This invention relates to a solidifying agent for solidifying radioactive waste, and more particularly to a solidifying-agent composition for solidifying radioactive waste, including alumina cement and a gypsum powder. The solidifying-agent composition including alumina cement and a gypsum powder is capable of effectively minimizing an increase in the volume of a solidified radioactive waste product to a level satisfying physical and chemical safety regulations upon the solidification of radioactive waste.

Method and composition for producing aggregates from cement and concrete, including residual or returned concrete. Exemplary methods involve the use of an aggregate-forming inducer that provides a surface anchoring site for cement paste to bond/adhere, such as shredded news print, cardboard, or mixtures thereof, and also including fiber materials such as polymers, glass, and other material fibers. The aggregate-forming inducer is mixed with fresh concrete until aggregates are formed.

Method and composition for producing aggregates from cement and concrete, including residual or returned concrete. Exemplary methods involve the use of an aggregate-forming inducer that provides a surface anchoring site for cement paste to bond/adhere, such as shredded news print, cardboard, or mixtures thereof, and also including fiber materials such as polymers, glass, and other material fibers. The aggregate-forming inducer is mixed with fresh concrete until aggregates are formed.

In one embodiment, a retarded acid system comprises an aqueous acid and a retarding surfactant. The aqueous acid may comprise from 5 wt. % to 25 wt. % of a strong acid, that is, an acid having a K.sub.a greater than or equal to 0.01. The aqueous acid may further comprise from 75 wt. % to 95 wt. % water. The retarding surfactant may have the general chemical formula R—(OC.sub.2H.sub.4).sub.X—OH where R is a hydrocarbon having from 11 to 15 carbon atoms and x is an integer from 6 to 10. The retarding surfactant may have a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance from 8 to 16.

In one embodiment, a retarded acid system comprises an aqueous acid and a retarding surfactant. The aqueous acid may comprise from 5 wt. % to 25 wt. % of a strong acid, that is, an acid having a K.sub.a greater than or equal to 0.01. The aqueous acid may further comprise from 75 wt. % to 95 wt. % water. The retarding surfactant may have the general chemical formula R—(OC.sub.2H.sub.4).sub.X—OH where R is a hydrocarbon having from 11 to 15 carbon atoms and x is an integer from 6 to 10. The retarding surfactant may have a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance from 8 to 16.

A method of cementing an annular space between a pipe string and a well bore, the method comprising the steps of (a) providing a cement composition including a calcium-deficient calcium silicate; (b) mixing the cement composition with water to form a cement slurry; (c) mixing the cement slurry composition with carbon dioxide form a foamed cement; and (d) placing the foamed cement in the annular space between the pipe string and the wellbore.

A method of cementing an annular space between a pipe string and a well bore, the method comprising the steps of (a) providing a cement composition including a calcium-deficient calcium silicate; (b) mixing the cement composition with water to form a cement slurry; (c) mixing the cement slurry composition with carbon dioxide form a foamed cement; and (d) placing the foamed cement in the annular space between the pipe string and the wellbore.

PCE-type copolymers in powder form can be obtained by spry-drying and are easily re-dispersed in water. The fineness and the anti-caking properties of said PCE-type copolymers in powder form, as well as their water reduction potential and influence on slump life are improved. A production process of said PCE-type copolymers in powder form is by a spray-drying method, and PCE-type copolymers can be used for the improvement of mineral binder compositions and especially dry mortars.

PCE-type copolymers in powder form can be obtained by spry-drying and are easily re-dispersed in water. The fineness and the anti-caking properties of said PCE-type copolymers in powder form, as well as their water reduction potential and influence on slump life are improved. A production process of said PCE-type copolymers in powder form is by a spray-drying method, and PCE-type copolymers can be used for the improvement of mineral binder compositions and especially dry mortars.

The present invention relates to an aluminous cement.