Abstract: A process for treating soil which comprises applying to the soil an aqueous solution of a formaldehyde-based pre-condensate containing a condensation initiator in an amount sufficient for condensation to be completed within a predetermined period of time not exceeding 24 hours. Preferably a urea-formaldehyde pre-condensate is used. Advantageously the solution also contains a polysaccharide (alginic acid, alginate, low methoxyl pectin, gum karaya, gum arabic) which is capable of forming a gel with divalent metal cations, particularly calcium, present in soil.The treated soil has improved erosion resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of strengthening geological formations in underground workings or mines by introducing reaction mixtures containing a polyisocyanate component (a), a polyol component (b) and optionally auxiliary agents and additives (c) into the formation which is required to be strengthened and reacting the mixtures to form polyurethanes, wherein polyol component (b) contains mixtures of (i) organic polyhydroxyl compounds having a hydroxyl number of about 100 to 800 and (ii) monovalent alcohols having a molecular weight of 32 to about 600, component (ii) being present in an amount of about 0.01 to 20% by weight, based on the total quantity of component (b).

Abstract: Soils are consolidated with formation of a top layer having compressive strength by treating soil particles with cement, alkali silicate and a dialdehyde, at ambient temperature.

Abstract: Methods of preparing and using a clay stabilizing agent are provided. The agent is prepared by polymerizing diallyldimethylammonium chloride with sulfur dioxide in the presence of a polymerization reaction rate retarder to form a solid cationic copolymer having a high sulfur content. When dissolved in an aqueous carrier fluid, the copolymer is particularly effective in preventing clay swelling and/or fines migration.

Abstract: Method for the desalination and reclamation of irrigated soils through application to the soil of minute amounts of one or more anionic compounds having threshold properties in dilute aqueous solution.

Abstract: A method is provided for consolidating a geological formation comprising the injection of a liquid organic mixture into the formation then injection of a hot inert gas mixture through said liquid mixture, so as to transform this liquid mixture by a thermal polymerization reaction into a substance binding the non consolidated elements of the formation. The injected liquid organic mixture contains at least one polyethylenic hydrocarbon to which a catalyst may be added.

Abstract: A soil sealing composition suitable for reducing the permeability of soil to water contaminated with electrolyte comprises an expanding lattice clay and a water soluble or water swellable polymer having a molecular weight of at least 500,000 and that is a copolymer of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulphonic acid, or certain other ethylenically unsaturated sulphonic acids, together with other ethylenically unsaturated monomer, preferably a blend of acrylamide and acrylic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for consolidating and sealing coal and/or rock, soil and brick formations in mining, tunnelling and construction by reacting polyisocyanates and aqueous alkali silicate solutions in the presence of a catalyst prompting the trimerization of the polyisocyanate. The catalyst is used in an amount of 6.0 to 14.5 mmole per mole of NCO groups in the reaction mixture.When the reaction mixture is introduced into the coal and/or rock, soil and brick formation to be consolidated and is cured, excellent consolidation results are achieved on account of the formation of an "interpermeated network" of inorganic and organic polymer.

Abstract: A method and composition for filling voids in a subterranean formation to provide a fill having a substantially uniform permeability. A viscosified aqueous fluid is prepared to which is added a first particulate having a particle size no greater than about 10 mesh, another particulate having a particle size of less than about 1/7th the median diameter of the first particulate and a resin composition capable of coating at least a portion of the particulate. The fluid is introduced into a subterranean formation to fill at least a portion of the voids that may be present in the formation, compacted and allowed to set to provide the permeable fill material.

Abstract: A gel-forming composition is provided comprising a PVA based substance selected from the group consisting of a polyvinyl alcohol, a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, and mixtures thereof, aldehyde, and water. The gel-forming compositions are preheated to effect a predetermined amount of partial crosslinking of the PVA based substance and the aldehyde thereby enabling a lower aldehyde concentration to be used which in turn produces a more stable gel. The gel-forming compositions are useful for retarding the flow of fluids in subterranean formations. For example, for retarding the flow of water in high permeability channels in oil reservoirs. The gels and method of use herein provided are particularly useful in waterflood operations to increase the sweep efficiency of the oil recovery process.

Abstract: Liquid or water-soluble pollutants which have entered into permeable soil strata are prevented from spreading and contaminating ground water by surrounding the contaminated zone on all sides with vertical barriers and closed off at the bottom by a horizontal injected floor which seals not only against water but also against the pollutants. The pollutant resistance of the floor is achieved by the use of injection materials on a silicate basis containing trialkoxysilanes of the general formula R-Si(OR').sub.3.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition including a water swellable clay, and particularly a montmorillonite clay, such as bentonite; xanthan gum; and one or more additional water-soluble gums, for example, guar dextran, acacia or locust bean. The xanthan gum together with one or more additional water-soluble gums prevents montmorillonite clay composition from substantial coagulation or flocculation upon contact with salt contaminated water even in high concentrations of, for example, 15-40% by weight salt. It has been found that xanthan gum in an amount of 0.1-20% based on the weight of the water-swellable clay, i.e. bentonite, in the composition together with one other water soluble gum, for example guar gum, dextran gum, acacia gum and/or locust bean gum in an amount of 1.0-10% based on the weight of bentonite in the composition will provide a clay composition capable of excellent stability without component separation in salt contaminated water.

Abstract: A composition and method for use in the repair of a roadway are described. A lower molecular weight hydroxyl terminated polyether polyol is reacted with an organic polyisocyanate in the presence of solvents having a specific gravity in excess of 1, and catalyzed by organic mercury and organic lead catalysts in amounts sufficient to cause the composition to gel in about thirty seconds. The reaction products are pumped or poured over an aggregate and allowed to percolate therethrough to form a flush roadway repair.

Abstract: A water permeability contrast correction process to improve the sweep efficiency of waterflooding in carbonate-bearing strata which involves a sequential injection of (1) an optional aqueous preflush slug to adjust connate water salinity, (2) a slug of aqueous polymer gelable with polyvalent metal cations, such as an polyacrylamide, (3) an acidic aqueous solution effective to dissolve some of the carbonate and at least therefrom polyvalent metal cations specifically calcium or magnesium or both effective to gel said polymer, wherein said aqueous polymer and acidic solution can be injected together in a single slug, followed by (4) an additional aqueous polymer solution injection, wherein the acidic solution provides polyvalent metal cations in-situ for gelation of said polymer slug to preferentially decrease water permeability in highly permeable thief zones, and (5) an aqueous drive fluid.

Abstract: A method and means for the stabilization of organic sludges that includes combining the sludge with Portland cement, fly ash, calcium sulfate dihydrate, and lime, optimally with stabilizing agents such as clay, recycled rubber, and asphaltene, and an adsorbent for organic substances. The stabilized sludge compositions prepared in accordance with this method are characterized by a soil-like consistency and low-volume expansion relative to sludge volumes prior to stabilization.

Abstract: A process for coating geological formations and mine stoppings by applying to these substrates an aqueous, non-cementitious sealant composition comprising a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymeric binder, filler material and water, and allowing the sealant composition to dry to form an air flow resistant coating on the substrates. A highly satisfactory polymeric binder is used in the form of a polymer emulsion, such as an emulsion of an acrylic polymer having a low Tg and being sufficiently plasticized to provide a coating having prolonged air flow resistance.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the geotechnical properties of soil materials so as to control soil erosion including fugitive dust by treating the soil with a mixture of polyacrylic acids or polyacrylates, a dibasic acid or acid salt and a wetting agent in water utilizes an aqueous solution of a polyacrylate emulsion, (said active polymer having a Mw of 1-5 million), sodium citrate and a surfactant (nonylphenol plus 10 moles ethylene oxide). The mixture is applied directly to the soil to be stabilized in either diluted or undiluted form whereby surface erosion in both quiescent areas and road beds can be controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition of matter especially adapted to injection into the ground, comprising an alkali metal silicate and at least one water-soluble aminoplastic resin, wherein the aldehyde is selected from the group comprising formaldehyde, glyoxal and a mixture of glyoxal and formaldehyde, and the nitrogenous compound is urea.

Abstract: A process for forming a gel by gelling an aqueous solution of a water-soluble polymer with a chromium compound as a gelling agent, in which a copolymer of acrylamide, 0.5 to 40% by mole of an unsaturated sulfonic acid or its salt, and optionally an unsaturated carboxylic acid or its salt having an intrinsic viscosity of at least 10 in 1N-NaNO.sub.3 at 30.degree. C., is used as the water-soluble polymer, and which is availably applied to improvement of water-oil ratio in oil production and to civil engineering for preventing leakage of underground water. The formed gel is very stable in a water system containing salts in high concentrations at high temperatures.

Abstract: Method for treating a formation, particularly one containing finely divided particulate material, to increase the flow of fluids through the formation wherein there is injected therein an organosilicon compound, preferably in a hydrocarbon carrier liquid, followed by injection of steam containing a compound which contains ammoniacal nitrogen, selected from the group consisting of ammonium hydroxide, ammonium salts of inorganic acids, ammonium salts of carboxylic acids, quaternary ammonium halides, amine or substituted amine hydrochlorides, derivatives of ammonium cyanate, and water-soluble ammonia or ammonium ion precursors selected from the group consisting of amides of carbamic acid and thiocarbamic acid, derivatives of such amides, tertiary carboxylic acid amides and their substituted and alkylated derivatives. A preferred nitrogen-containing compound is urea.

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 and 98% of the optimum required for 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 and mixing of the flocculating agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and compositions for conditioning soils. More particularly, it relates to an improvement in the soil conditioning properties of known polymers.In the process according to the invention for conditioning soils, the soil is treated with an iron salt and at least one polymer which does not require a pH greater than about 7 for it to harden, in the presence of a protein substance.The iron salt is preferably selected from ferrous sulphate, ferric sulphate, ferric chloride and mixtures thereof.The polymer is at least one polymer selected from the resins of the aminoplast type, polyurethanes, polyvinyl alcohol which may be urethanized, potassium polystyrene sulphonate, maleic acid-vinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl acetate, polybutadiene, synthetic rubbers, natural rubber latex and asphaltic bitumen. The preferred polymer is a urea-formaldehyde resin which may be mixed with urea in a free condition or a polyurethane.

Abstract: A process for producing a silicate/polymer gel in situ by reacting an undried, water-soluble, partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, a water-soluble silicate and a gelling agent in a porous earthen matrix, such as a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation, to improve hydrocarbon recovery from the formation.

Abstract: A method of preventing or reducing the migration of fines in a permeable structure comprising contacting the fines with organic copolymers which can be either nonionic in a neutral media or can contain up to 95% by weight of a quaternary ammonium salt monomer.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing fines within a permeable earthen formation comprising contacting the fines with an effective amount of an organic copolymer. The organic polymer has a noncationic character in a liquid media having a pH of 7 or above and therefore can be utilized with other cationic or anionic chemicals without forming damaging percipitates or decomposing during its use.

Abstract: A slurry excavating method for excavating the ground or drilling a hole using excavating slurry containing a powder of water absorbing resin. This method makes it easy to prevent the slurry from flowing into gaps in the ground or cracks in fractured shale layer or fissile layer while excavating the ground.

Abstract: A reducing agent is added to an aqueous medium containing a mixture of undried partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide and an oxidizing agent. The reducing agent and oxidizing agent act as a redox catalyst system to cross link the polymer and form a polymer gel. Gelation time is controlled by maintaining the components of the gel-forming mixture at predetermined concentrations, reaction ratios and pH. The gel-forming mixture is applied to a porous matrix such as a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation where the mixture gels in situ at a controlled rate to reduce the permeability of the porous matrix.

Abstract: A process for plugging a porous formation in a well bore which comprises pumping a shear-thickening composition into drill pipe in the well under conditions of low shear to the point desired to be plugged at which point the composition is forced through the orifices of a drill bit at the end of the drill pipe and subjected to high shear of at least about 1,000 sec..sup.-1 which forms a paste in the well bore which plugs the porous formation. The shear-thickening composition comprises a water-in-oil emulsion having granular bentonite dispersed in the continuous oily phase, wherein the oily phase has a polyamine derivative surfactant dissolved therein, and the aqueous phase comprises an aqueous solution of a polyacrylamide and a polycarboxylic acid. This process may be used for plugging wells having depths in excess of 8,000 feet.

Abstract: Minor slides in a geologic exploratory trench are stabilized by applying a ater diluted vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer emulsion to the trench walls. Although the resulting emulsion and sand crust provides no structural support, it provides a surface cohesion which effectively stops all minor sliding and permits normal engineering logging to proceed.

Abstract: A method of improving, for building purposes, soft ground containing organic material utilizes a fluid composition, for injection into the ground, consisting of cement, water, bentonite and either sand or a lightweight, inert, finely divided, readily available naturally-occurring material such as volcanic ash, or an industrial or agricultural waste such as coal or incinerator ash, wood dust, powdered waste plastics material, cereal hulls or the like. The composition is injected at prescribed locations to effect replacement of portions of the soft ground and solidifies in situ, while because of the resulting pressure created on the surrounding ground soil water is expressed and the surrounding soft ground becomes compacted.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of facilitating vegetation with the aid of a fungal mycelium biomass in admixture with a polybutadiene and application forms comprising such components.

Abstract: A method of treating an earthen formation containing swelling clays or migrating fines or combinations thereof to reduce the loss of permeability in said formation. The method is carried out by contacting the swelling clays or fines with an effective amount of an organic polycationic polymer which contains three quaternary ammonium moieties in the monomer repeat unit.

Abstract: A method of treating a permeable structure for the purpose of stabilizing fines in the structure. The method is carried out by contacting the fines with an effective amount of nitrogen-containing cationic perfluorinated compounds.

Abstract: A method of treating a permeable structure for the purpose of stabilizing fines in the structure using organic copolymers containing N-vinylpyrrolidone in the copolymer repeat unit.

Abstract: Preparation of polymeric gels, filaments, and films prepared by producing a uniform dispersion of a water soluble acrylamide polymer or copolymer in the water insoluble reaction product of certain water soluble aldehydes and water soluble primary amines. The reaction is carried out in aqueous solution. Gel formation time may range from a few seconds to several minutes depending on selection of appropriate parameters. The gels have many desirable properties such as preparation from relatively nontoxic components, superior adhesion, toughness, and water impermeability. The gels have many uses such as adhesives, sealing cracks and joints in pipes, stabilizing earthen formations, waterproofing subgrade construction and as intermediates in the preparation of films, filaments, and membranes. Gels for these purposes may be treated with carbon dioxide to provide a color change and additional surface hardness.

Abstract: Coating of geological formations as well as air- and fire barriers is performed by providing aqueous rubber or rubber-like dispersions and spraying the dispersions via separate conduits simultaneously with a dry hydraulic binding medium, by a pressure air onto an object to be coated. An inert filling material can be added to the hydraulic binding medium, and a tenside can be added to the dispersions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for stabilizing an aqueous gel-forming system comprising one or more water-soluble acrylic monomer as gellifying agent, methylenebis-acrylamide co-monomer and/or one or more mono- or bivalent aldehyde as cross-linking agent, a redox catalyst system containing an alkali metal and/or ammonium persulfate as oxidizing component along with one or more amine compound as reducing component, furthermore optionally one or more water-soluble polymer for adjusting the viscosity of the solution and/or modifying the gel structure. According to the invention said gel-forming system is stabilized by saturating it with molecular oxygen.The invention relates further to a process for improving the strength and impermeability of particulate materials and/or solid articles.

Abstract: Highly permeable zones in a subterranean formation are selectively plugged by injecting an aqueous solution of an acrylamide polymer, a phenol and an aldehyde via a well into the highly permeable zones. The solution forms a non-flowing, water insoluble polymer resin in situ at a temperature of from about 50.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. and an alkaline pH over a period of from about 1 to 10 days. The polymer resin plugs the highly permeable zones of the formation.

Abstract: For consolidation of geological formations and artificial beds of rock, earth, and coal by means of foaming and hardening polyisocyanate/polyol blends, diols with secondary hydroxyl functions of the OH number range 150-1000 are used as diol component. Preferably a crude polyisocyanate blend (MDI) obtained by phosgenation of aniline/formaldehyde condensates which at ambient temperature assumes a liquid state, and the liquid prepolymers of said crude MDI are used as isocyanate components.

Abstract: A sealing composition prepared by reacting water-soluble polyurethane prepolymer with water containing latex to provide a gelled viscous mass which will cure to a cross-linked latex-reinforced gel capable of preventing or inhibiting leakage in various structures, when applied at the site of the leakage in the viscous state. The sealing composition of the invention also preferably contains up to 60% by weight of fillers of the total weight of the composition to provide a high compressive strength, shrink-resistant sealing composition.

Abstract: A method for removing undesired components from the soil which comprises screening adjacent soil from the contaminated soil having the undesired components therein, supplying an extracting agent, suitable for removing the undesired components, to the soil at a level either above or below the contaminated soil, and removing the extracting agent having the undesired components therein from the soil at a level on the other side of the contaminated soil.

Abstract: A particular simple method and class of organic polycationic polymer compositions are provided for treating earthen formations such as in oil wells to stabilize clay against dispersion and expansion due to water.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon base treating fluids for stabilizing water sensitive clay containing formations against damage to flow permeability are provided. The treating fluids are comprised of a hydrocarbon external, hydrocarbon liquid-aqueous clay stabilizing polymer solution emulsion dispersed in a hydrocarbon carrier liquid. Methods of forming and using the treating fluids are also provided.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for increasing the water capacity and air capacity of soil matrixes comprising modification of such soil matrixes with a water-absorbing laminate by positioning in the soil a mass of said laminate having a lightly cross-linked polyelectrolyte film with a layer of wicking substrates adhered to both sides of the absorbent film.

Abstract: Processes for sealing and strengthening water-bearing geological formations by injection thereinto a polyurethane-resin-forming composition that is especially suitable for this purpose which comprises a conventional polyisocyanate, a conventional polyol, an accelerator for the reaction between the polyisocyanate and the polyol, and a foam stabilizer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for stabilizing rock and coal formations by bonding them to each other or to other geological formations. The bonding material is a reactive organic polyisocyanate-polyol mixture which may contain a catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of stabilizing clay soil having a high water content by mixing an effective amount of hydroxy-aluminum and cellulosic polymer with the clay soil to deactivate water and thereby assist in preventing such water from fluidizing the clay soil.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of stabilizing clay soil by mixing an effective amount of dry hydroxy-aluminum and dry base with the clay.

Abstract: Waterglass solutions are mixed with polyisocyanates and these emulsions are then left to harden in the formations. Introduction of the mixture into the formations which are required to be consolidated, e.g. deposits of coal, is mainly carried out by forcing the mixture under pressure into bore-holes in the formations. According to one variation of the process, the components of the mixture are introduced into the multi-chamber cartridges which are introduced into the bore-holes and then destroyed as the components are mixed. Certain additives such as accelerators, blowing agents, polyols, stabilizers and/or thixotropic agents are advantageous for the quality of the composite masses formed by hardening of the mixture.

Abstract: Aggregate material is contacted with a fluid agent comprising a hydrophilic urethane prepolymer to form a hydrophilic polyurethane-polyurea polymeric matrix which adhesively bonds the aggregate together as a resilient, integral, water-permeable mass which will sustain plant growth.This is a Reissue of a Patent which was the subject of a Reexamination Certificate No. [B1 3,805,532], dated [Jul. 16, 1985], Request No. [90/000,598], [Jul. 30, 1984].