Download - Zeolites in cement
Zeolites for Compressive Strength and Harsh Environments in Down-hole
Cementing
Abstract
In down-hole cementing; we are often challenged with finding a lightweight, higher compressive strength material. There are new products used to greatly reduce the density of down hole drilling cements, while simultaneously improving their workability and mechanical properties. St Cloud Mining Company has introduced the SCM product line base on the natural zeolites chabazite and clinoptilolite. Careful control of mineral blends, their particle size distribution, and the accelerators and retarders have created unique cementaceous products previously unavailable for oil and coal gasification well completions. The products are based on technologies initially used in Canada and refined in the US.
Future Need and Trends in Market
Changes in Regulatory Markets
EPA may classify Fly Ash as Hazardous
30 million tons of Fly Ash may need to be replaced
Location of deposits in relation to cement plants and Bulk Plants
Physical minerals or Chemical Minerals
High Volume Low Margin products that did not immediately fit the SCM Business Model
Corporate Overview
Products and Resources
Construction and Drilling Products SCM® Zeofume Products Admixtures and additives Response to rapid growth in Coal Bed Methane,
Oil Field Development and Oil Sands in Canada and US
What are ZeoFume Products
Particle Size Distribution
D50 7 microns
D90 90 microns
Total Surface area
350 m2/g
External Surface area
65 m2/g
Average chabazite
crystallite .2 microns
Amorphous silica 35-
45%
Chemistry
TYPICAL PROPERTIES
Form: Powder
Color: Light Brown (Dry Brightness 43)
Crystal Size: Chabazite Less than 1 micron
Crystallinity: 50-60%
Density: 1.73
Total Pore Volume .468 cm3/g
Surface Area: 350 m2/g
Packing Density: Approx. 577kg/m3 (36 lbs/ft3)
SiO2/Al2O3 Ratio: Approx. 4:1
Moisture packaged: Less than 10% by weight
Stability: pH of 3 through 12
CEC 1.80 meq/g
TYPICAL CHEMICAL ANALYSIS (equilibrated at 20oC. and 40% relative humidity)
SiO2 Al2O3 Fe2O3 CaO MgO Na2O K2O LOI
54.6 14.9 2.28 0.22 0.60 6.67 0.90 19.4
Dominant Cation Na
Advantages
Lightweight – densities in the range of 1.25- 1.1 are
achievable. Densities variable through changes in
water ratios
Strength retrogression at high temps and early
strength development at low temps
Less imbedded materials – 20-25% less material
needed compared to flyash cement mixtures
Cost – project completion times greatly reduced.
Flow ability in transport create less fume
Reduction in waste and disposable materials
High CEC in cement performs overtime in H2S and
heavy metal environments
Operations
Ash Meadows, Nevada Winston, New Mexico
Operations
Current Processing/Distribution Facilities
Ash Meadows Plant - Amargosa Valley, NVWinston Plant - Winston, NMHeemskirk Facility - Lethbridge, BC Canada Riverland Plant - Baton Rouge, LAATC plant - Van Horne, TXMuldoon Minerals - Muldoon,TX
DepositsAsh Meadows - ClinoptiloliteBowie - ChabaziteBurro Creek - SaponiteRome - MordeniteWinston - Clinoptilolite
In Relation to Cement Plants
Conclusion – Potential Markets
Business model – control of supply and process
Strategic Partnerships
Zeolite Cements - Industrial Minerals
Specialty Clays - Drilling Fluids
Water Purification
Oil Sand Technology
Environmental Benefits