epoxy material is substantially immiscible with any fluids which are present in the subsurface area; and (5) the hardening time of the epoxy material is of short duration at subsurface conditions of temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for safely handling and detoxification of contaminated soil substantially saturated with PH contaminants such as fuel and petroleum hydrocarbons is disclosed which treats the contaminated soil with an additive consisting of low grade humic acid and lime that is mixed with the soil in the approximate ratio of nine parts soil to one part of additive. The treatment involves digging a trench while collecting toxic soil, reducing particle size to a fine silt or sand-like particle size followed by introducing the additive for mixing in a tumbler and, finally, discharge of the thoroughly covered additive and encapsulated toxic soil particles into the previously dug trench.

Abstract: A method of spreading a pulp for the purpose of drying it naturally, the pulp having a solid fraction which has a d.sub.80 of less than 100 microns. This method comprises the following steps:(a) adjusting the level of solids of the pulp to between 2 and 25%;(b) adding a flocculating agent to the pulp and mixing it with same, the amount of said flocculating agent being between two-thirds of 98% of the optimum required fo the flocculation of said pulp; and(c) spreading the mixture of pulp and flocculating agent, in the open air, in a bed the sides of which are permeable, and the bottom of which has a slope of less than 5 meters per 1000 meters, said spreading taking place 1 to 20 minutes after the adding are mixing of the flocculating agent.

Abstract: A method of grouting fine-grained soil mediums is presented that uses an injection process operating at low constant pressure. The process provides for deep penetration of fine sands by injecting a dilute suspension grout composition comprising water and cementatious particles. The grout composition is characterized by a water to cementatious particles ratio of at least 4:1 by weight.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the strengthening of geological formations in underground workings and mines by the introduction of reaction mixtures which react to form polyurethanes into the formations which are to be strengthened, the reaction mixtures being based on(a) a polyisocyanate component,(b) a polyol component and(c) an ester,the ester having a hydroxyl number of about 10 to 630 and an acid number of at most 10 and obtained from (i) an acid component having a carboxyl functionality of at least 1.5 and containing a polymerized fatty acid having at least 12 carbon atoms or mixtures thereof with unpolymerized saturated or unsaturated fatty acids having at least 12 carbon atoms and (ii) a polyol component containing at least one polyhydric alcohol, the ester being present in a positive amount of up to 5% by weight, based on the weight of component (b).

Abstract: A method of artificially sealing cracks, fissures or other voids in earth strata under alkaline conditions, or in alkaline structural materials. Sealing is effected by induced precipitation of calcium carbonate, usually in the form of calcite, either in alkaline rocks, in other rocks where alkaline groundwaters are present, or in structures of alkaline materials such as cement or marble. A number of examples are discussed for effecting the desired precipitation including application of aqueous solutions which affect either calcium or carbonate ion concentration, increasing pH by degassing of carbonated water and application of slurries of less stable forms of calcium carbonate (aragonite and vaterite) to result in precipitation of the more stable form (calcite).

Abstract: Dirt tracks and other surfaces formed of particulate material are stabilized, to suppress dust formation, by incorporating an aqueous solution of a water soluble, low molecular weight, anionic polymer.

Abstract: A method is provided for the removal of selenium from soil or drain water, which comprises adding to the soil one or more members of the group consisting of pectin, corn straw, starch, galacturonic acid, cellobiose, glucuronic acid, glucose, albumin, casein, gluten, methionine, ethionine, and cobalt, zinc or nickel ions to form volatile alkylselenides.

Abstract: A grout material comprises a pulverulent body having a silicone coating portion formed on at least a part of the surface of a base material. The particle size of the pulverulent body ranges from 1 to 10 .mu.m. A grouting method using a grout material comprises the steps of boring a hole in a predetermined portion of an area to be grouted, supplying to the hole a powdery grout material containing a pulverulent body having a silicone coating portion formed on at least a part of the surface of a base material and thereby grouting the grout material into the periphery of the hole.

Abstract: A formation control additive is utilized in stimulation fluids to minimize formation permeability damage as a result of formation contact by the stimulation fluid. The formation control additive can comprise N-alkypyridinium halides, N,N,N-trialkylphenylammonium halides, N,N,N-trialkylbenzylammonium halides, N,N-dialkylmorpholinium halides, alkyl quaternary ammonium salt of 2 mole oligomer of epihalohydrin wherein the alkyl radical is selected from the group of methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl radicals and compounds of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R is independently a methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl radical and X is a compatible anion.

Abstract: Spills of hazardous materials are treated at the site of the spill using an integrated spill responder system which enables personnel to remain at a safe distance from the spill. The mobile, fully self-contained system is dispatched to the spill site and uses a remotely controlled spill treatment head which is maintained in close non-contact proximity to the spill. The system continuously monitors the progress of the treatment operation through various sensors mounted on a boom assembly, or by vacuum drawing samples of the spilled material and chemical treatment agents mixed therewith aboard the spill responder vehicle. Once the spill has been reduced to a non-hazardous form, the treated material can be left at the site of the spill, removed by standard vacuum trucks, or removed by the spill responder system itself by using internal storage tanks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stabilizing a structure embedded in an earth formation by disposing the solidifiable liquid resin composition between at least an external portion of the structure and the surrounding earth formation, and solidifying the resin composition in intimate and static contact with both the structure and the formation, whereby the solidified resin is bonded to both the structure and the formation.The liquid thermosetting resin-forming composition contains 10-50%v polyglycidylether of 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 10-88%v ethylacetate, 0-78%v butoxyloxitol, 2-20%v diethanoltriamine, 0-78%v xylene and 0-15%v dimethylaminomethylphenol.

Abstract: A process for treating clayey geological formations to prevent, inhibit or reduce swelling or migrating clay particles in a formation by treating the formation with an effective amount of a quaternized oligomer which comprises a methyl quaternary amine containing an average of from about 3 to about 6 moles of epihalohydrin. The treatment is effected by introducing the oligomer into the formation in an aqueous fluid which can comprise brine, salt solutions, acid solutions, gelled fluids and the like.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an artificial soil, which has compound effects, and is used in a wide range, and is easy to handle, is obtained by mixing Shirasu, fine particles of fossils, pulverized organic materials and soil-aggregating agent powders, and a construction of a bed soil for a putting green having excellent drainage and water-holding property and fertilizer-holding property is obtained by forming the bed soil of an upper growth layer formed of the artificial soil formed of a mixture comprising Shirasu, fine particles of fossils, pulverized organic materials and soil-aggregating agent powders, sands and soils and a lower drainage-layer formed of sands or mainly comprising sands.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the secondary recovery of oil from an oil-bearing stratum having a zone of high fluid permeability, in which this zone is plugged by introducing into the stratum a gelable solution comprising an alkaline material, a polyphenolic vegetable material such as mimosa tannin extract and formaldehyde, the last compound being present as free formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde, a phenol-formaldehyde resole, hexamethylenetetramine or urea-formaldehyde concentrate. The gelable solution has a pH of at least 9.5 and may optionally include a viscosifier. The gelable solutions are relatively insensitive to brines or temperature and gel to produce mechanically strong gels, even in the presence of oil-wet minerals. If desired, the alkaline material can be an alkali metal carbonate, and the use of such carbonates permits the permeability of the plugged high permeability zone to be adjusted after formation of the gel by treating the gel with acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for installing a hollow pile into an earth formation. The pile is provided with a closed bottom and perforations in a section of its wall near the bottom end and/or bottom closing plate. In this method, the pile is driven into the earth formation and liquid thermo-setting resin-forming composition is displaced through the pile and the perforations to permeate the formation where it solidifies and forms a consolidated mass. The liquid thermosetting resin-forming composition comprises:10-25%v--Epikote - 8282.5-10%v--MDA12.5-30%v--Butyloxitol0.25-2.5%v--DMP-100.5-5%v--Kerosene, and37.5-65%v--Xylene.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for strengthening geological formations in underground mining or other operations introducing into the formation which is to be strengthened mixtures of a polyisocyanate component (a) and a polyol component (b) which react together to form polyurethanes, characterized in that the polyol component (b) is based on mixtures of (i) organic polyhydroxyl compounds having hydroxyl numbers of about 100 to 600 and (ii) dihydric alcohols having a molecular weight of 62 to about 150, component (ii) being present in an amount of about 0.01 to 20% by weight, based on the total quantity of component (b).

Abstract: A method for treating a fines-containing formation to prevent the migration and/or swelling of particulate matter. The method comprises injecting into the formation water and/or steam which contains at least one water-soluble organosilicon compound. Suitable compounds include those which are not normally considered to be water-soluble, but which hydrolyze to form water-soluble materials such as silanols.

Abstract: Cavities in mining are filled by introducing a mixture consisting of a slurry or sludge which evolves CO.sub.2, foams and solidifies and predominantly comprises alpha-hemihydrate, alpha-CaSO.sub.4. 0.5 H.sub.2 O, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal carbonate and water, by a method in which the mixture is mixed with a bisulfate-containing aqueous solution or suspension of one or more metals before being introduced into the cavities to be filled.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of preventing loss of muddy water used in boring a hole in the ground by a drill bit or the like with the muddy water introduced into the hole to stabilize hole walls and to remove slime resulting from the boring. When the muddy water is getting lost to the soil, a chemical liquid comprising an isocyanate compound or including an isocyanate compound as a main component is introduced along with a fibrous filler to a depth of the hole. The position from which the muddy water is leaking is filled with the fibrous filler and is sealed with a cured product of the chemical liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for strengthening and sealing geological formations which are moist or contain water, in particular loose stone, by the injection of a mixture which reacts to form polyurethane, characterized in that a polyisocyanate component is injected before injection of the reaction mixture.

Abstract: A soil injection agent on an alkali metal silicate basis, containing as gelling agent trialkoxysilanes of the formula R-Si(OR').sub.3, in which R is an aliphatic moiety of 1 to 6 carbon atoms and R' represents equal or different alkyl moieties of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, is adjusted for properties by the addition of acid alkali metal phosphates or ammonium phosphates and/or phosphoric acid. The addition improves the sealing and strengthening action of the gels and permits a reduction of the silane content, without impairing the resistance of the gels to pollutants.

Abstract: An aqueous slurry of backfill material e.g. slimes, includes a settable material and an activator therefor, e.g. pulverized fuel ash and lime, and a lubricant e.g. clay and a plasticizer, e.g. a lignosulphonate so that the slurry can be pumped over long distances but will then set to develop high early strength.

Abstract: A method of completely filling mines and underground cavities in such a way as to reinforce the strata and ground thereabove in order to prevent collapse or subsidence. The method comprises introduction into mines and cavities, expandable plastic materials which are incorporated into a chemically catalysed foam reaction and strongly bonded thereby. The heat required to expand foamable plastic materials many-fold is provided by the chemically exothermic polymerization reaction of polymeric isocyanate with polyols and epoxides by basic catalysis which promotes highly exothermic urethane/isocyanurate polymer formation in the presence of suitable blowing agents and surfactants.