Abstract: This invention relates to a method for treating wells completed in subterranean formations which contain unconsolidated sand particles, so as to form a permeable barrier which will permit the flow of liquids therethrough while restraining the flow of the unconsolidated sand particles into the well bore. The method comprises saturating sand adjacent the well bore to be treated with petroleum having a high asphaltic content and thereafter contacting the asphaltic petroleum with a solvent capable of solubilizing non-asphaltic fractions of the petroleum and precipitating or causing deposition of the asphaltic or bituminous portions of the petroleum. A heated fluid such as steam is thereafter injected into the formation to cause solidification of the asphaltic materials which effectively binds the sand grains together to form a porous mass which will effectively restrain the movement of said particles in the well bore upon subsequently placing the well on production.

Abstract: The present invention is a sequenced method of increasing the injectivity of oil bearing formations and increasing hydrocarbon recovery. The method of the invention is initiated by injecting an aqueous fluid at an ambient temperature into the formation through an injection well while concurrently recovering fluid at a production well. The first injection stage is followed by the injection of fluid of gradually increasing temperature until a temperature of about 75.degree.-100.degree. C. is reached. Finally, steam is injected into the formation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the bilirubin concentration in the blood serum of a person from measurement of the spectral reflectance of the skin. The disclosed method detects the severity of jaundice, a common neonatal condition, and enables determination of the type of treatment regimen needed to prevent the bilirubin level from becoming sufficiently high to cause kernicterus which can result in brain damage. The method includes measuring the reflectance of the skin within a predetermined frequency spectrum, and more particularly at a number of specific wavelengths in the visible portion of the spectrum.