Zeolites for Compressive Strength and Harsh Environments in Down-hole Cementing

1. Zeolites for Compressive Strength and
Harsh Environments in Down-hole
Cementing

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. What are ZeoFume Products

6. 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%

7. 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

8. 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

9. Operations
 Ash Meadows, Nevada  Winston, New Mexico

10. Operations
Current Processing/Distribution Facilities
Ash Meadows Plant - Amargosa Valley, NV
Winston Plant - Winston, NM
Heemskirk Facility - Lethbridge, BC Canada
Riverland Plant - Baton Rouge, LA
ATC plant - Van Horne, TX
Muldoon Minerals - Muldoon,TX
Deposits
Ash Meadows - Clinoptilolite
Bowie - Chabazite
Burro Creek - Saponite
Rome - Mordenite
Winston - Clinoptilolite

11. In Relation to Cement Plants

12. 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