Abstract: A method is disclosed for consolidating an unconsolidated formation, which method includes the steps of providing a well drilled to an unconsolidated formation, providing a consolidation fluid in the form of a fluid suspension of nanoparticles, and flowing said consolidation fluid through the well and into the unconsolidated formation so as to position the nanoparticles between grains of the unconsolidated formation whereby the formation is consolidated over time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stabilizing irregular structures such as rock structures in mines and in construction sites as well as other rock and concrete structures. The method comprises concurrently heating and mixing a mixture of polyoxypropylene diamine with an aromatic diamine liquid, mechanically purging the mixture under pressure and applying the purged mixture to a desired irregular structure. The invention also provides a weather resistant and anti-corrosive polyurea coating material as a fibrous mesh, liquid film, geotextile mat and foam for stabilizing rock, concrete and molding tool structures.

Abstract: A method of boring a tunnel through a stratum utilizing a shield tunneling apparatus, the process comprising the injection into the stratum at the cutting face of an aqueous material comprising (a) from 0.005-0.05% by weight of a polyethylene oxide of weight-average molecular weight from 2,000,000 to 8,000,000 (b) from 0.05-0.5% by weight of a sulphate-containing anionic surfactant. The method is effective even in difficult soils.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foamable composition comprising at least two parts. The first part comprises a polyol, a thixotropic gelling agent, a blowing agent, a urethane reaction catalyst and a isocyanurate reaction catalyst. The second part comprises at least one isocyanate. A foam mass can be prepared by combining the first part polyol component with the second part isocyanate component. The composition is foamable under water and exhibits, upon foaming under water, substantially the same wet foam density and dry foam density. The invention also relates to a method of repairing or reinforcing structural members having defects such as spike holes left after spike removal from railroad ties during road bed maintenance or repair by means of the foamable composition.

Abstract: Herein is described a method of consolidating a subterranean formation or repairing a gravel pack, comprising (i) providing a consolidating fluid, wherein the consolidating fluid comprises a gel component and a gel-forming agent; and (ii) injecting the consolidating fluid into the formation or gravel pack, under conditions wherein the gel component forms a flexible gel, thereby consolidating the formation.

Abstract: Silyl-modified polyamides, and subterranean formation treatments employing silyl-modified polyamides to minimize migration or movement of naturally occurring or introducable solid particulates within a subterranean formation and/or within a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Composite particles made of a resin and filler material are provided for use in subterranean formations. The filler is finely divided mineral and optional fiber. The particles are proppants useful to prop open subterranean formation fractures. The particles are also useful for water filtration. Methods of making the composite particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Encapsulated crosslinking agents and gel-forming compositions are provided that can be utilized in oil field applications. Processes for producing said encapsulated crosslinking agents and said gel-forming compositions are also provided. In addition, a process for injecting said gel-forming composition into a subterranean formation is also provided.

Abstract: For well kill treatment to prevent the intrusion of formation fluids into the wellbore while the well is open, a well kill additive including a dry mixture of water soluble crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a reinforcing material of fibers and/or comminuted plant materials. The method of forming a well kill fluid includes contacting the additive with water or an aqueous solution, with a method of conforming the formation further including the step of injecting the fluid into the wellbore.

Abstract: Improved hardenable resin compositions and methods of consolidating particulate solids in subterranean zones penetrated by well bores are provided. The improved hardenable resin compositions of the invention are basically comprised of a hardenable organic resin, an aminosilane resin-to-particulate solid coupling agent, a viscous carrier fluid breaker for breaking separating films of viscous carrier fluid between resin coated particulate solids and a surface active agent for causing the resin composition to flow to the contact points between resin coated particulate solids.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a stable hydrocolloid composition in which preferably welan gum is uniformly dispersed in a superplasticizer solution such as sulfonated naphthalene, sulfonated melamine, modified lignosulfate, their derivatives and mixtures thereof. The solution is wet milled to form an extremely fine particle size distribution of the gum. The composition is rapidly hydratable and useful as a stabilizing additive in many cement and drilling fluid applications.

Abstract: A method is provided for incorporating a foaming agent into mixtures of particulates and then forming a foam within the mixture to increase the flowability of the particulates. A method is also provided for excavating solid particulates, incorporating a foaming agent into mixtures of solid particulates, and then forming a foam within the mixture to increase the flowability of the particulates. The particulates can be transported through pipelines or boreholes. Examples of particulates include, but are not limited to, mine tailings, ores, sand, coal, soils, clays, silts, aggregates, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a foamable composition comprising at least two parts. More specifically, the first part comprises at least one polyol, at least one gelling agent, and at least one blowing agent wherein the first part comprises an effective amount of hydrophobic ingredients and a second part comprising at least one isocyanate. A foam mass can be prepared by a method of combining a polyol component with an isocyanate component substantially free of urethane prepolymer and applying the mixture to a void or substrate. The invention also relates to methods of using certain polyurethane compositions in the repair of surface defects or for the reinforcement of structural members such as spike holes left after spike removal from railroad ties during road bed maintenance or repair. This invention further relates to a method of foaming certain polyurethane compositions in the presence of water.

Abstract: An easily shaped evacuated porous stonelike body is impregnated in a consistent manner with a fluid polymer forming composition or molten polymer composition and solidified to form a polymeric matrix stone product bearing a striking resemblance to a natural rock in texture, structure, and formation exhibited throughout any substantial cross section. The polymeric composition is decoratively enhanced by the labyrinthic skeletal framework of the porous body and the skeletal framework is structurally enhanced by the polymeric composition. The method of forming the product closely duplicates the natural formation of most of the rocks exposed at the surface of the earth. Therefore, a wide range of stonelike textures are now available in a dimensional stock product of pre-determined size and shape. A wide range of chemical and physical properties are also possible depending upon the specific combination of porous bodies and solidified polymeric compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cement composition for cementing oil, gas and geothermal wells comprising: a cement; and an additive comprising a blend of a sodium silicate; water; a carrageenan suspending agent; a sodium polyacrylate; an AMPS terpolymer; a dispersant; and a cellulosic water soluble polymer. The dispersant may comprise a sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde condensate or a sulfonated ketone acetone formaldehyde condensate. The cellulosic water soluble polymer may comprise HEC or CMHEC. The invention can also function to reduce the occurrence of gas channelling and stabilize foam created by adding nitrogen gas to cement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation with a particulate laden fluid whereby particulate flowback is reduced or prevented while also providing a controlled release of a treatment chemical within the formation. The method includes the steps of providing a fluid suspension including a mixture of a particulate, a tackifying compound and a treatment chemical, pumping the suspension into a subterranean formation and depositing the mixture within the formation whereby the tackifying compound retards movement of at least a portion of the particulate within the formation upon flow of fluids from the subterranean formation and said tackifying compound retards release of at least a portion.

Abstract: A polymerizable resin composition useful in downhole applications in a subterranean well is disclosed as including a furfuryl alcohol oligomer resin and a polymerization catalyst. The catalyst should be a C9 to C15 alkyl benzene sulfonic acid and preferably is a dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid. The polymerizable resin composition may also include an organic diluent selected from C3 to C8 alkyl esters, C1 to C6 alkyl alcohols; halogenated aromatics and mixtures thereof. Preferably the organic diluent is a C1 to C6 alkyl acetate and more preferably the organic diluent is butyl acetate. The polymerizable resin composition may include super-slurper polymers such as copolymers of starch and acrylamides or starch and acrylates. Solid particles may also be included in the polymerizable resin composition.

Abstract: A composition and uses of said composition are described for a latex based setting system for remedial and other operations within a wit bore. The composition comprises a pH-reducing agent and/or a coagulant. By controlling the amount of agent, the setting time of the system can be controlled in a range of 0.5 h to 15 h.

Abstract: An improved proppant and a method of increasing the conductivity of the fractures of subterranean formations is described. The proppant contains a mixture of bondable particles and removable particles. The bondable particles within a subterranean formation, adhere to adjacent bondable particles to form a permanent, self-supporting matrix and the removable particles from the self supporting matrix the ambient conditions of the fracture. The conductivity of the fracture and the overall productivity of the hydraulic operation is increased.

Abstract: A curable two-component composition with curable organic and curable inorganic constituents and with curing agents, the curing agents being separated from the respective curable constituent so as to inhibit reaction, but activatable for application or use, containing epoxide and the finely particulate cement as curable constituents and amine and alkali silicate as curing agent.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a stable hydrocolloid composition in which preferably welan gum is uniformly dispersed in a superplasticizer solution such as sulfonated naphthalene, sulfonated melamine, modified lignosulfate, their derivatives and solution thereof. The mixture is wet milled to form an extremely fine particle size, from about 3 microns to about 500 microns distribution of the gum. The composition is rapidly hydratable and useful as a stabilizing additive in many cement and drilling fluid applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation with a particulate laden fluid whereby particulate flowback is reduced or prevented. The method includes the steps of providing a fluid suspension including a mixture of a particulate, a tackifying compound and a multifunctional material, pumping the suspension into a subterranean formation and depositing the mixture within the formation whereby the tackifying compound retards movement of at least a portion of the particulate within the formation upon flow of fluids from the subterranean formation and said multifunctional material subsequently reacts with said tackifying compound to consolidate at least a portion of said particulate within said formation.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the decontamination of waste matter, in particular for soil remediation. The methods include making and applying a polymer composition to waste matter and subjecting the waste matter and polymer composition to radiation, preferably microwave radiation.

Abstract: Methods of continuously forming and suspending hardenable resin-fibrous material composite coated proppant in a carrier liquid are provided. The methods basically comprise dissolving a hardenable resin composition and a fibrous material in a solvent which is insoluble in the carrier liquid, pumping the carrier liquid, combining uncoated proppant with the carrier liquid as the carrier liquid is pumped and combining the hardenable resin composition-fibrous material solution with the carrier liquid as the carrier liquid is pumped whereby the proppant is coated with a hardenable resin composition-fibrous material composite.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation with a treatment fluid whereby fine particulate flowback is reduced or prevented. The method includes the steps of providing a fluid suspension including a mixture of a particulate coated with a tackifying compound, pumping the suspension into a subterranean formation and depositing the mixture within the formation whereby the tackifying compound retards movement of at least a portion of any fine particulate within the formation upon flow of fluids from the subterranean formation through the wellbore. Alternatively, the tackifying compound may be introduced into a subterranean formation in a diluent containing solution to deposit upon previously introduced particulates to retard movement of such particulates and any fines subject to flow with production of fluids from the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method for the surface stabilization of sand and/or soil is provided. The method is comprised of applying an aqueous polymer dispersion to the surface layer of soil. The aqueous polymer dispersion is comprised of triesters of glycerol with lower aliphatic monocarboxylic acids, citric acid triesters with lower aliphatic monohydric alcohols and/or epoxidized triglycerides of at least partly olefinically unsaturated fatty acids as biodegradable plasticizers in aqueous polyvinyl acetate dispersions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation with a particulate laden fluid whereby particulate flowback is reduced or prevented. The method includes the steps of providing a fluid suspension including a mixture of a particulate, a tackifying compound and a hardenable resin, pumping the suspension into a subterranean formation and depositing the mixture within the formation whereby the tackifying compound retards movement of at least a portion of the particulate within the formation upon flow of fluids from the subterranean formation and said hardenable resin subsequently consolidates at least a portion of said particulate within said formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation with a particulate laden fluid whereby particulate flowback is reduced or prevented. The method includes the steps of providing a fluid suspension including a mixture of a particulate upon admixture therewith, pumping the suspension into a subterranean formation and depositing the mixture within the formation whereby the tackifying compound retards movement of at least a portion of the particulate within the formation upon flow of fluids from the subterranean formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation with a treatment fluid whereby fine particulate flowback is reduced or prevented. The method includes the steps of providing a fluid suspension including a mixture of a particulate coated with a tackifying compound, pumping the suspension into a subterranean formation and depositing the mixture within the formation whereby the tackifying compound retards movement of at least a portion of any fine particulate within the formation upon flow of fluids from the subterranean formation through the wellbore. Alternatively, the tackifying compound may be introduced into a subterranean formation in a diluent containing solution to deposit upon previously introduced particulates to retard movement of such particulates and any fines subject to flow with production of fluids from the subterranean formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of fatty acids or fatty alcohols--which are solid at room temperature and/or which cure in the presence of air--and/or at least substantially water-insoluble esters, ethers and/or salts thereof with, in particular, polyvalent cations as degradable and biologically safe stabilizers for increasing the water resistance of soil impregnations based on polyvinyl esters, more particularly PVAc.

Abstract: A resin composition useful in well completion and remedial methods having improved flexibility upon setting or curing is disclosed. The resin composition includes a polymerizable resin, an oil soluble acid catalyst capable of causing polymerization of the resin at formation temperatures, and 10 to 70% by volume rubber. The rubber may be in the form of ground rubber or an aqueous dispersion or emulsion. Also disclosed are methods for the use of the resin composition in well completion and remediation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an epoxy resin composition is provided comprising: an epoxy resin and a partially reduced aromatic amine hardening agent. In another embodiment, a well treating composition is provided comprising: an epoxy resin; a partially reduced aromatic amine hardening agent; a solid particulate material; and a carrier fluid. In yet another embodiment, a method of treating a subterranean formation is provided. The inventive method comprises the step of placing the inventive well treating composition into the formation.

Abstract: A soil top dressing is comprised of a mixture of sand, clay, a plasticizer material, water, and a coloring pigment, if desired. The components of the soil composition are preferably present in the following proportions by weight: sand 50-70%; clay 10-40%; plasticizer 0.5-5.0%; water 5-20%; coloring pigment 1-5%; all coated with kelp meal granules (5-20%). The method of making the invention involves continuously mixing a portion of the sand and the plasticizer in an agitation mixer. The sand becomes coated with the plasticizer, whereupon a quantity of clay is then added, followed by an additional portion of the plasticizing material. It is particularly important that the sand particles become coated with the plasticizing compound and clay. The coloring pigments are added and mixed thereafter. The foregoing particles are thereupon coated with particles of kelp meal. As soon as complete mixing takes place, material can be immediately transferred from the mixer to suitable packaging.

Abstract: A composition of matter for matrix conformance formed from an aqueous solution of an alginate polysaccharide and a method of forming an alginate polysaccharide gel. A Group IIA cation, Fe.sup.2+, Fe.sup.3+, Al.sup.3+, Mn.sup.2 +, Zn.sup.2+, a dialdehyde, or a diamine may be used to crosslink the resulting alginate gel. The gel may also comprise a modifier, such as a polyvinyl alcohol, a polycarboxylic acid, or a polyacrylamide. The rate and extent of crosslinking are controlled by varying the alginate molecular weight, the alginate concentration, or the type and concentration of crosslinker, or by adding a sequestering agent such as EDTA or citrate.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an epoxy resin composition is provided comprising: an epoxy resin and a partially reduced aromatic amine hardening agent. In another embodiment, a well treating composition is provided comprising: an epoxy resin; a partially reduced aromatic amine hardening agent; a solid particulate material; and a carrier fluid. In yet another embodiment, a method of treating a subterranean formation is provided. The inventive method comprises the step of placing the inventive well treating composition into the formation.

Abstract: A method for water compatible chemical in situ sand consolidation with oil soluble furan resin. The three step water compatible in situ chemical consolidation uses thermally and chemically stable furan resin. The placement of the resin is by phase separation rather than by conventional fluid displacement. The method uses the injection of resin/water miscible organic solvent solution followed by a spacer volume of water and acid catalyst injection.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a subterranean formation which includes introducing a stabilizing composition into a subterranean formation, for example, by pumping into and through cracks and crevices in the formation and allowing the stabilizing compositions to cure thereby stabilizing the formation. The stabilizing composition includes a non-shrink synthetic resin, a catalyst and various additives and fillers.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided which provide improved viscosity reduction of crosslinked hydratable polymer treating fluids in the presence of uncured resin-coated proppants. The uncured resins are generally uncured phenolic or furan resins. The breaker comprises an oxidizing agent to which is added a sequestering agent comprising a copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid to sequester at least a portion of any phenolic extracts from said resin that may be present in said treating fluid from contact with the uncured resin.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating wells to form a permeable barrier around the well for consolidating unconsolidated mineral particles such as sand in a subterranean petroleum formation penetrated by a well, or for forming an impermeable barrier for fluid entry control, or for plugging the well for abandonment. A fluid containing a polymerizable resin such as furfuryl alcohol, a polar organic diluent such as butyl acetate and a mixture of oil soluble acid catalysts including one low pK and one high pK acid to cause polymerization of the resin at formation temperatures is prepared. The preferred low pK acid is toluene sulfonic acid and the preferred high pK acid is oxalic acid. The two acids and total acid concentration are selected to cause the polymerization reaction to be essentially complete in from 0.75 to 4.0 hours and preferably 1.0-2.0 hours at the formation temperature. This fluid is injected into the formation to saturate at least a portion of the formation adjacent to the well.

Abstract: A well treating composition comprising: a gelled carrier; a particulate material; an epoxy resin system including at least one epoxy resin; and a finely-divided hardening agent which, when dissolved, is operable for hardening the epoxy resin. The finely-divided hardening agent is dispersed in the epoxy resin system. A method of treating a subterranean zone located in a well comprising the steps of: (a) preparing the above-described treating composition; (b) injecting the treating composition into the well such that the treating composition is placed in the subterranean zone; and (c) maintaining the finely-divided hardening agent under conditions such that, prior to injecting the treating composition into the well, the finely-divided hardening agent does not substantially dissolve.

Abstract: A substituted alkoxy benzene having the formula ##STR1## wherein R, R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are each a hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms and x is 0 or 1 is provided. The substituted alkoxy benzene is very useful as a wetting aid for enhancing the ability of hardenable polyepoxide resin compositions to coat and bond to material (e.g., particulate material) in high temperature applications. The substituted alkoxy benzene does not significantly accelerate the curing rate of the resins. A polyepoxide resin composition for coating and bonding to a material, a composition useful for forming a hard permeable mass in a remote location and a method of continuously forming and suspending consolidatible resin composition coated particulate material in a gelled aqueous carrier liquid and transporting the coated particulate material to a remote location where the material is consolidated are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating of subterranean formation using a gel of a graft copolymer of a hydroxyalkyl cellulose, guar or hydroxypropyl guar prepared by a redox reaction with vinyl phosphonic acid. The gel is formed by hydrating the graft copolymer in an aqueous liquid containing at least a trace amount of at least one divalent cation. The gel is crosslinked by the addition of a Lewis base or Bronsted-Lowry base, which is substantially free of polyvalent metal ions, to the gel in an amount sufficient to effect crosslinking of the graft copolymer.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to dredging under harbors and waterways and fabricating building materials and more particularly to an apparatus for dredging that produces no waste and uses the dredged material for useful building products. Furthermore, all off the equipment that is used for the dredging and fabricating building materials from the dredged materials placed upon at least one floating badge.

Abstract: Improved hardenable resin compositions useful in forming hard permeable masses in remote locations or zones are provided. The compositions include hardening agents which are non-hazardous to personnel and which are compatible with other components of the compositions. Methods of continuously forming and suspending particulate material coated with the improved resin compositions in gelled aqueous carrier liquid are also provided.

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: Improved methods of forming and suspending consolidatable resin composition coated particulate materials in gelled aqueous carrier liquids are provided. In accordance with the methods, a gelled aqueous carrier liquid, uncoated particulate material, a resin composition which will subsequently harden and a surface active agent are admixed whereby the particulate material is coated with the resin composition and suspended in the gelled aqueous carrier liquid.

Abstract: In the production of organomineral products which are used, in particular, within the scope of the process for stratum consolidation, it is a disadvantage that foams are, as a rule used which have inadequate strength and that, in addition, the hard polymer segments which are responsible for the strength of the organomineral products, do not contribute to the adhesion of the organomineral products, if they are used in situ for stratum consolidation. A process is disclosed for reacting organic polyisocyanates with epoxy resins in the presence of aqueous alkali-metal silicate solutions, the coreactants being used in an amount of substance ratio corresponding to the relationship ##STR1## so that foaming of the reaction mixture is prevented and an organic polymer structure containing oxazolidinone ring structures is formed which bears adhesion-improving OH groups.

Abstract: A method of preparing high density particulate slurries is provided whereby slurries containing in excess of 23 pounds of particulate per gallon of fluid can be introduced into a subterranean formation. In accordance with the method, a viscosified pad fluid is introduced into a wellbore to create a filter cake in a desired zone within a subterranean formation. The high density slurry then is introduced into the formation to substantially fill any annular space present without significant settling. This permits the coating of the entire exterior surface of highly deviated casing exposed within a wellbore.

Abstract: A composition and method for consolidating proppant or gravel for propping fractures about, or for gravel packs for sand control in, wells in subterranean formations characterized by an improvement in which there is used a urethane quasi prepolymer consisting of dipropylene glycol and excess polymeric methylene diphenylene diisocyanate in a diluent, allowing to stand to form oligomers of polyurethane chains and admixing the urethane quasi prepolymer and diluent with a proppant and oil-based frac fluid and admixing a catalyst with the admixture of proppant and prepolymer and allowing to stand in the fractures, or well, until consolidation occurs. Also disclosed are specific examples of satisfactory frac fluids, diluents and catalysts and appropriate procedures for consolidation in one- or two-passes.

Abstract: A novel composition and process are disclosed for forming crosslinked gels at elevated temperatures utilize a novel crosslinking agent comprising a furan derivative and a water dispersible aldehyde or aldehyde generating compound.