Settable Fluids Comprising Particle-Size Distribution-Adjusting Agents and Methods of Use

Abstract

Settable fluids comprising particle-size distribution-adjusting agents, and methods of using such settable fluids in subterranean and surface applications are provided. In certain exemplary embodiments, the settable fluid comprises a cement, a set retarder, and a particle-size distribution-adjusting agent. Exemplary methods include, but are not limited to, methods of drilling with the settable fluids, methods of cementing with the settable fluids, and methods of using a settable fluid to displace another fluid from a well bore in a subterranean formation.

1 . An activator composition for activating a settable fluid comprising a mixture of a trialkanolamine and an alkali or alkaline earth metal hydroxide.  
     
     
         2 . The activator composition of  claim 1  wherein the trialkanolamine is triethanolamine.  
     
     
         3 . The activator composition of  claim 1  wherein the trialkanolamine is tripropanolamine.  
     
     
         4 . The activator composition of  claim 1  wherein the trialkanolamine is triisopropanolamine.  
     
     
         5 . The activator composition of  claim 1  wherein the alkali or alkaline earth metal hydroxide is sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or a mixture thereof.  
     
     
         6 . The activator composition of  claim 1  wherein the trialkanolamine is present in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 50% by weight.  
     
     
         7 . The activator composition of  claim 1  wherein the alkali metal hydroxide is present in an amount in the range of from about 50% to about 99.9% by weight.  
     
     
         8 . The activator composition of  claim 1  wherein the alkali metal hydroxide comprises sodium hydroxide.  
     
     
         9 . The activator composition of  claim 1  wherein the alkali metal hydroxide comprises potassium hydroxide.  
     
     
         10 . An activator composition for activating a settable fluid comprising a mixture of a triethanolamine and an alkali or alkaline earth metal hydroxide.  
     
     
         11 . The activator composition of  claim 10  wherein the alkali or alkaline earth metal hydroxide is sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or a mixture thereof.  
     
     
         12 . The activator composition of  claim 10  wherein the triethanolamine is present in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 50% by weight.  
     
     
         13 . The activator composition of  claim 10  wherein the alkali metal hydroxide is present in an amount in the range of from about 50% to about 99.9% by weight.  
     
     
         14 . The activator composition of  claim 10  wherein the alkali metal hydroxide comprises sodium hydroxide.  
     
     
         15 . The activator composition of  claim 10  wherein the alkali metal hydroxide comprises potassium hydroxide.  
     
     
         16 . An activator composition for activating a settable fluid comprising a mixture of a trialkanolamine in an amount in the range of from about 0.1% to about 50% by weight and an alkali or alkaline earth metal hydroxide in an amount in the range of from about 50% to about 99.9% by weight.  
     
     
         17 . The activator composition of  claim 16  wherein the trialkanolamine is triethanolamine.  
     
     
         18 . The activator composition of  claim 16  wherein the trialkanolamine is tripropanolamine.  
     
     
         19 . The activator composition of  claim 16  wherein the trialkanolamine is triisopropanolamine.  
     
     
         20 . The activator composition of  claim 16  wherein the alkali or alkaline earth metal hydroxide is sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or a mixture thereof.