Abstract: A method for treating a subterranean sand formation adjacent to a bore hole forms a permeable solid barrier which restrains the movement of sand particles while maintaining the permeability of the formation. The method includes the step of forming a consolidation fluid containing an asphaltene and a hydrocarbon solvent such as naphtha or reformate with a concentration of between about 40-80 grams of asphaltene per 100 ml of solvent. The consolidation fluid is injected into the sand formation to saturate the sand in a zone around the bore hole for a distance of 1 to 2 feet. This is followed by injecting an oxygen-containing gas at a temperature of between about 100° C. to about 150° C. for a period of time of between about 24 to about 72 hours. In one embodiment of the invention, the oxygen concentration of the effluent gas is monitored and the injection of oxygen-containing gas is continued until he oxygen concentration of the effluent gas is equal to the oxygen concentration of the injected gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diverting a portion of a two-phase fluid from a trunk pipeline, having a known flow profile, into a branch pipeline while maintaining substantially equal quality in both pipelines. Openings are placed in the trunk pipeline wall such that fluid samples which approximate the flow profile are withdrawn through the openings. The withdrawn fluid is collected in an enclosed chamber and transported through the branch pipeline.

Abstract: Set forth in the accompanying disclosure is an apparatus 10 and method broadly useful for monitoring the concentration of a hydrogenous component within a given sample or space. The specific apparatus disclosed is directed to monitoring steam quality within a steam conduit 12. A fast neutron source 22 is positioned proximate a conduit 12. A moderating element 32 is situated intermediate the source 22 and conduit 12 for softening the neutron spectrum incident to the conduit 12. Two neutron detectors 36 are positioned at opposite sides of the conduit 12, each being spaced an equal radial distance from the source 22. Means 42 is provided for establishing from the rate of neutron detection and certain other physical properties of the sample data concerning the concentration or disposition of a hydrogenous component of the sample. The source 22, detectors 36, and conduit 12 are surrounded by a neutron reflector 20 of neutron moderating material.