| abstract |
FLEXIBLE GROUT COMPOSITION AND METHOD Abstract of the Disclosure A flexible grout composition is used to cement a conduit within a bore hole to prevent fluid loss, for sealing and grouting well casings, plugging abandoned wells, and waterproofing earthen structures. The flexible grout composition includes a water-swell-able clay, such as bentonite; a particulate filler, such as calcium bentonite; a water soluble silicate; a source of multivalent metal cations; and a gelling agent for the water-swellable clay, particularly an inorganic gelling agent such as magnesium oxide or sodium carbonate (soda ash). The grout composition is mixed with water to form a slurry and the slurry is pumped into its intended location, for example, within the annulus defined between an outer surface of a conduit or casing disposed within a bore hole, and the surrounding earthen formation formed, for example, by drilling. |