Compositions comprising melt-processed inorganic fibers and methods of using such compositions

Abstract

Improved lost circulation compositions that include melt-processed inorganic fibers and methods for using such compositions in subterranean formations are provided. An example of a method of the present invention is a method of cementing in a subterranean formation. Another example of a method of the present invention is a method comprising providing a cement composition that comprises cement, water, and a plurality of melt-processed inorganic fibers, the melt-processed inorganic fibers having a mean aspect ratio of greater than about 25, a specific gravity of greater than about 1.2, and a length of less than about 10 millimeters; introducing the cement composition into a well bore that penetrates a subterranean formation; and allowing the melt-processed inorganic fibers to at least partially prevent fluid loss from the cement composition into the subterranean formation. An example of a composition of the present invention is a cement composition for use in a subterranean formation.

1 . A method of cementing, comprising: 
 providing a cement composition that comprises water, a hydraulic cement, and a plurality of basalt fibers;    introducing the cement composition into a subterranean formation; and    allowing the cement composition to set therein.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the water comprises at least one of the following: freshwater; saltwater; a brine; or seawater.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the cement comprises at least one of the following: a Portland cement; a pozzolana cement; a gypsum cement; a high alumina content cement; a slag cement; or a silica cement.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of basalt fibers have a diameter in the range of from about 9 microns to about 13 microns.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of basalt fibers have a length in the range of from about 3 millimeters to about 6 millimeters.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the basalt fibers are present in the cement composition in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 1.5% by weight of the cement.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the cement composition is foamed, and wherein the cement composition further comprises a gas and a foaming agent.  
   
   
       8 . A method of cementing a pipe string in a well bore, comprising: 
 providing a cement composition that comprises water, a hydraulic cement, and a plurality of basalt fibers;    introducing the cement composition into an annulus between at least one wall of the well bore and the pipe string disposed within the well bore; and    allowing the cement composition to set therein.    
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the water comprises at least one of the following: freshwater; saltwater; a brine; or seawater.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the cement comprises at least one of the following: a Portland cement; a pozzolana cement; a gypsum cement; a high alumina content cement; a slag cement; or a silica cement.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the plurality of basalt fibers have a diameter in the range of from about 9 microns to about 13 microns.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the plurality of basalt fibers have a length in the range of from about 3 millimeters to about 6 millimeters.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the basalt fibers are present in the cement composition in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 1.5% by weight of the cement.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the cement composition is foamed, and wherein the cement composition further comprises a gas and a foaming agent.  
   
   
       15 . A method of enhancing the compressive strength of a cement composition, comprising: 
 adding a plurality of basalt fibers to the cement composition, wherein the cement composition comprises water and a hydraulic cement;    introducing the cementing composition into a subterranean formation; and    allowing the cement composition to set therein.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the water comprises at least one of the following: freshwater; saltwater; a brine; or seawater.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the plurality of basalt fibers have a diameter in the range of from about 9 microns to about 13 microns.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the plurality of basalt fibers have a length in the range of from about 3 millimeters to about 6 millimeters.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the basalt fibers are present in the cement composition in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 1.5% by weight of the cement.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the cement composition is foamed, and wherein the cement composition further comprises a gas and a foaming agent.