CEMENT COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING SAPONINS AND ASSOCIATE!)
METHODS
BACKGROUND
[001] Cement compositions may be used in a variety of subterranean operaiions. For
e in subterranean we l construction, a pipe string {e.g., casing, liners, expandable
t b lar , etc.) may be run into a wel bore and cemented in place. The process of cementing
the pipe string in place is commonly referred to as "primary cementing " n a typical primary
cementing method, a cement composition may be pumped into an anr lus between th wails
of the well bore and the exterior surface of the pipe string disposed therein. The cement
composition may set in the annular space, thereby forming an annular sheath of hardened,
substantially impermeable cement (i.e. a cement sheath) that may support and position the
pipe string in the well bore and may bond the exterior surface of the pipe string t the
subterranean formation. Among other things, the cement sheath surrounding the pipe string
functions to prevent the migration of fluids in the annulus, as well as protecting the pipe string
from corrosion. Cement compositions also may be used in remedial cementing methods, for
example, to seal cracks or holes i pipe strings or cement sheaths, to sea! highly permeable
formation zo es or fractures, to place a cement plug, and the 1ike.
[0002] Subterranean ceme tin operations generally occur under a wide variety of
well bore conditions, for example, ranging from shallow wells (less than about 1,000 feet) to
extremely deep we ls (greater than about 35,000 feet). Generally, a cement composition that
is to be used in subterranean cementing operations should have a thickening time that allows it
to fee placed into the desired location within the subterranean formation. As used herein, th
ter "thickening time'' refers to the time required for the composition to reach 70 earden
units of Consistency ("8c' *) as measured on a high-temperature high-pressure consisiomeier i
accordance with the procedure for determining cement thickening times set forth in AP R
10B-2, Recommended Practice j o Testing Well Cements, First Edition, Ju y 2005. Set
reiarders often have been included in cement compositions, so as to lengthen the thickening
time of the cement composition so that the cement composition can reach its ultimate location
within the subterranean formation. As used herein, the phrase "set retarder" refers to a wide
variety of compositions commonly used in cementing operations for delaying the se time of a
cement composition, fo example, b lengthening the thickening time thereof. Examples of
set retarders that have been used include, for example lignosulfboaies, organic acids,
phosphonic acid derivatives, mahodexirins, sulfonated aromatic polymers, synthetic polymers
(e.g. copolymers of 2 a ryla ido 2 methy propane sulfonic acid ("AMPS") with acrylic acid
or itaconic acids), inorganic borate salts, and combinations thereof However, set reiarders
such as those described above may be problematic some instances. For example, the set.
retarders may have secondary effects thai iradesirabiy interact wit foamed cement
compositions and could cause undesirabie breaking of the foam. By way of further example,
certain of the set relarders may pose an undesired environmental risk in some instances. Thus,
a ongoing need exists for set retarders that are effective and pose ess environmental risk.
SUMMARY
[0003] An embodiment of the present invention includes a method of cementing in a
subterranean formation, comprising: introducing a cement composition to a subterranean
formation, wherein the cement composition comprises cement water, and a saponin; and
allowing the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation.
[0004] Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method of a method
of cementing in a subterranean formation, comprising: introducing a cement composition into
a subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises eemeni, water, and a
yucca extract, wherein the yucca extract compri ses yucca saponins.
[0005] Another embodiment of the present invention includes a cement composition
comprising a cement, water, and a saponin.
[0006] The features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent
to those skilled in the art. While numerous changes may be made b those skilled in the art,
such changes are within the spirit of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0007] The present invention relates to subterranean cementing operations and, more
particularly, i certain embodiments, to cement compositions comprising cement and a
saponin. Advantageously, the saponin may function to extend the thickening time of t e
cement composition. For example, cement compositions comprising the saponin may have a
thickening time in a range of from about to about 10 hours or more hours at a temperature in
a range from about 60 F to about 300°P. While the saponi may be effective for extending
the thickening time of the cement compositions in a number of different applications, it may
be particularly effective for extending the thickening time of foamed cement compositions as
the saponin may not undesirably interact with the foam a d may possible even facilitate
foaming. Even further, as the saponin may be present in a food-grade material and be
biodegradable, it may pose ess environmental ri sk than certain set reiarders that have been
used heretofore.
[0008] Embodiments of the cement compositions may comprise a saponin. The term
"saponin" r rs to a class of chemical compounds found in natural sources. I general
saponins may comprise a hydrophobic component, comprising either a steroidal or a
ri terpe o d aglyeooe, and a water-soluble component For example, the saponin may
comprise a hydrophobic component having one or more chains that comprise a water-soluble
carbohydrate. n some embodiments, the saponin may comprise one, two, or three chains of
the water-soluble carbohydrate and, thus, may be classified as mono-, di~, or tri-desmosidic.
While saponins suitable for us in embodiments of the present invention ay be extracted
from a variety of different plants, examples of saponins that may be used include, without
limitation, yucca saponins and quil laja saponins, which ay be extracted from the yucca plant
and soap bark tree, respectively. Other saponins that may be used include, for example,
saponins extracted from legumes (e.g., soybean saponins, chickpea saponins, peanut saponins,
kidney bean saponins, etc,}, oats, allium species, asparagus, tea, spinach, sugarbeet, yam,
fenugreek, alfalfa, horse chestnut, licorice, soapwort, gypsophila genus, sarasparialla, and
ginseng. Combinations of different saponins may also be used i embodiments of the present
invention, A variety of different extraction techniques he used for extraction of the
saponins from the plant matrix, n some embodiments, solvent extraction techniques ma e
used for the extraction of the saponins, which may use, for example, water or alcohols (e.g.,
methanol, t anol) Embodiments may further include further purification of the extract to
more particularly isol e the saponins.
[0009] In some embodiments, the saponin functions as a set reiarder. For example,
the saponin can be included in the cement composition to extend the thickening t me thereof
I additional embodiments, the saponin functions as a foaming agent. For example, the
saponin ca be included in the cement composition to iaciiitate the foaming of the cement
composition. n particular embodiments, the saponin can have a dual function both as a set
retarder and a foaming age t. In general, the saponin may foe included in the cement
composition in an amount sufficient io provide the desired extension of thickening time and/or
foaming for example. In some embodiments, the saponin may be present in an amount in a
range of from about 0. to about 5 by weight of the cement. n particular embodiments,
the saponin may be present in an amount ranging between any of and/or including any of
about 0.0 % about 0.05%, about 0,1%, about 0.5%, about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%
or about 5% by weight of the cement. One of ordinary skil l in the art, with the benefit of this
disclosure, wi l recognize the appropriate amount of the saponi to include for a chosen
application.
[00 0] In an embodiment, the saponin may comprise yucca saponins. Yucca saponins
ma generally comprise a steroid ag y one having one or more side chains that comprise
water-soluble carbohydrates. In general, yucca saponins may be extracted fro the yucca
plant (yucca schidigera). In some embodiments, the yucca saponins may be extracted from the
roots of the yucca plant in a manner that will e evident to one of ordinary skill in the art.
Yucca extract may generally comprise yucca saponins in an aqueous base Ouid. For example,
the yucca extract may comprise yucca saponins in an amount in a range of from about 0,01%
to about 25% by weight of the yucca extract and, alternatively, from about 5% t about 5%
by weight of the yucca extract n some embodiments, yucca extracts that comprise yucca
saponi may be included in the cement compositions of the present invention. Yucca extracts
have been used i a number of different commercial applications. For example, yucc extracts
are commonly used as a consumable product for both humans and animals in some instances,
yucca extracts have been used for alternative medicines. It i believed thai the yucca extract
may have a beneficial effect, for example, on the digestive system when consumed. Examples
of commercially available yucca extracts include, without limitation. Yucca AG AIDE, Yucca
AG AIDE 20, and Yucca AG A DE 50, available from Desert King International, San Diego,
Californ
[0 j Where present, the yucca extract may be included in the cement compositions
in an amount sufficient to provide the desired extension of thickening time and/or foaming, for
example in some embodiments, the yucca extract may b present in an amount in a range o
from about 0. !% to about 10% by weight of the cement. particular embodiments, the
yucca extract ma be present in an amoun ranging between any of and/or including any of
about 0 0 %, about 0.05%, about 0.1%, about 0.5%, about .1%, about 2%, about 3%, about
4%, about 5% or about 0% by weight of the cement. One of ordinary skill in the ar with
th benefit of this: disclosure, will recognize the appropriate amount of the yucca extract to
include for a chosen application,
[0012] n an embodiment, the .saponin may comprise quillaja saponins. Quillaja
saponins generally comprise a tr terpenoid aglycone having one or more side chains that
comprise water-soluble carbohydrates. The quillaja sapon s generally may be extracted from
the soap bark tree (quillaja saponaria). In so e embodiments, the quillaja saponins may be
extracted from the bar of the soapbark tree in a manner that will be evident to one of ordinary
skill in the art. n accordance with present embodiments quillaja extracts that comprise
quillaja saponin ay be included in cement compositions of the present invention. n some
embodiments, the quillaja extracts may comprise quillaja saponins in an amount in range of
from about 0. to about 25% by weight of the quillaja extract and. alternatively from about
5% to abou 5% by weight of the quillaja extract. Quillaja extracts have bee used in a
number of different commercial applications. For example, quillaja extracts are commonly
used as consumable product for both humans an animals. n so e instances, the quillaja
extracts have been used in alternative medicines. It is believed that the quillaja extract may
hav a beneficial effect, for example, on the digestive system after consumption. Examples of
commercially available yucca exiracts include, without limitation, Quillaja Extract a d Qiiiaja
Ultra, both available from Desert King international, San Diego, California.
[00 3] Where present, the quillaja extracts may be included in the cement
compositions in an amount sufficient to provide the desired extension of thickening time
and or foaming, for example, in some embodiments the quillaja extracts may b present in an
amount in a range of from about 0.0.1% to about % by weight of the cement. particular
embodiments, the quillaja extracts may be present in an amount ranging between any of and/or
including any of about 0.01%, about 0,05%, about 0.1%, about 0.5%, about %, about 2%,
about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, or about % by weight of the cement. One of ordinary skill
n the art, with the benefit of this disclosure, will recognize the appropriate amount of the
quillaja extract to include for a chosen application.
[0014] Embodiments of th cement compositions of the present invention may
comprise a cement An of variety of cements suitable for use in subterranean cementing
operations may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Suitable
examples include hydraulic cements that comprise calcium, aluminum, silicon, oxyge and/or
sulfur, which set and harden by reaction with water. Suitable hydraulic cement include, but
are not limited to, Portland cements, poz o ana cements, gypsum cements, high alumina
content cements, slag cements, silica cements, and combinations thereof. n certain
embodiments, the hydraulic cement may comprise a Portland cement, including Portland
cements classified as Classes A, C, G and H cements according to American Petroleum:
Institute, API Specification for Materials and Testing for Well Cements, AP Specification ,
Fifth Edition, July , 90, In addition, Portland cements suitable for us in embodiments the
present invention may also include those classified as ASTM Type I, 11, 111, V, or V.
0 15 Embodiments of the cement compositions may comprise water. The water
may be fresh water or salt water. Salt water generally may include one or more dissolved salts
therein and may be saturated or unsaturated as desired for a . particular application. Seawater
or brines may be suitable for use in embodiments of the present invention. Further, the water
may be present in an amount sufficient to form a pumpable slurry. n some embodiments, the
water may b included in th sellable compositions of the present invention in an amount in
the range of from about 40% to about 200% by weight of the cement For example, the water
may be present in a amount ranging between any of and'or including any of about 50%,
about 75%, about 0%, about 125%, about 0%, or about 75% by weight of the cement
n specific embodiments, the water may be included in an amount in the range o f from about
40% to about. 50% by weight o f the cement. One of ordinary skill in the art, with the benefit
of this disclosure, wi l recognize the appropriate amount of water to include for a chosen
application.
[001 ] Other additives suitable for use in subterranean cementing operations also may
be added to embodiments of the cement compositions. Examples of such additives include,
but are not limited to, strength-retrogression additives, set accelerators, weighting agents,
lightweight additives, gas-generating additives, mechanical property enhancing additives, lostcirculation
materials, filtration-control additives, dispersants, fluid loss control additives,
defoammg agents, foaming agents, thixotropic additives, and combinations thereof. By way
of example, the cement composition may be a foamed cement composition further comprising
foaming agent and a gas, Specific examples o f these, and other, additives include crystalline
silica, amorphous silica, fumed silica, salts, fibers, hydratab!e clays, calcined shale, vitrified
shale, microspheres, f y ash, slag, diaiomaceous earth, tnetakaolin, rice husk ash, natural
poz o an, zeolite, cement kiln dust, lime, elastomers, resins, latex, combinations thereof and
the like. A person having ordinary skill in the art, with the benefit of this disclosure, wil
readily be able to determine the type and amount of additive useful for a particular application
and desired result.
0 Those of ordinary skill in the art wil appreciate that the cement compositions
generally should have a density suitable for particular appl ication. By way of example, the
cement compositions may have a density in the range of from about 4 pounds per gallon
("Ib/gai") to about 20 lb gal. n certain embodiments, the cement compositions may have a
densit in the range of from about 8 lb/gal o about 17 lb/gal. Embodiments of the cement
compositions may be foamed or unfoamed o may comprise other means to reduce their
densities, such as hollo microspheres, low-density elastic beads, or other density-reducing
additives known in the art Those of ordinary skill in the art, w t the benefit of this
disclosure, will recognize the appropriate density for a particular application.
[00 ] As previously .mentioned, the cement compositions may have a set time that
has been retarded in that they may have, for example a thickening time thai has been
lengthened. In some embodiments, the saponin may function as a set retarder. In such
embodiments, the cement composition may exclude other retarders thereby allowing the
saponin to function as the primary retarder. in some embodiments, the cement compositions
may have a thickening time of at least about hour at a temperature in a range of from about
60°F less than abou 300°F. For example, the cement compositions may have a thickening
time in a ra ge of fr o about 1 hour to about 40 hours, alternatively, from about 3 hours to
about hours, and, alternatively from about 4 hours to about 10 hours at temperature in a
range of from about 60*F to about 300*F, alternatively, from about F to about 250*F, and
alternatively from about from about 1( ϊ to about 200 F.
[001 i some embodiments, the cement compositions may comprise an additional
set retarder. A broad variety of additional set retarders may be suitable for use in
embodiments of the cement compositions of the present invention. For example, the set
retarder may comprise !ignosulfonates, organic acids, phosphonic acid derivatives,
maltodextrins, sulfonated aromatic polymers, synthetic polymers (e.g. copolymers of AMPS
with acrylic acid or ttaconic acids), inorganic borate salts and combinations thereof. Where
used, the additional set retarder may be present in the cement compositions i an amount in
the range of from about 0.01% to about % by weight of the cement n specific
embodiments, the additional set retarder may be present in an amount ranging between any of
and/or including any of about 0,01%, about 0.1%, about 1%, about 2%, about 4%, about 6%,
about 8%, or about % by weight of the cement. One of ordinary skill in the art, with the
benefit of this disclosure, will recognize the appropriate amount of the additional set retarder
to include for a chosen application.
[0020] As previously mentioned, embodiments of the cement compositions may be
foamed with a gas n some embodiments, the cement compositions may be foamed to a
density in a range of from about 4 lb/gal to about 6 lb/gal or, alternatively, from about
lb/gal to about 1.3 lb/gal. in some embodiments, the saponin may function as the foaming
agent, thus facilitating the foaming of the cement composition, i such embodiments, the
cement composition may exclude other foaming agents thereby allowing the saponin to
function as the foaming agent. In some embodiments, the saponin may function as a set
retarder in the foamed cement composition, Doe to its foaming properties, the saponin may
not undesirable mteract with the resultant foam, thus making it useful for retarding the set of
foamed cement compositions in variety of applications. While the saponin may be useful in
a . variety of different foaming applications, it may be particularly useful in subterranean
formations having bottom hole static temperatures less than about 250 or, alternatively n a
range of from about 1 0 to about
[0021 Gases that can be used to foam embodiments of the cement compositions of
the present invention may include, but are not limited to, air, nitrogen, or combinations
thereof n general, the gas may be included in the cement composition in an amount
sufficient to foam the composition. For example, the gas may be included in an amount in a
range of from about 10% to about 40% by volume of the cement composition.
[0022] In some embodiments, the ceme t composition may further comprise a
foaming agent. Examples of suitable foaming agents include, but are ot limited to, mixtures
of an ammonium salt of an a ky ether sulfate, cocoamidopropyl betahte surfactant, a
cocoamidopropyi dimefhy!amine oxide surfactant, sodium chloride, and water; mixtures of an
ammonium salt of an alkyl ether sulfate surfactant, a cocoamidopropyl hydroxysultaine
surfactant, a cocoamidopropyl d n et rySamh e oxide surfactant, sodium chloride, and water;
hydrolyzed keratin; mixtures of an ethoxylated alcohol ethe sulfate surfactant, an alky or
alkene amidopropyl beiaine surfactant, and an a ky ! or a kene dimeihylamine oxide surfactant;
aqueous solutions of an a p a-o e rni sulfonate surfactant and a betai e surfactant; and
combinations thereof. Where used, th foaming agent may be present in embodiments of the
cement compositions of the present invention in an amount sufficient to provide a suitable
foam. In some embodiments, the foaming agent may be present in an amount in the range of
from abou 0.1% and about 5% by volume of the water present in the cement composition,
[0023] As wi ll be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, embodiments of the
cement compositions of the present invention may be use in a variety of subterranean
operations, including primary and remedial cementing. n some embodiments, a cement
composition ay be provided that comprises water, cement, and a saponin, The cement
composition may be introduced into subterranean formation and allowed to set therein. As
used herein, introducing the cement composition into a subterranean formation includes
introduction into any portion of the subterranean formation, including, without limitation, into
a well bore drilled into the subterranean formation, into a near well bore region surrounding
the well bore, or into both.
[0024] pri mar cementing embodiments, for example, embodiments of the cement
composition may be introduced into a space between a wa l of a well bore and. a conduit (e.g.,
pipe strings, liners) located in the wel bore, the we l bore penetrating the subterranean
formation. The cement composition may be allowed to set to form an annular sheath of
hardened cement in the space between the well bore wall and the conduit. Among other
things, the set cement composition may form a barrier, preventing the migration of fluids in
the well bore. The set cement composition also may, for example, support. the conduit in the
well bore,
[0025] a remedial cementing embodiments, a cement composition may be used, for
example, in squeeze-cementing operations or i the placement of cement plugs. By way of
example, the composition may be placed n a well bore to plug an opening, such as a void or
crack, in the formation, in a gravel pack, in the conduit, in the cement sheath, and/or a
microannulus between the cement sheath and the conduit.
[0026] To facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, the following
examples o certain aspects of some embodiments are. given. n no way should the following
examples be read to limit, or define, the entire scope of the invention.
EXAMPLE 1
[0027] The following series of tests was performed to evaluate the us of yucca and
quillaja extracts as set retarders for cement compositions. Sample cement compositions,
designated Samples 1- were prepared that had a density of 16.4 lb/gal and comprised water,
Portland Clas cement, and a source of saponins, as indicated in the table below. The
source of saponins was either a yucca extrac t (Yucca AG A DE 50, Desert King International)
or a quillaja extract (Quillaja Extract, Desert King International). Comparative Sample 1 did
ot include the yucca extract. A defoaming agent (D-Air 40 Cementing Defoamer,
Halliburton Energy Services, nc.) was also included in each .sample in an amount of 0.04
gallons per 94-pound sac of the cement ( gaVs ), After preparation, the sample
compositions were c red in a water bath for 24 hours at the temperature indicated in the tab e
below and at ambient pressure.
[0028] The compressive strengths and thickening times exhibited by the sample
compositions ar set forth in th table below. Compressive strengths were determined afte
curing using a Tinius O sen tester in accordance with API RP 108-2, Recommended Practice
or Testing Well Cements. The thickening times (time to 70 B ) were also determined in
accordance with AP RP 10B-2, Recommended Practice for Testing Well Cements.
TABLE 1
[0029] Example 1 thus Indicates, inter alia, that the yucca an quillaja extracts can
function as set arders over a broad range of temperatures. For example, thickening times up
to 27 hours and 4 1 minutes were obtained at temperature of 40° while thickening tiroes up
to 27 hours and 52 minutes were obtained at 0 F. Moreover, a thickening time of around 2
hours or more was obtained a temperatures a high as 250 .
EXAMPLE 2
[0030] The following series of tests was performed to evaluate th use of yucca and
quillaja extracts in foamed cement compositions, designated Samples 4- . Base cement
slurries were prepared that had a density of .4 lb/gal and comprised water 39.4% by weight
of ce e t), Portland Class I cement, and a source of saponins. The source of saponins was
either yucca extract (Yucca AO AIDE 20 or Yucca AG AIDE 50, both from Desert King
international) or a quillaja extract (Quillaja Extract, Desert King international), as indicated in
the table below. Sample 6 further included calcium chloride i an amount of 2% by weight
of cement The base cement slurries were then foamed down o the target density by mixing
in a foam blending jar for S seconds. The actual density after mixing for 5 seconds is
reported in the table below. After preparation, the sample were cured in a water bath for the
time indicated n the table below a 140"F and ambient pressure.
[003 ] The compressive strengths exhibited b the sample compositions are set forth
in the table below. Compressive strengths were determined after curing using a Tinius Olsen
tester i accordance with AP RP i B-2 Recommended Practice for Testing Weil Cements.
The density of the middle, top, and bottom of each sample was also determined and reported
the table beSow.
·
[(5032] Example 2 thus indicates, inter alia, that yucca and quiliaja extracts can
function as foaming agents. As illustrated by Table 2 above, stable foams were formed using
from 2% t 3% of the yucca a d quiliaja extracts by volume of the water.
[0033] t should understood that the compositions and methods are described in
terms of "comprising " "containing," or "including" various components or steps, the
compositions and methods can also "consist essentially of or "consist of the various
components and steps. Moreover, the indefinite articles " or "an," as used in the claims, are
defined herein to mean one or more than one of the element that it introduces.
[0034] Fo the sake of brev y, o ly certain ranges ar explicitly disclosed herein.
However, ranges from any lower limit may be combined with any upper limit to recite a range
not explicitly recited, as well as, ranges from a y lower limit may be combined with any other
lower limit to recite a range not explicitly recited, in the same way, ranges from any upper
limit ay be combined with any other upper limit to recite a range not explicitly recited.
Additionally, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed,
any number and any included range falling within the range are specifically disclosed, in
particular, every range of values of the form, "from about a to about b," or, equivaientSy,
"from approximately a to , or, equivalent^ approximately a-b") disclosed herein is to
be understood to set forth ever number and range encompassed within the broader range of
values even if not explicitly recited. Thus, every point or individual value ma serve as its
own lower or upper limit combined with any other point or individual value or any other lower
or upper limit., to recite a range not explicitly recited,
[0035] Therefore, the present invention is well adapted t attain the ends and
advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments
disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present invention may be modified and practiced
in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art. having the benefit of the
teachings herein. Although individual embodiments are discussed, the invention covers ail
combinations of all those embodiments. Furthermore, no limitations ar intended to the
details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described n the claims below.
Also, th terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly
and clearly defined by the patentee. It is therefore evi dent that the particular illustrative
embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are
considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention. f there is any conflict in the
usages of a word or term n this specification and one or more patentfs) or other documents
14
that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitions that are consistent with this
specification should be adopted.
S , A method of cementing in a subterranean formation, comprising:
introducing a cement composition into a subterranean formation, wherein the
cement composition comprises cement, water, and a saponin; and
allowing the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation.
2 The method of ciaim 1, wherein the cement comprises a hydraulic ceme t
selected from the group consisting of a Portland cement, a pozzolana cement, a gypsum
cement, a high-alumina content cement, a slag cement, a silica cement, and any combination
thereof.
3. The method of claim 1, wherei the cement comprises a Portland cement.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the water is present in an amount sufficien t to
form a pumpable slurry.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the saponin comprises at least one saponin
selected from the group consisting of a yucca saponin, a quillaja saponin, a legume saponin, an
oat saponin, an allium saponin, an asparagus saponin, a tea saponin, a spinach saponin, a
sugarbeet saponin, a ya saponin, a fenugreek saponin, an alfalfa saponin, a horse chestnut
saponin, licorice saponin, a soap o saponin, a gypsopl i saponin, saraspariaSIa saponin,
a ginseng saponin, an any combination thereof
6. The metho of claim 1, wherein the saponi n comprises a yucca saponin.
. The method of claim , wherein the saponin comprises a steroidal agtycone
an a chain comprising a water-soluble carbohydrate.
8. The method of claim , wherein the saponin comprises a -quillaja saponin.
9. The method of claim I , wherein the saponin is present in the cement
composition in an amount in a range o f from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the
cement,
0 . The method of ciaim i , wherein the saponin is present in the cement
composition an amou of about 0. % to about 2% b weight o f the cement.
. method of ciaim , wherein the cement composition further comprises at
least one additive selected from the group consisting of a strength-retrogression additive, set
accelerator, a weighting auent, a lightweight additive, a a s -generating additive, a mechanical
property enhancing additive, a lost-circulation material, a filtration-control additive, a
dispersant, a fluid loss control additive, defoaming agents, a foaming agent, a thixotropic
additive, and a v combination thereof
. The method of claim 1, wherein the cement composition further comprises a
set retarder in addition to the saponin.
3 , The method of claim i . wherein the saponin retards the set of the cement
composition.
i 4 . The method of clai 1, wherein the saponin functions in the cement
composition as a dual set retarder and a foaming agent, the method further comprising
foaming the cement composition with a gas to a density in a range of from about 4 pounds per
gallon to about pounds per gallon.
, The method of claim 1, wherein the saponin functions as a set retarder, the
cement composition having a thickening time in a range of from about hour to about 40
hours at a temperature of f m about F to about 300° .
16 , The method of claim wherein the saponin is used to oam the cement
composition.
i ? . The method of claim , wherein introducing the cemeni composition into th
subterranean formation comprises introducing the cement composition into a space between a
wail of a wel bore and a conduit located in the well bore.
. A method of cementing n a subterranean formation, comprising:
introducing a cement composition into a subterranean formation, wherein the
cement composition comprises cement, water, and a yucca extract, wherein the yucca extract
comprises yucca saponins; and
allowing the cement composition to set.
1 . The method of claim , wherein the cement comprises a hydraulic cement
selected from the group consisting of a Portland cement, a po lana cement, a gypsum
cement, a high-alumina content cement, a slag cement, a silica cement, and any combination
thereof
20. The method of claim , wherein the cement comprises a Portland cement.
21. Th method of claim 18, wherein the water is present in an amount sufficient
to form a pumpable slurry.
22. The method of claim 1 , wherein the yucca extract is present in the cement
composition in an amount in a range of from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the
cement.
23. The method of claim , wherein the cement composition further comprises at
least one additive selected rom the group consisting of a strength-retrogression additive, a set
accelerator, a weighting agent, a lightweight additive, a gas-generating additive, a mechanical
property enhancing additive, a lost-circulation material, filtration-control additive, a
d persan a fluid loss control additive, a de aming agents, a foaming agent, a thixotropic
additive, and a y combination thereof.
24. The method of claim , wherein the cement composition further comprises a
set retarder n addition to the yucca extract.
25. Th method of claim 8, wherein the yucca extract retards the set of the
cemeri composition,
26. The method of claim , wherein the yucca extract functions in the cement
composition a dual set retarder and a foaming agent, the method further comprising foaming
the cement composition with a gas to a density in a range of from about 4 pounds per gallon to
about pound per gallon.
2 . The method of claim , wherein the yucca extract functions as a set retarder,
the cement composition having thickening time in a range of from about I hour to about. 40
hours at & temperature of from about F to about 3C P F.
28. The method of claim , wherein the yucca extra is used to foam the cement
composition.
29. The method of claim 18, wherein introducing the cement composition into the
subterranean formation comprises introducing the cement composition into a space between a
wall of a well b re and a conduit located in the well bore.
30. A subterranean cement composition comprising:
cement,
water, and
a saponin.